Smith River National Recreation Area, Nature reserve in Siskiyou County, California, US.

Smith River National Recreation Area is a nature reserve in California covering approximately 305,000 acres of forest with clear waterways and diverse wildlife throughout. The area sits within Six Rivers National Forest and features several developed campgrounds positioned along major streams for visitor access.

Congress established this protected area in 1990 as the northern border for Redwood National and State Parks. The creation secured one of California's last major river systems without dams.

The name Smith River Scenic Byway marks U.S. Route 199, which runs through the communities of Hiouchi, Gasquet and Patrick Creek Lodge. The river itself is one of the longest National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the United States, a designation that shapes how visitors travel and fish along it today.

Five developed campgrounds near major streams provide starting points for fishing, hiking, and rafting activities. The area is accessible year-round, though warmer months offer better conditions for outdoor pursuits and less snowfall at higher elevations.

The Smith River is one of the longest National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the United States, and it runs undammed through the recreation area. Its trophy-sized steelhead and chinook salmon are why the area is counted among the best fishing regions in the country.