It passes through the heart of the Smith River NRA where the towns of Hiouchi and Gasquet provide food, lodging, R.V. sites, and supplies. The rainy season normally runs from October through April with an average annual rainfall of 94 inches in Gasquet. Winter rains raise the undammed waters of the Smith River making it ideal for white-water rafting, kayaking, and steelhead and salmon fishing. Summer highs are a pleasant 75-85 degrees. The relatively dry months of May through September provides weather ideal for camping, hiking, swimming and sight seeing.
Anglers watch for the annual steelhead and salmon runs upriver each Autumn.
Just east of Hiouchi, the scenic byway meets the Smith River, providing inspiring views of the Middle Fork. Roadside stops are provided along the scenic byway. Headquarters for the NRA are located at the Gasquet Ranger Station along the Smith River Scenic Byway. Trail lengths vary from 0.8 - 16 miles. Doe Flat Trail, a challenging 5 miles to Devil's Punchbowl, will soon have new campsites and parking at the trailhead.