hike · tb
41.7983, -124.0560

Craigs Creek Hike

Overview

The Craigs Creek Trail, in the Smith River National Recreation Area, takes you above the South Fork Smith River and then leads down Craigs Creek to its confluence with the South Fork. There are redwoods here, but also a typical Siskiyou evergreen woodland of knobcone pine, myrtle, tanoak, madrone, and chinquapin. The well-constructed trail, originally a pack route for gold and platinum prospectors, offers a few views down to the river. Then the route makes a big switchback above Craigs Creek and traverses down to its mouth where an old prospector’s camp remains, complete with rusting mining paraphernalia. The boat ramp area where you park is a favored summer swimming hole.

Trail Stats

Duration
3.6 hr
Length
12.6 km
Elevation Gain
175 m
High Point
181 m
Low Point
—
Grade
—

Photos

Bend in the South Fork%2C Craigs Creek%2C South Fork Smith River
Trail photo

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1200px CraigsCreekMap
Trail photo

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500px Donkey engine%2C Craigs Creek%2C South Fork Smith River
Trail photo

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500px Cluster of brook trillium %28Trillium rivale%29%2C Craigs Creek%2C South Fork Smith River
Trail photo

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500px Redwoods along the trail%2C Craigs Creek%2C South Fork Smith River
Trail photo

No caption provided.

Tags

moderate