Smith River Watershed Wednesday Flotilla!

The Smith River Watershed Wednesday Flotilla

Experience the wild and scenic Smith River within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, part of Redwood National and State Parks! The Smith River Watershed Wednesday Flotilla hike and paddle will start with the first of two paddles, beginning at 10:30-12pm. For visitors wanting to experience this float, but who do not have their own personal watercraft, a tandem kayak will be provided and they will be paired with another visitor to experience this state park from the perspective of the jade green waters of the Smith River. Spaces are limited to 12 spots, so sign ups will be required for those needing a watercraft.

We will lead the group down the ¾ mile paddle through Class I-II whitewater that includes floating through flatwater, riffles, and small rapids. This will be an opportunity for many in the community to experience whitewater rafting for their first time. Rangers will provide geology, wildlife, and ecology interpretation and paddle instruction. We will end at the Jedediah Smith day-use area where participants and other members of the community will enjoy lunch from 12-2pm on the banks of the Smith River surrounded by a pristine old-growth redwood forest. Redwood National and State Parks staff will lead Junior Ranger programs and talk about projects occurring in parks, like Redwoods Rising. A second paddle will start at 2pm and run till 3:30.