Smith River-Kellogg Road area is miles of sharky, dune and marsh-backed beachbreak on the far northern edge of California, breaking over sand with both lefts and rights. It sits wide open to just about all wind and swell, so it only holds up when the seas are small and clean. When it does line up, watch for some heavy shorebreak.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from south to north (S-N) and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Because it is so exposed, the workable window is narrow: this is a spot to check when the ocean is small and clean rather than during bigger, stormier swells.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. It can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The shorebreak can be heavy, so give it respect on the days it is breaking. You will usually have the place to yourself out here.
Access
Access is through the enclave of Fort Dick, off Hwy 101. The wider stretch takes in several other beachbreaks: Gilbert Creek, where a house right in front makes getting in difficult, plus Toilets, Cow Paddies, Pelican State Beach, and State Line. Toilets and Cow Paddies are reached from Clifford Kamph Memorial Park, and any further north puts you in Oregon.
