Oregon Hole Gorge (Also referred to as the Middle Fork Gorge) is a classic run of the Smith. It involves four distinct rapids which change drastically with varying water levels in a rocky gorge. All of the rapids can be easily scouted from the new paved turnouts along Highway 199.
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There are four distinct rapids in the gorge with adequate recovery pools at moderate flows (about 1000 cfs). At higher flows the first three rapids merge together and the fourth, Oregon Hole, becomes fierce.
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To find put in follow Highway 199 from Crescent City past Hiouchi to the Middle Fork Gorge River Access on the right. You have several options for take out. You can take out about a mile below the Middle Fork Gorge at the Smith River Boat Launching Site. Here you will see many fishermen launching their silly dories wondering why anyone float down a river without a fishing pole. To get to this take out head back to Crescent City and take your first left onto the South Fork Road. You'll see the entrance for the Smith River Boat Launch before you finish singing "Row, Row, Row your Boat" five times. Your other option is to enjoy (or endure) several miles of flat water and take out at Jed Smith.
The run can be done on its own as a quick dose of adrenalin or it can be done as a continuation of the Mary Adams Run. If you like logistics and driving around with rafts (or kayaks) on top of your car it is also fun to combine this run with a float down the South Fork Gorge for a fun filled day. This will qualify you for a "Two Forks in a Day" patch.