The Snaky Smith River

When queried about great places to see north of Coos Bay an attractive girl at a coffee shop recommended the Smith River. Although 45 minutes north and way off the 101’s beaten track, I opted to check it out.

Sure enough, a scenic drive along the lazy river through some beautiful countryside was duly rewarded. Upriver the Smith is a clear stream laden with smooth, flat rocks that form pools along the way. By the time the Smith Falls finally came into view I had already understood why the girl had raved about this place.

How to Get There

Just north of Reedsport and just past a long bridge over the Umpqua River but just before the bridge over the Smith River take a right onto Smith River Road. Follow that for a dozen miles or so and eventually the road passes three campgrounds: Fawn Creek, Smith River Falls and Vincent. They are all free. Smith River Falls is the most beautiful, situated close to the waterfall.

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Smith River Falls

While only a mere 3-foot drop, the falls is amidst a large playground of broad rocks, pools and lush forested area. It’s a great place to bring the family. Unfortunately some asinine visitors left cigarette butts and beer cans littered around. And not good beer either but lame domestic beer. It boggles me how people can not think to port their trash out and leave the place the serene paradise it was and should be.

The Smith River meanders through some lush, beautiful Oregon countryside.

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Meandering Smith River

Bow Hunting Season

September is bowhunting season for deer and elk in Oregon. Recently I’ve met up with some bowhunters and the topic always conjures mixed feelings.

Necessity vs. Sport

If I was living in the wilderness and needed to hunt to survive I would soon become a consummate hunter and trapper, expert with rifle and/or bow, with starvation as supreme motivator. Even more remotely I ponder, if stranded on a desolate island with a person I despised, would I soon kill and eat them to survive?

But, without this impetus why do some hunt?

We’re Killers The conveniences of civilization and technology reduce self-reliance and emasculate men. It’s manly to kill things.
Respect Men respect men who kill harmless grazing herbivores.
Venison is delicious! This seems like the most savory justification for hunting.

So let’s drink some beer and shoot some deer...

Tags Driving, Waterfalls, Rivers