Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Smith River Wildlife Management Area encompasses over 10,000 acres of land along the upper reaches of the Smith River in Del Norte County, California. This protected area is dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystems of the Smith River basin, which hosts one of the highest-quality and most accessible wild steelhead and Chinook salmon runs in California. The WMA includes a mix of lush riparian corridors, old-growth forests, and upland meadows that support abundant wildlife including black bears, Roosevelt elk, bald eagles, and numerous bird species. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the area provides important spawning habitat as well as public hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors come to fish the clear, free-flowing Smith River, wander multi-use trails, and explore the quiet forested areas. The WMA’s connection to the larger Siskiyou Mountains and nearby Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park enhances its conservation value and outdoor appeal. The area features diverse terrain with riverbanks, gravel bars, and mixed conifer forests that also support rare plant species. The Smith River itself is renowned for its pristine clarity, feeding into the Pacific Ocean without any major dams disrupting its flow, making it one of the last undammed rivers in California and a critical refuge for native aquatic species. Overall, the Smith River Wildlife Management Area represents a vital habitat protected for its ecological richness and outdoor recreational opportunities in a remote part of northern California.
