U.S.D.A. Six Rivers National Forest: Supervisor's Office

Stretching in a narrow 140-mile band from the Oregon border south, the Six Rivers National Forest offers nearly a million acres to discover and enjoy. It offers outstanding water recreation opportunities, special areas such as the Smith River National Recreation Area─the nation’s premiere example of a wild and scenic watershed, cultural heritage riches and legacies, and is one of Northern California’s best kept secrets offering uncrowded backcountry with lots of solitude. Its namesake major rivers─Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Eel, Van Duzen, and Mad─are among the 1,500 miles of waterways popular with anglers, kayakers, rafters, and sunbathers. The landscape is composed of extensive stands of conifers in a rugged mountain setting; elevations range from sea level to just under 7,000 feet. The forest  also includes three national scenic byways, six botanical areas, four wildernesses, 365 miles of wild and scenic rivers, several lakes, outstanding 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, historic mining and logging, nationally-recognized Passport-in-Time projects, sixteen family campgrounds, numerous rustic camps, historic Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Pierson Rental Cabin, 2500 miles of roads, and 250 miles of trails.  River fishing for trout, steelhead, and salmon is popular; opportunities for canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and swimming are abundant. The landscapes and waterscapes are truly spectacular, the life-styles and culture diverse, and the pace of living relaxed in the Northcoast area. More information about the Six Rivers National Forest.