Run Map

Put-in Take-out Rapids/Hazards Wild Recreational

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Put-in

Take-out

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Description

This is a quality Class IV-V hike-in run on a remote and lush upper section of the South Fork Smith River in the Siskiyou Mountains. The major rapids are above Black Hawk, including a Class V that most boaters fully or partially portage. To reach the trailhead for this run, continue upriver from Stevens Bridge to the turn for FR 15N01 (13.5 miles from Highway 199). Follow road 15N01 for 3.5 miles and then turn left on FR 15N39 which winds its way two miles down towards the river and the South-Kelsey Trailhead (picnic tables, vault toilet, and parking for 10 cars). It's about two mile hike down the trail to the river. The Kelsey Trail was almost certainly an native trail to begin with and became a key Gold Rush commerce route linking the port of Crescent City to the mining town of Yreka. It passes through the Scott River as well. Additional Info The best guidebook for this run is _The New School Guide to Northern California Whitewater_ by Dan Menten, p. 26.