The Patrick Creek Run on the Middle Fork Smith is an excellent stretch of whitewater that is overlooked by most boaters. The put in and shuttle are both easy and the action is constant. The run is along Highway 199 which will occasionally be in view. Both rafters and playboaters will enjoy the big waves and challenging rapids.
To find put in from Hiouchi follow Highway 199 past Gasquet to Patrick Creek. You can drop a car along the way at Panther Flat for take out. Both of these stops are Forest Service acess points with Forest Service signs.
At put in you'll see the river flow through some trees and the first little rapid includes some brush, but this is rare along this stretch. The river is fairly continuous immediately after put in and very fun. The first class III rapid, Highway, is just below the first bridge that you encounter. This was the scene of an epic monday afternoon wrap in 1998. Just below Highway comes the class IV Caltrans Rapid which is easily scouted or portaged on the left. The river is still fun below here and the last endeavor is Rollercoaster Rapid under the third bridge.
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