Ranger-led Kayak Tours

Ranger-led Kayak Tours

NPS

 

A Wild and Scenic Opportunity

For a limited time in summer, Redwood National and State Parks presents ranger-led kayak tours of the Smith River—a crown jewel of the National Wild & Scenic River System and the largest free-flowing river system in California. Led by experienced park rangers, visitors will explore a variety of topics, including the unique geology of the Smith River watershed and how it contributes to the growth of the world’s largest trees, all while paddling pristine waters and enjoying unparalleled scenery.

 

 

Kayaking along the river.

NPS photo.

Smith River Kayak Programs

Smith River kayak programs will be offered as staffing and river conditions allow. Ranger-led tours begin at 12:00 PM at the Jedediah Smith Day Use Area in Redwood National and State Parks.

Before launching, park staff will provide a mandatory safety orientation covering essential paddling skills and safety information. All participants must attend the entire safety briefing to be eligible to paddle. After fitting participants with life jackets and helmets, the group will shuttle to the Forks put-in and Boat Launch in the Smith River National Recreation Area.

What to Expect

• Participants will be paired in tandem inflatable kayaks based on factors such as age, weight, and experience.
• The trip covers approximately three miles of Class I-II whitewater, including moving flatwater, riffles, and small rapids.
• Along the way, rangers will provide paddling guidance and share insights about the ancient coast redwood forest from a unique perspective—the surface of the Smith River.
• A lunch break will be provided as conditions allow. Participants must bring their own food and snacks.

Program Duration & Wrap-Up

The tour typically lasts about three hours, beginning and ending at the Jedediah Smith Day Use Area. At the conclusion, participants will help carry boats and gear back to the trailer and complete a program evaluation.

 

Requirements for Participation

To ensure broad access to the program, groups larger than four individuals cannot be accommodated.

• Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 10 years old and able to swim in moving water.
• Minors: Participants aged 10–17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult who is at least 18 years old.
• Weight Requirement: Participants must weigh between 50 lbs (23 kg) and 220 lbs (100 kg).

Safety Equipment and Gear

• Life jackets and helmets will be provided and must be worn at all times.
• Personal paddling gear is not allowed.

Waiver and Safety Briefing

• Each participant (or a parent/guardian for minors) must read and sign a Visitor’s Acknowledgment of Risk form before participating.
• Attendance at the mandatory safety briefing at the start of the tour is required. Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate.

 

How to Sign Up & Program Logistics

Summer 2024: The kayak program will be offered weekly starting June 20, as conditions allow.

How to Register

• Reservations open 10 days before each program.
• Click here to sign up (link provided by Redwood Parks Conservancy, the park's non-profit partner).
• Registration fee: $15 per participant.

Lunch and Snacks

As conditions allow, kayak guides will stop for lunch during the tour. Participants should bring their own food, as meals and snacks will not be provided. A group dry sack will be available for transporting food items.

Cancellations

Programs may be canceled at any time due to staffing shortages, river conditions, or weather concerns if it is determined that the program cannot be conducted safely.

 

What to Expect

Expect to have fun—but also expect to get wet!

Summer conditions on the Smith River can change quickly, ranging from very warm to quite chilly. Please dress accordingly. We recommend wearing clothing that insulates when wet and dries quickly, regardless of the weather.

Footwear: Shoes should be closed-toe and securely fastened to your feet.

Protecting Personal Items
There is a chance you may fall in the river, which could result in losing cameras, cell phones, jewelry, or other valuables. We recommend leaving these items behind or storing them in waterproof containers. If you wear glasses, consider securing them with a retaining strap or string.