THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE SMITH:

If you are looking for a quick and challenging class IV+/V run, then the Middle Fork of the Smith, also known as "Oregon Hole", is the perfect run for you. The Oregon Hole run is roughly a 1.5 mile long gorge containing a continuous mix of class IV+ drops.

There are three distinct "big" rapids that a first timer should really look at. Depending on the flow, the run is more or less broken into pieces but higher flows (above 2000 CFS) it is pretty much one rapid. Although from the highway this run may look like just a "fun bouncy ride," there really are some consequences and it's difficult to scout from a hundred feet above the river.

Above the gorge, the Middle Fork of the Smith offers paddlers I wide range of options. Some groups put in just downstream of where the North Fork enters and take out just upstream of the gorge for fun class II/III- run.

Another option is to put in on the "bridge run," which offers some class III/IV whitewater. This run can be combined with both runs listed above and there are various places to put in upsteam of the North Fork. Finally, for the most seasoned of kayakers, Siskiyou Gorge offers class V whitewater.

THE NORTH FORK OF THE SMITH:

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.

After running the Middle Fork's Oregon Hole Gorge, a great way to top-off the day with more challenging whitewater is the South Fork of the Smith's lower gorge. This 1.5 mile run is fast, fun, and big. Rafting it is a test of technical ability and kayaking it is no less of a challenge.

To get to the put-in, cross the bridge going over the South Fork and make an immediate left. Travel on this road for about 1.5 miles and keep an eye out for a big pull-out on the left. Once found, there is a trail that eases down to the river. In rafts this can be tricky and another option is to put in upstream, run the main section (class III with one IV, 30 feet per mile) and then continue down into the gorge. With time-constraints, however, just muscle-up and hike your stuff to the river. The first part of the run is relatively quiet and without consequence. Upon reaching the first real horizon line, get out and take a look.

Your first time down in a raft you will probably want flows ranging between 500 and 2000 CFS. Make sure you have a small boat (probably 12' or smaller) unless you've got more water. Taking out with a raft just above the confluence with the Middle Fork is doable but not fun. There is a better alternative if you are willing to float a few miles on the Middle Fork.