The forest is named for six rivers contained within its boundaries: the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen and Eel. Covering almost a million acres, the forest extends 135 miles south from the Oregon border. Many routes penetrate the forest, although much of the region is accessible only by foot or horseback.
Within the forest is Smith River National Recreation Area, which offer many recreation opportunities, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and bird watching for rare and endangered species such as the bald eagle and peregrine falcon.
