North Fork Smith River (Umpqua River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork Smith River |
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 Location of the mouth of the North Fork Smith River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Douglas |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Central Oregon Coast Range near Roman Nose Mountain, Siuslaw National Forest 2,140 ft (650 m) 43°55′15″N 123°43′42″W / 43.92083°N 123.72833°W |
| River mouth | Smith River River mile 16 (river km 26) on the Smith River 30 ft (9.1 m) 43°46′49″N 123°56′14″W / 43.78028°N 123.93722°W |
| Length | 34 mi (55 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 69 sq mi (180 km2) |
The North Fork Smith River is a 34-mile (55 km) long river in Oregon, a state in the United States. It flows into the Smith River in Douglas County.
The river starts high up in the Central Oregon Coast Range mountains, near a place called Roman Nose Mountain. It flows mostly southwest. The North Fork Smith River joins the larger Smith River about 16 miles (26 km) before the Smith River meets the Umpqua River near Reedsport. The entire path of the North Fork Smith River is inside the beautiful Siuslaw National Forest.
Fun Activities on the River
The North Fork Smith River is a great place for fishing! You can find fish like cutthroat trout and steelhead here. These fish are popular for sportfishing.
It's easy to fish from the river banks if landowners allow it. However, many anglers (people who fish) prefer to fish from boats. You can put your boat in the water near bridges. You can take your boat out just above the rapids at a spot called Culvert Hole. This spot is about 5 miles (8 km) from where the river joins the Smith River.
Hiking Trails Along the River
There's a cool path called the North Fork Smith Trail. It follows the river for about 6.5 miles (10.5 km). This trail is open all year round. As you walk, you'll see huge, old Douglas fir trees.
The North Fork Smith Trail connects to another path called the Kentucky Falls Trail. This trail is about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long. It follows Kentucky Creek and also goes through old-growth forests.
At the end of the North Fork Smith Trail, you'll find Lower Kentucky Falls. This is a 100-foot (30 m) tall waterfall with two parts, where the river meets Kentucky Creek. It's a really scenic spot!
Rivers and Streams Joining In
Many smaller streams and rivers flow into the North Fork Smith River. These are called tributaries. From where the river starts to where it ends, some of the named tributaries are:
- Jump Creek
- Sheep Herder Creek
- Kentucky Creek
- Middle Fork North Fork Smith River
- West Branch North Fork Smith River
- Paxton Creek
- Harlan Creek
- Sulphur Creek
- Chapman Creek
- Georgia Creek
- McKinney Creek
- Edmonds Creek
- Johnson Creek
- Dry Creek
- Straddle Creek
- Railroad Creek
