North Fork Smith River

The North Fork Smith River is 28mi tributary of the Smith River that begins in the U.S. state of Oregon and ends in the U.S. state of California. Arising near Chetco Peak in the Klamath Mountains, it flows generally south to meet the Middle Fork Smith River at Gasquet, California. The combined streams form the Smith River.Wild and scenicThe entire 13mi of the river that lie within Oregon are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In 1988, 8.5mi was designated "wild" in two separate segments, from the headwaters to Horse Creek and from Baldface Creek to the Oregon–California border. The 4.5mi stretch between Horse and Baldface creeks was classified "scenic".RecreationHiking trails near the North Fork include North Fork Trail, which follows a ridge along the southeast edge of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon. Suitable for hikers and horseback riders, the 12.4mi trail passes through the area of the Biscuit Fire.Connected to the North Fork Trail is the Baldface Trail, which crosses Baldface Creek, a North Fork tributary. The 6.8mi trail, which also passes through the Biscuit Fire area, is suitable for day hiking but not for horse riding.The North Fork Trail also connects to the Kalmiopsis Rim Trail, which links to a large network of trails in and near the wilderness and other parts of the national forest. The Rim Trail alone is 28.4mi long.