The last wild river. Flowing down
the border between Oregon and California the Smith River watershed is
the last completely unobstructed in California. Like much of far
Northern California it saw a few years of popularity that has since
waned. There was a time when on Thanksgiving weekend you were
guaranteed to find groups at the Smith, and at the Salmon River over
Memorial Day. Why this has changed I can't say as both are fantastic
destinations. Perhaps the shift of focusing to creeking and increasing
gas prices have played a role. As Thanksgiving gets closer I can't help
but remember the paddling community gatherings on the Smith River, a
reminder it's not just the places and things we do that make kayaking
special, but the unique groups of people that form around our great
sport.
David Maurier and Daniel Brasuell hike into Goose Creek.
