Gasquet Ranger Station Visitor Center

Smith River National Recreation Area

The Smith River National Recreation Area visitor center is located in the historic Gasquet Ranger Station established in the 1930's when this was a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. Rock walls made by the CCC and other historic buildings are nearby. Wheelchair accessible displays next to the building provide more information on the area and picnic tables next to the displays make this a nice shaded place to rest. Displays inside the building provide information on wildlife, salmon and the early history of the area. Books and maps can be purchased from the small, nonprofit book store. Restrooms inside the building are wheelchair accessible. There are no outside restroom facilities. If the visitor center is closed, the nearest accessible restrooms are at Panther Flat Campground about two miles north on Highway 199.

Location

The visitor center is located on Highway 199 in the heart of the Smith River National Recreation Area about 13 miles north of Highway 101 and 28 miles south of Cave Junction, Oregon.

Photos on the left are of displays and picnic areas outside the visitor center. The two photos on the right are displays inside the building and a video station where visitors can play and watch movies about the Smith River National Recreation Area.

Map of things to see in the Smith River section of Highway 199, Redwood Highway 199, Smith River National Recreation Area, Crescent City, northwest California Klamath Mountain coast.

French Hill Trail

This historic trail was the route followed by miners working on French Hill to get supplies at a store in Gasquet. The trail is steep.

Stoney Creek Trail

This is an easy hike to outcrops of serpentine rock along the north fork of the Smith River.

Elk Camp Ridge Trail

A six mile trail through a region of serpentine rock that closely follows the route of the Cold Springs Mountain trail, one of the earliest settlement trails established in 1853 from Waldo, Oregon (Jefferson State Byway) through Gasquet to Crescent City.

Gasquet Toll Road

Established in 1887 as a wagon road between Crescent City and the historic mining town of Waldo, Oregon (near O'Brien on Highway 199). Howland Hill Road is part of the historic Gasquet Toll Road. The road is graded and climbs about 1000 feet above the Smith River to the historic site of Patrick Creek Lodge where it returns to Highway 199. With a Forest Service map, it is possible to continue on gravel surfaced roads to Highway 199 at O'Brien, Oregon.

French Hill Road

This gravel surfaced road climbs steeply into the back country region between the middle and south fork of the Smith River. With a Forest Service map, it is possible to follow roads to Big Flat campground on the south fork of the Smith River about 13 miles from Highway 199 and Howland Hill Road.

________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...