Smith River State Park

About this park

Smith River State Park is a remote 59-mile river corridor managed for float trips through spectacular canyon scenery between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. There is only one public put-in and one take-out for the whole 59 miles, and only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. Intermediate rowing or paddling skills are required. Trips are by annual lottery permit, with a typical float season from mid-April through mid-July and occasional floating in September and October. A separate Super Permit lottery offers one permit per year with flexible launch dates. The river has renowned trout fishing for rainbow and brown trout and whitefish, and there are 27 boat camps with 52 campsites, with a four-night limit during the May 15 to July 15 peak. The average trip takes four days. Rules are strict: human waste must be packed out in approved portable toilets, food must be stored in bear-resistant containers, dogs are prohibited except service and hunting dogs, and the maximum group size is 15.