Access: From Reedsport travel on  US 101 north across bridge and turn right (northeast) on road 48 (Smith  River Road).  About 15 miles  up turn left (north) on North Fork Road.  At about 23 miles cross a bridge  and bear right (east) at a “Y” intersection, following a sign to  Mapleton.  In less than a mile  is another river crossing, turn right (east) at a “T” intersection onto a  paved Forest Service Road #23.  Then travel another 4.3 miles to the trailhead located on your  left. 

Setting  and Attractions: Journey  through a temperate rainforest, winding through stands of majestic old  growth including elm, fir, maple, oak, and cedar.  You’ll be treated to beautiful  views of the forest and the river as the trail follows along the North  Fork Smith River. 

Trail  description: The  beginning of the trail is a one mile loop that takes you through a  temperate rain forest with great interpretive panels describing the  setting and history of the area.  A little further up the trail is a stream crossing.  Be careful while crossing as the  rocks and bed are slippery.  The Forest Service is  planning to place two log bridges on the North Fork Smith Trail that will  provide for year-around use of the trail. This is currently in the works  and hopefully will be completed within the next two years.  The  trail continues along the river with another crossing approximately 5.5  miles up the trail.  There are  mileage posts on almost every mile of trail.  This second crossing is only  possible in the summer and should not be attempted otherwise.

For  more information, trail conditions and maps contact: Mapleton  Ranger District at (541)902-8526 or visit their web site at http://http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/mapleton