Name: South Kelsey Trail
Rating: 3.0

“A beautiful hike alongside the south fork of the Smith River, with a trip to lovely little falls of the creek.”

— Bob Durie

Features River/Creek · Views

This first few miles of the western side of the South Kelsey Trail should be accessible year round, but Yellowjacket and the creeks that follow will be too high to cross without wading very deeply in the spring.

Need to Know

There is lots of parking at the trailhead, and a vaulted toilet and picnic table as well.

Description

If you want a taste of the historic and remote Kelsey Trail any time of year, the first couple miles of the western side of the trail is how you can sample it. The creek(s) and crossings are too deep to pass during spring, but this little taste can give you a nice sample of the trail.

The Kelsey Trail from this starting point goes much further into the Klamath National Forest, so depending on the time of year this can be your starting point for a huge and remote excursion, or can simply be this, a good out-and-back to a lovely creek.