Smith, South Fork - Craigs Beach River Access to Forks River Access (CA)
Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.
The Forks River Access is the most highly developed river access in the Smith River National Recrwation Area and is also the busiest. It serves both the Middle and South forks and as put-ins and take-outs. The river access features a large, paved parking area, vault toilet, trash cans, and some interpretive signage.
While there is drive-down access to the river bar on the Middle Fork, a steep and narrow trail is the only connection between the parking area and the South Fork. Take out on the sandy beach on river right immediately below Slant Bridge (South Fork Road). The trail departs from the beach and climbs through the forest to reach to the downriver end of the paved parking area near the restroom of Forks River Access. The carry is difficult for rafts in particular.