The South Fork of the Smith
The South Fork makes a great warm up for the more popular North Fork of the Smith. It has a fun Class III-IV upper run and a challenging Class V lower gorge. As with other Smith River runs, it runs through a forested canyon and has unforgettable blue-green water.
Upper Run
11.4 miles, 30 fpm, winter run
You'll most likely put in by sliding your boat down the side of a hill
just upstream of Steven's Bridge. The first few miles are mostly uneventful
with a number of Class II rapids that will keep you interested. You will
have noticed Boulder Creek Rapid as you were driving to put-in
and may want to scout this challenging Class III+ rapid anyway.
Below here the river is quite fun with all kinds of interesting Class II and III rapids. The final rapid, Surprise, is well named because you'll come around a bend with current and need to catch a tricky eddy on the right. This rapid definitely deserves a scout due to the large hole in the entrance and the long run out afterwards.
You'll want to pay close attention to the take out at Craig's Beach unless you plan on running the Class V South Fork Gorge below. Carrying your boats up the hill here will be a test of raw strength and teamwork.
South Fork Gorge
1.8 miles, 44 fpm, winter run
This is definitely worth doing if you're surrounded by competent people. There are a handful of easy Class V rapids in a rocky gorge that come in quick succession. There are tight eddies between rapids that will allow for a scout at moderate flows.
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