Middle Fork of the Smith

Mary Adams Run
Difficulty: Class III
Length: 2.9 miles
Flows: 800 to 4000 cfs
Gradient: approx. 30 ft/mi
Put-in: Mary Adams River Access
Take-out: Middle Fork Gorge River Acess
Shuttle: 2.7 miles, along river on Highway 199

This is a wonderful beginner run that is a good warm up for the more difficult North Fork Smith or Oregon Hole Gorge. This run follows Highway 199 along part of its course between Hiouchi and Gasquet. There are several places that you can start your journey, but the best is at the Mary Adams River Acess next to Mary Adams Bridge.

The first thing you will notice is that the river is amazingly green and clear at put in. The first mile contains several class II rapids and just below Hardscrabble Creek are three class III rapids: Cars, Crotch, and Brent's Hole. As you make your way down the river you will enjoy the beautiful rocky scenery and the clear water. Although the road is nearby it is hardly noticeable.

It is worth your time to recognize the take out when you leave a car there. The take out is a sandy trail up to a parking/unloading area. If you miss the take out, the next stop is Oregon Hole Gorge (Class IV+) about a mile down.