Fourteen miles of Wilderness class IV on California's North Fork of the Smith river is hard to beat- anywhere. The beauty of the run is only complemented further by the challenging rapids and unique feel of the run. There are some places that the first-timer may want to stop and look at, but for the most part it is a great river to read-and-run.
With waterfalls cascading into the river around nearly every corner and with the sweet drops and rapids that seem to go for eternity, it is easy to fall in love with this one.
When planning a North Fork trip allow yourself plenty of time to get there and rig. It is highly recommended that you use the services of "Bare Foot Brad" to shuttle your vehicle. Kayakers can take out at the confluence with the Middle Fork. For rafts, this would involve a torturous hike and is probably not the wisest choice. Go further down on the Middle Fork and find a better place to take out. Do not use private land.
