A Wild and Scenic Exploration Possibility
Redwood National and State Parks are offering ranger-led kayak tours of the Smith River, which is the crown jewel of the National Wild & Scenic River System and the largest free-flowing river system in California, for a limited time during the summer months only. Guided by knowledgeable park rangers, visitors will learn about a variety of topics, such as the unique geology of the Smith River watershed and how it has contributed to the growth of the world’s largest trees, all while paddling through pristine waters and taking in breathtaking scenery.
Smith River Kayak Tours is a company that provides guided kayak tours on the Smith River.
In the summer, Smith River Kayak Tours will begin at 12 p.m. on the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each month at the Hiouchi Visitor Center in Redwood National and State Parks, depending on weather conditions. Park rangers will provide a brief orientation, which will cover safety precautions as well as basic paddling techniques and techniques. After being fitted with lifejackets and helmets, participants will be shuttled to the Forks put-in and boat launch in the Smith River National Recreation Area, where they will launch their boats (see important logistics requirements below).
Participants will be paired in tandem inflatable kayaks and paddle approximately 3 miles through Class I-II whitewater that includes moving flatwater, riffles, and small rapids. The distance will be determined by age, weight, and experience of the participants. Geologists, wildlife experts, and experts in the ancient coast redwood forest will be on hand to interpret geology, wildlife, and the ancient coast redwood forest from an incredible vantage point: the Smith River’s water surface. As long as the weather permits, a break for lunch (which is not included; please pack your own lunch or snacks) will also be provided.
Tours typically last about 3 hours and end at the Jedediah Smith Day Use Area or a nearby alternative location in the Jedediah Smith Campground, depending on the group size (see below). Afterwards, paddlers will return on foot to the Hiouchi Visitor Center, which is a half-mile walk on paved terrain that includes a crossing of United States Highway 199.
It is important to note the following logistical information for Smith River Kayak Tours: There is no shuttle service from the Hiouchi Visitor Center to the Forks put-in. Even though participants are welcome to organise their own carpooling or shuttle services, the majority of paddlers rely on local transportation services (currently $2 per person, one-way; drivers may not be able to give change).
The tour will include a stop for lunch if the conditions allow it. Snacks will also be provided. Participants who wish to bring snacks or lunch should do so on their own because no food will be provided. Food items will be transported in a dry sack provided for the group.
For those who wish to park in the Jedediah Smith Day Use Area, a day use fee of $8 is payable upon entering the area. Visitors who remain in the day use area prior to or after the scheduled kayak tour times will be required to pay the day use fee for the time they spent there.
Participation Requirements and Criteria
Groups larger than four people will not be allowed to participate in order to ensure a diverse group of participants. Participants must be at least 10 years old and be able to swim in moving water to be eligible to participate. Each individual between the ages of 10 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian at all times, and they can only occupy a kayak in tandem with an adult who is at least 18 years old. Weight restrictions apply: participants must weigh no less than 50 lbs (23 kg) and no more than 220 lbs (110 kg) (100 kg).
Wearing a lifejacket and a helmet is mandatory at all times, and they will be provided. The use of personal paddling equipment will not be permitted.
Visitors’ Acknowledgement of Risk forms must be completed by each participant (or by their parent or guardian).
Participants must also be present at the beginning of each tour when basic safety information and essential paddling skills are presented in order to participate in the remainder of the tour. Don’t be late for your appointment!
Is it really completely free? Yes! While we do not accept donations, we do accept donations to help us train staff members, maintain equipment, and continue tours in the future. Also, keep in mind the important logistical information listed above, such as the possibility of bus fare and day use fees.
How to Become a Member
Only a limited number of participants can be accommodated on each tour to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. First come, first served is the only way to reserve a spot; reservations made by phone, email, or fax will not be honoured. No reservations will be accepted.
Visitors must sign up in person at the Hiouchi Visitor Center, which is located one mile west of Hiouchi, California on U.S. 199 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, no earlier than one week before a scheduled tour (e.g., as early as Monday for a tour scheduled the following Monday), and no later than one week before a scheduled tour.
Programs may be cancelled at any time for the sake of public health and safety.
What You Can Expect
Of course, you should expect to have a good time! But be prepared to get wet as well! Summer conditions on the Smith River can change quickly, ranging from extremely hot to quite chilly in a matter of minutes. Please dress appropriately; we recommend clothing that is both insulating when wet and quick to dry, regardless of the weather conditions. Proper footwear should provide firm support to your feet; avoid wearing flip-flops!
It is possible to fall into the river and lose valuable items such as cameras, cell phones, jewellery, and other valuables. We recommend that you either do not bring these items or that you store them in water-resistant containers. Consider using a retaining strap or string to keep your glasses in place.
