Smith River - Crescent City, CA - Travel Blog Photo Journal

Winding through the forest near the California redwoods on its way to the Pacific Ocean is the blue-green Smith River. My visit to it was brief, more of an afterthought than anything intentional, but I was still taken in by the sound of the rushing water and the quiet of the surrounding landscape.

The shoreline is all rounded river rocks and pebbles, strewn about en masse.

Wild blackberries and manzanita are tucked into the groups of shrubs lining the shore.

A massive California lilac shrub in full bloom greets travelers as they walk down to the edge of the water.

Wild azalea and viburnum bloom there in early spring.

The part of the river that I explored was a short stretch near a boat landing, but if I return to the area in the future, I would love to check out some of the other Smith River recreation areas.