Spanning nearly one million acres across California’s remote northwestern corner, Six Rivers National Forest takes its name from the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen, and Eel rivers that carve through its rugged terrain. Established in 1947, this forest offers a wilder, less-crowded alternative to California’s more famous national parks.
The forest’s river canyons create exceptional fishing opportunities, with steelhead and salmon runs drawing anglers to the Smith and Klamath rivers from fall through spring. Hikers can explore portions of the South Kelsey Trail, a historic route that winds through old-growth forests and alpine meadows, or tackle the challenging terrain of the Siskiyou Wilderness along the Oregon border.
Seventeen campgrounds provide base camps throughout the forest. Panther Flat Campground offers easy access to the crystal-clear Smith River—one of California’s last undammed waterways—while Dillon Creek Campground sits along the Klamath River corridor. Patrick Creek and Pearch Creek campgrounds provide quieter, more secluded options. Fish Lake Campground, set at higher elevation, delivers cooler summer temperatures and good trout fishing.
Crescent City, the nearest major town, lies approximately 25 miles from the forest’s northern boundary along Highway 199. Summer months bring the most accessible conditions, though river recreation peaks during spring snowmelt and fall fishing seasons. Winter storms can close mountain roads, so checking current conditions with the forest service before traveling is essential.
Expect unpaved forest roads, limited cell service, and self-reliant adventure in this corner of California’s wildlands.
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