The 10,430-acre (4,220 ha) park was established in 1929[2] and designated part of the California Coast Ranges International Biosphere Reserve in 1983.

[4] The Smith River, which flows through the park, is home to rainbow trout and salmon, black bears, black-tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and other mammals.

Within the park, the river is rather undisturbed and holds the state record for the largest steelhead rainbow trout, weighing over 27 pounds (12 kg).

[4] The park plays a large role in preserving a spawning and migration route for the fish, which face threats of habitat degradation in other parts of California.

The Miller Redwood Company was one of many key players who opposed the park’s creation due to the potential loss of jobs.