Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground

Biking

Jedediah Smith Redwoods park is an awesome place for a smooth, paved bike ride, although biking options are limited. Breeze through the park on Howland Hill Road which offers some incredible scenery. You can also try the Little Bald Hills Trail where you can ride through gorgeous fir groves and redwood forests.

Fishing

Fishing is a great way to spend an afternoon here, especially from October to February. In those months, it isn’t uncommon for anglers to get a hold of some good salmon and steelhead. In the summer, cutthroat trout can be caught here, too. Jedediah Smith State Park may just wear your arms out from all the reeling in you’ll have to do. The park has several worthwhile fishing spots. Our favorites include the Jed Smith Trail, Mill Creek, Myrtle Creek, Simpson Reed Cove, Stout Grove and Walker Road.

Hiking

If it’s a scenic hike you’re looking for, look no further. Jedediah Smith’s trails take hikers through lush scenery of ferns, moss, and astonishly large redwoods. The outside world is hushed by the wall of trees and damp underground-- making it the perfect spot for a serene walk in the woods. Hiking through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State park is truly a treat for the eyes. With towering trees all around, one of our favorite trails is the Boy Scout Trail. If you have the opportunity to catch this trail on a sunny morning, seize it! With light glistening through the trees, there is truly nothing like it.

Horseback riding

Picture this: you, surrounded by giant redwoods all while riding on a noble steed. If that doesn’t scream “get your camera,” we’re not sure what does. In all seriousness, Jedediah Smith State Park is a wonderful place to horseback ride in California. There are a few different trails available for horseback riders, all varying in length but consistent in beautiful scenery.

Paddling

If you’re kayaking down the Smith river, you should definitely be doing it in a wetsuit. The Smith river has up to Class IV rapids and is not for the faint of heart (or the inexperienced). If you’ve got the experience (and the guts), this river can make for an awesome ride and an adrenaline rush. Take a kayak on the wild side!

Swimming

The Smith River is the last major free-flowing river in California. It features a “swimming beach” and a handful of swimming holes that make for a perfect spot to escape the incredible summer heat! On a summer day, the river’s sparkling emerald water is hard to resist. Luckily though, you’ve got options. While some parts of the river are intimidating with high staged rapids, there are also calmer places that can be a good for a leisurely dip. There is no lifeguard service here, so be aware of your surroundings and don’t get overtired (that current can wear you out faster than you think!). Redwood River Trips have a tour that takes visitors floating down the river in inflatable kayaks, with stops at swimming holes and beaches along the way.

Whitewater paddling

Forget walking on the wildside, at Jedediah Smith State Park they ride down it. Smith River is an undammed water system (meaning it’s particularly awesome) and has three major river forks along with plenty of side streams. The best rafting happens from November to April, after rain storms.

Wildlife watching

Jedediah Smith is filled to the brim with wildlife – all you have to do is keep your eyes open! Some creatures that you can keep an eye out for include deer, gray squirrels, Douglas squirrels, redwood chipmunks, beavers and an array of birds.