Page 70 - SOM_FALL_2020_FLIPBOOK

neck of the woods | theatreags
t he g o o d l if e | p a ck the b

Photo: Secret Beach - Sky Lakes Media
Photo: Carl Page, Smith River Kayak
If wild rivers and open seas are not your water sport of choice,
head a few miles south to Smith River California. There you
will find Smith River Kayaks with adventures for all skill levels.
Owner Carl Page is a fisheries and aquatic biologist. In over a
decade of exploring and conducting research on the fisheries
and water quality, he has discovered many remote and special
places he can share with you. While fall and winter salmon fish-
ing is still the hot ticket, Page highly recommends the Lake
Earl tour. At 4,000 acres, it’s the largest lagoon in California
and seasonal home to over 100 migratory bird species. It’s the
third-most important seabird area on the West Coast after the
Farallons and the Channel Islands.

Many other tour destinations can be requested, including the
Smith River, Winchuck River, guided eco tours, harbor tours,
and ocean tours with near shore paddling, prolific fishing and
wildlife viewing.

For land lovers, this section of coast has you covered as well.
With over half a dozen beautiful beaches within minutes of each
other, it’s hard to choose a favorite. But if you are looking for a
super easy to access, fun to stroll, miles long, plenty wide beach,
just head to South Beach. Barely south of Crescent city on Hwy
101, turn onto Anchor Way. There’s plenty of parking or find
parking along Hwy 101. You don’t have to walk very far down
the beach to start finding sand dollars. When the waves are good
it’s a popular surf spot; otherwise the water is calm enough for
stand up paddle boarding or kayak fishing.

When you’re hungry, stroll over to Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya
for some authentic Cajun specialties. Besides classic jambalaya,
the shrimp bisque is a fan favorite, as is the blackened snapper
po’ boy. Add a cold local microbrew or ice cream to cool your
palate. Check their website for their Sunday brunch café menu,
when they offer traditional crepes, bomboloni, and quiche,
mimosas, and coffee.

Right next door you’ll find Redwood Rides, a gear outfitter
where you can rent wetsuits, boards, bikes, and kayaks. Check
their website for availability and guided tour offerings. Besides
river and fishing tours, they offer multi-sport tours that include Photo Courtesy of Redwood Rides: Howell Hill, a winding, hard-packed
both kayaking and biking. One bike tour takes you on an old dirt road is the poster child of historic redwood travel
68 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2020