Six Rivers National Forest
U.S. Route 199 to 427 (South Fork of the Smith River)
Our entire family was more than ready to exit Portland and experience some relaxing days in a different state when we headed out on Sunday morning for the 6+ hour drive south. Rain showers came and went along I-5 south as we set the GPS for a late lunch at Grants Pass’ In-N-Out Burger. (While most of our kids don’t get what the big deal is, In-N-Out still feels like a destination in its own right after becoming familiar with the California-based chain from its arrival in the Phoenix area or road trips into southern California years ago.)
Grants Pass surprised me, and not because of the obscene number of Dutch Bros or bear statues. Being my first time driving through, it was much larger than I expected and reminiscent of high desert country like Flagstaff, Arizona. As an outdoors enthusiast, there was much to enjoy and I kinda wish I had time to explore. But it was across the state line we were headed all the way to the south fork of the Smith River.
The AirBnB “river retreat” we had booked would be several miles south along a winding 2-lane highway that appeared to follow the river much of the way. Google indicated the house was at the turnoff to Flat Camp, though for the last 30 minutes we had no reception so it wasn’t fully functioning. We just had to drive up the road another mile or so after Flat Camp to find the turnoff to the right, middle driveway, that would wind past water tanks, horses and neighbors happy to remind you to “Slow Down!“ so as to not kick up quite so much dust.
Morning Run Explorations
Eager to explore on a morning run, I headed out from the cabin to see what I could see. Along the Smith River’s south fork, between the Hurdy Gurdy and Stevens bridges, I found a car pull-off known as Goose Creek. A short poison-oak heavy hike down to the rivers edge revealed a gorgeous picnic/swimming hole area I would be sure to visit later in the day with the family.
On another morning run I headed up by van several miles along the G-O Road and parked at the intersection of 5N38 to see if I could find a good trail run. What I got was a track vehicle track in very hilly terrain that ended at private property one direction. Content with 5 miles of hill running, I didn’t explore further.
On yet another morning I headed down to Flat Camp to follow the Old Kelsey Trail that weaves through the lovely forest. I found myself at Oro Grande camp where a river crossing wasn’t in my plan (6+ mile run).
Swimming at Goose Creek
Just a few minutes walk along the highway from Flat Camp, Goose Creek is a picture-perfect spot to jump off some rocks into the crystal clear, cool waters. Cliff jumping adds some extra excitement. Just be sure to watch out for poison oak.
The Historic Kelsey Trail runs through this area. Used up until 1909 by mule trains heading from Crescent City along the coast to Yreka more inland, this restored trail is great for walking, running, horseback riding or biking (though not all sections, and some rivers crossings are needed).
Kelsey Trail
Hiking near Flat Camp was simply relaxing, with no hills to worry about and a wide restored path. This would become a place we would return to multiple times during our 3-day visit to get in walks and runs through beautiful forest (though not too many massive redwoods…that would be experienced at Stout Grove).
Cabin Views
Fortunately, we also had a swimming hole just a short walk down from our cabin deck. One late afternoon I headed across the river, waist-deep, to find the two waterfalls rumored to be on the opposite bank. No photographic evidence of my finds can prove I was there, but it was a lovely find to see.
