Goose Creek into South Fork Smith

 

 
Stretch: Saddle Road to South Fork Smith confluence
Difficulty: Class V
Distance: 5.6 miles, 1 day
Flows: kayaks 300 - 900 cfs
Gauge: estimate 10% of Jedediah Smith gauge (JED)
Gradient: 92 fpm average (50 110 80 115 105)
Put-in: past end of Saddle Road, 1005'
Take-out: bridge over South Fork Smith, 545'
Shuttle: 10 miles (45 minutes) one-way
Maps: Six Rivers NF, AAA Northern California
Season: winter and spring, during and after rain
Agency: USFS
Photos: © 1998 Andy Hertz, Riparian Photo>

This run is reachable on a dirt road that turns west from Gasquet-Orleans Road 2.4 miles from its final bridge across the Smith. With a good 4WD vehicle and driver, it is possible to drive all the way to put-in; otherwise a 1 mile hike is necessary. Some boaters might want to portage some of the rapids. The Honker is a traditional rapid name, the Tweeter and Woofer are new names.

The Tweeter

Goose Creek into Smith River CA Goose Creek into Smith River CA
Boris watches Bill above first major rapid Bill goes vertical in the second drop

The Honker

Goose Creek into Smith River CA Goose Creek into Smith River CA
Boris dropping over the initial falls Boris concentrates as the drops continue

The Woofer

Goose Creek into Smith River CA Goose Creek into Smith River CA
Boris's boat, but bereft of Boris Bill bobs, Boris beholds becalmed boat

For a longer trip, you might want to continue by boating the South Fork Smith.

 

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