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>> Nestled in the northwest corner of California is the Smith River National Recreation Area.
Its 305,000 acres encompasses the nation's largest wild and scenic river system.
The native Tolowa calls one place ah-ooch-ee [phonetic].
It means a place of upwelling water.
Today the upwelling waters of the Smith, middle, south, and north forks,
are a source of tremendous recreation opportunities among whitewater enthusiasts
and other recreationists.
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The winter months bring the most rainfall, fastest current, and greatest excitement.
World-class kayaking and rafting is found in the pulse of this powerful river.
[ Rushing water ]
>> For advanced rafters and kayakers,
this section of the Smith is pretty incredible not only for the run but for the scenery.
>> Row! Row!
Row! Row!
[ Screaming and yelling ]
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[ Silence ]
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>> The bursting colors of wildflowers signal the ending of winter.
Varying colors of green fill the landscape from the diversity of evergreens that is found
in few other regions of the world.
Treat your senses to spectacular sights and smells by visiting the special botanical areas
that have been established for your enjoyment.
The greatest color show is from April to June.
Please, take only photographs and leave only footprints.
[ Moving water ]
The Smith River National Recreation Area offers a sunny respite only minutes
from Redwood National Park, a World Heritage site along the Pacific Ocean.
>> Whoa, I can see all the way through the water.
Get a fish.
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>> The Smith River National Scenic Byway, Highway 199,
winds through the scenic waterscoped gorge of the middle fork.
Motorists and mountain bikers enjoy picturesque self-guided backroad discovery tours.
There are many possible routes from easily passable dirt roads
to more challenging ones requiring four-wheel drive.
Trails for foot and hoof provide access
to pristine places including the Siskiyou Wilderness.
The Smith River National Recreation Area offers camping opportunities in four campgrounds.
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More rustic experiences for those who enjoy being off on their own are available, too.
Patience can bring some of the best entertainment.
Watch and listen carefully for the vast array of wildlife that inhabits the area.
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The range of dazzling fall color is often best seen from historic lookout points.
Venture to other historic locations as well and open your imagination to an amazing past filled
with gold miners from the 1800s and CCC workers from the Depression era of the 1930s.
The late fall brings rain.
Inagimus [phonetic] fish returning from the ocean can be found in rivers
and creeks at prime viewing locations.
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Anglers are truly challenged by trophy-sized steelhead and often practice catch and release.
Today people find uplifting recreational experiences all year long
within the Smith River National Recreation Area.
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The USDA Forest Service serves as a steward for this land,
ensuring that future generations will have the same natural
and recreational opportunities as we do today.
For more information, contact the Visitor Information Center in Gasquet, California.
The Smith River National Scenic Byway is a segment of Highway 199
that connects Highway 101 near Crescent City
to major Interstate Highway 5 in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Driving time from San Francisco is eight hours on Scenic Highway 101.
Portland is only six hours away via Interstate Highway 5.
Wherever you might be traveling from,
a wonderful vacation spot awaits your discovery here
within the Smith River National Recreation Area.
>> Do something.
>> Go away.
>> Bye little froggy.
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