It was established on June 3rd, 1947 by U.S. President Harry S. Truman from portions of Klamath, Siskiyou and Trinity National Forests.

The forest has 366 miles (589 km) of wild and scenic rivers, six distinct botanical areas, and public-use areas for camping, hiking, and fishing.

The northernmost section of the forest is known as the Smith River National Recreation Area.

There are local ranger district offices in Bridgeville, Gasquet, Orleans, and Willow Creek.

[2] Its old-growth forests include Coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var.