State Parks and National Parks

In 1826, Jedediah Smith became the first white man to travel overland from the Mississippi River to California.

One of the finest redwood groves in the state park system is named for this man of extraordinary ability and instinct for survival. Also named for him is the Smith River, which is now the last major undammed river in California.

The 9,500-acre park contains 18 miles of hiking trails, 106 developed campsites and several groves of ancient redwoods.

One grove covers 5,000 acres and includes one of the world's largest coastal redwoods, which measures 20 feet in diameter.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of California Department of Parks and Recreation http://www.cal-parks.ca.gov.