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A magnificent march through serene forests introduces visitors to numerous species of edible berries and wildlife.


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4.1

Miles

6.7

KM

98%

Runnable

218' 66 m

High

91' 28 m

Low

290' 88 m

Up

209' 64 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Description

The Mill Creek Trail offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to observe diverse species of fish meandering up a shimmering stream under the shade of centuries-old redwood trees. While many fisherman use this trail in the morning while on the hunt for cutthroat trout, steelhead, Chinook salmon, and coho, if you travel it in the afternoon, you very well could have it all to yourself. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for edible berries trailside. If you've stuffed yourself silly, don't worry, as the park allows you to eat and take home (collectively) up to a gallon of berries per person per day.

While this trail is great to run in either direction, most people access it from the River Trail out of the Jedediah Smith State Park Campground. While on the trail, expect a mixed tread covered with plenty of needles and gentle grades.

Hit this area in the late afternoon/early evening to admire plentiful sunbeams as they cascade through the trees.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 6 votes

#11556

Overall
  4.0 from 6 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,090

in California

#11,556

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,277 Since Dec 21, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

17%
0%
83%
0%
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0%

Photos

The foot bridge over Smith River.
Dec 23, 2016 near Bertsch…, CA
Mill Creek meanders gently into the Smith River.
May 14, 2017 near Bertsch…, CA
The Mill Creek Trailhead on Howland Hill Road almost hides in the forest palette of greens and browns.
May 14, 2017 near Bertsch…, CA
The confluence of Mill Creek and the Smith River is a beautiful scene.
May 14, 2017 near Bertsch…, CA
The bridge over the River Trail.
Dec 20, 2016 near Bertsch…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 18 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jun 26, 2019
Jeremy Anglin
Jun 9, 2019
Black Beard
12.4mi — 2h 15m
Mar 2, 2019
Jake Ramsby
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