Salmon National Wild & Scenic River
The Salmon River was designated a Scenic River and Recreational River within the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System in 1981. The South Fork of the Salmon was designated a Scenic and Recreational River, and the North Fork of the Salmon was designated a Wild and Recreational River, also in 1981.
The watersheds of two great wilderness areas combine to form the Salmon River. The North Fork of the Salmon River begins high up in the Marble Mountains Wilderness, and the South Fork of the Salmon finds its origins in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The two forks join forces at a place aptly called Forks of Salmon. Twenty miles further west, the Salmon River empties into the Klamath and continues on to the Pacific Ocean. This area is rich with the culture of native people and the history of gold seekers and pioneers.
Complexes
Administered by the Six Rivers National Forest, Wooley Creek has 4 small horse corrals but no water.
Approximately 1 mile east on Highway 2B01 from Somes Bar to a small turnout on the right. Hike down to the water.
There is limited parking here. Additional parking can be found across the road at Wooley Creek Trailhead. There is a graded gravel ramp to a cobble bar.
This access to the Salmon River is a graded gravel ramp down to bedrock. Boats must be carried a short distance across the bedrock to the water.
This access to the Salmon River is designated Day Use Only, no overnight camping. It has a graded gravel ramp to a cobble bar for parking.
This access on the South Fork of the Salmon River has a short road to a large parking area on the cobble bar. Boats must be carried a short distance to the water.
Access to the South Fork of the Salmon River at Methodist Bridge.
Across the road from the Oak Bottom Campground this access is a graded gravel ramp to parking on a cobble bar. Boats must be carried a short distance to the water.
This access to the North Fork of the Salmon River is a short road to a cobble bar for parking. Boats must be carried a short distance to the water.
Hotelling campground has 4 campsites right on the South Fork of the Salmon River. Easy access makes it a popular destination all summer long with the locals.
Matthews Creek campground has 10 campsites located on the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Recreation Sites
Blue Hole River Access
Brannon Bar River Access
Butler Creek River Access
George Geary River Access
Hotelling Campground
Matthews Creek Campground
Matthews Creek River Access
Methodist Creek River Access
Nordheimer Flat River Access
Oak Bottom River Access