Smith River

The clear aqua blue water of the cold, fast middle fork of the Smith River is visible from the top of the gorge. During our recent road trip, we meandered through this wilderness area on the way to I-5, known as "the Five" in southern parts of the state. One way to recognize southerners is their use of the word "the" (pronounced "thuh") before an interstate freeway number. BayAreans look at each other quizzically when a Southlander lets loose "thuh 101".

The water in the undammed Smith River is so clear that you can almost see the fish from here.