For anglers, Highway 199, which heads east
through the Six Rivers National Forest in the
northwestern corner of the state, is a route to be
seriously considered. The road follows the path of the
Smith River toward the Pacific. It is the direct way to
reach Grants Pass, Oregon and Interstate 5. Along the way
there are outstanding fishing opportunities and much fine
scenery.
There are two hamlets in the valley that offer lodging
and lots of information on local fishing, in addition to
licensed guides of which there are at least a score. The
communities also offer a base for exploring the trees and
trails of the northernmost area of Redwood National
Park.
Hiouchi is just outside the boundary of
Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park and is a quiet
and scenic place to stay while visiting the park. The
park has its own campground -- with 108 campsites. RV
owners can hook up to services at the Hiouchi Hamlet
RV Resort (707-458-3321). This modern RV park is five
minutes' drive from both the Smith River and the state
park. The resort has 120 RV spaces with daily and monthly
rates, hookups, showers and laundry. A store is next
door, and the nearest golf course is four miles away.
Six Rivers National Forest covers a large
section of the Siskiyou mountain range -- from a few
miles inland of the Pacific to the Rogue River National
Forest to the east. The town of Gasquet is located in the
National Forest and is a good staging place for trips
into the forest, which has numerous wilderness campsites
and river access points. There is a ranger station in
Gasquet that offers trail maps and campsite information.
Gasquet Hotels
Gasquet was a thriving resort town in the 19th
century. Eighteen miles from the coast, it has sunnier,
warmer days than the coastal communities, and people from
central California head here to relax in the fine weather
and to fish. There are remnants of old mining operations
in the area. Del Norte County has a history of futile
mining attempts, among them searches for gold, copper and
silver. In late July, the Gasquet Raft Races take place
over a two-mile course on the Smith River.
Patrick Creek Lodge and Historical Inn
13950 Highway 199, Gasquet CA, 95543
(707) 457-3323
The lodge is a 30-minute drive from Crescent City via
Hwy. 199. It contains comfortable rooms, and the dining
room is open all day for day visitors as well as for
lodgers. The staff excels at helping to plan exciting
driving and hiking excursions into the forest.
Wagon Wheel Motel
(707) 457-3314
This economical motel is a short walk from the river with
housekeeping units at low prices. The village has a deli,
grocery store with propane and fishing supplies, and a
burger stand.
Hiouchi Motel
(707) 458-3041
Another low-priced place to stay, the motel has standard
rooms and a cafe.
There are three National Forest campgrounds east of
Gasquet: Panther Flat, Grassy Flat and Patrick Creek, all
within three miles of each other.
For information on Redwood National
Park
and the three state parks inside the national park, go
to:
