(Before 2nd bridge and junction with Douglas ParkRoad/Howland Hill Road)
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation: 200-200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Drive time from Gasquet: 15 minutes
Directions: From Gasquet Visitor Center, Take Hwy 199 west 7.2 miles to South Fork Rd. Turn left onto South Fork Rd and follow the sign to river access. Park in the river access area. Walk back and across South Fork Rd. Trailhead is on north side of Tryon (2nd) Bridge.
While most people are retreating to the Smith River for a swim at the ‘Forks’ swimming holes where the South and Middle Fork of Smith River meet, a great alternative to the beach crowds is a hike up Craig’s Creek Trail which ends at the junction of Craig’s Creek and the South Fork Smith River.
It’s a more secluded stretch of the river where you can cool off with a hard earned swim.
Hike back to your car when the sun drops in the sky or in the mild evening air, hillsides aglow, and filled with the promise of the cooling dusk.