Created by Congress in 1990, the Smith River National Recreation Area forms a northern border to Redwood National and State Parks. You can get maps of the forest at either of the Redwood National Park centers in Orick and Crescent City. The Recreation Area’s 300,000-plus acres of wilderness have five small campgrounds (with fewer than 50 sites) along the Smith River. Sixteen trails draw hikers from across the country. The easiest short trail is the McClendon Ford, which is 2 miles long and drops from 1,000 to 800 feet in elevation to the river. Other activities include mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing for salmon and trout.