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A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River!

Riverside cabin with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River!

The cabin as you drive up to it.
Cabin is in forest above the beach shown here.
A portion of our deck showing proximity to the river, a "stones throw".
The fully supplied kitchen. A long padded bench at right sleeps 2-3 people.
The bedroom and half bath in upstairs loft.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 683.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Crescent City, CA
  • Place, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
  • Place, Beachfront Park
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Crescent City Harbor
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Crescent City, CA (CEC-Del Norte County)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River!

This is a vacation spot you will want to return to. Our cabin is in a beautiful setting, perched above the wild and scenic South Fork Smith River surrounded by beautiful forest. The peacefulness of this river environment will linger with you for months.

Relax in sun or shade on our large deck complete with nice furniture, or lounge on the edge of the river with an exquisite view of our beautiful swimming hole from the stone patio area. An amazing stone stairway winds down to a magnificent sandy beach, where you can sunbathe, wade or swim in the pristine waters of the Smith. The clear green water of this famous river will soothe your soul.

Enjoy regular sightings of Dippers, Kingfishers, Mergansers, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, an occasional Bald Eagle or River Otter. Mask and snorkel open a world of small salmon and trout fingerlings, large Cutthroat Trout, and an occasional large Spring Chinook Salmon.

Our cabin is a very comfortable A-frame which was completely remodeled in 2004. It features a very nice open kitchen fully supplied with everything you will need to prepare a feast. The floors are wood/laminate, with three large rugs.

A large bathroom has a shower/tub combination and large sink. A nice river rock hearth holds a wood stove to warm you, with firewood provided. A nice carpeted loft upstairs has a comfortable queen size bed and half bath, accessed by a spiral staircase.

Under one angled wall of the main floor is a nice sleeping bunk area with covered foam pads and storage underneath, suitable for sleeping bags for two or three. A set of three pads can be made into a queen sized bed on the floor. During spring and summer some people enjoy sleeping on the deck or pitching a tent outside for larger groups.

The campfire area just off the deck is a wonderful place to enjoy an evening of storytelling. Don't forget the marshmallows!

Keywords: Cabin

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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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Similar properties

Exterior
Newly built deluxe cabins, in a private redwood setting near the Smith River
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
9.8 out of 10, (138 reviews)
Newly built deluxe cabins, in a private redwood setting near the Smith River

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
$10/night fee charged for all pets.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
A $20 fee will be charged to those who do not separate recyclables and compost.
No campfires without permission from owners

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Crescent City

Located in Crescent City, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Redwood National and State Parks and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Crescent City, CA

What's nearby

  • Hiouchi Visitor Center - 16 min drive - 17.5 km
  • Beachfront Park - 29 min drive - 35.1 km
  • Crescent City Harbor - 31 min drive - 34.1 km
  • Trees of Mystery - 49 min drive - 65.9 km
  • Enderts Beach - 51 min drive - 42.9 km

Getting around

  • Crescent City, CA (CEC-Del Norte County) - 34 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Beautiful Vacation Awaits You on the Emerald Smith River! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park and within 12 miles (20 km) of Redwood National and State Parks and Smith River. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Redwood Heritage State Wilderness are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 179 out of 197 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 197 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 197 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 197 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 197 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lori H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you are looking for an off grid get away this is the spot. Don't miss out on the private sandy beach access on the Smith river. This cozy and quiet cabin was the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploring all that the area has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

gorgeous river setting

This was a great place to get truly off-the-grid! Open floor plan w loft gorgeous swimming hole w paddle board to use and beautiful madrone trees I would definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Sigrid H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location overlooking the river

Absolutely loved the location and quietness of the cabin. Cabin is off grid as described and Wifi is spotty, but you might be glad for it, as staying there will make you want to unwind. Bed was comfortable, bathroom dated but clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shasta D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Off Grid Aframe

We absolutely loved it, we didn't know it was a off grid place, but it was fun to just unplug no phone no TV no nothing
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect romantic getaway

This spot is the perfect place to unplug and unwind. We spent the whole week enjoying all the South Fork has to offer. Thank you Joe & Sally. We can’t wait for our next visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jade River is true gem!!!

A truly magical escape! Thank you for the opportunity to stay on the Smith and explore this incredible area.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!!

We experienced a little slice of paradise in this sweet cabin on the Smith River: Awesome swimming hole, cozy comfortable, and peaceful. We will return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

ERIKA N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time, rain or shine

We loved our stay here—the beautiful river, friendly hosts, and the cabin was just perfect! The sleeping bunks are generously sized and there bed in the loft was super comfortable. We really enjoyed all the area has to offer, wish we had stayed longer. It was also such a relief to be out of cell service for a while. Hope we can return again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hikers

Great place. Clean beautiful setting. Joe was a wonderful host. Knowledge of the area. He told us about the best hikes and the quickest way to get to Crescent City. This cabin was everything we wanted in a place to stay. We will go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of the best places on the Smith River!

Like paradise located on the bluff above the beautiful South Fork Smith River. Feels wild yet just a short drive to all the great Del Norte sights. Beautiful A-Frame with all the comforts of home. We had friends for Thanksgiving dinner and prepared a huge meal in the full kitchen. Joe and Sally (and Nelly the wonder dog!) are the perfect hosts. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Little Cabin!

This little cabin was our favorite VRBO that we’ve ever stayed at! The view of the river and the mountain is absolutely amazing! Joe was a very kind and friendly host who gave us some great suggestions for day trips and a nice little BBQ place in Crescent City. We all very much enjoyed the visits from Nellie the Golden Retriever. She spent evenings with us while playing Uno and various other board games that are provided. We weren’t able to connect to the Wi-Fi, but none of us minded at all. I definitely recommend this cabin for anyone who wants a nice relaxing vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best vacation ever!

This was the best vacation we ever had. Joe, Sally, and Nellie were consummate hosts with Joe even teaching beer making, hiking buddy, and historical storyteller. The cabin was spotless and inviting sitting on the banks of the clear green water of the south fork of the Smith River. The kitchen is well stocked with cookware, dishes, and utensils. We enjoyed our time on the deck listening to the river and wind blowing through the beautiful trees. The wood stove and well stocked woodpile kept us warm and cozy. The stone steps to the beach area on the river was a daily enjoyment as well as the sitting area looking directly down on the river. Jed Smith State Park is only minutes away as well as the Pacific Ocean. If you want a quiet place to slow down, this is a beautiful place for it. We will be back!
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pamela R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, remote, riverfront property

This beautiful property location did not disappoint! It was everything I was hoping it would be, and the hosts, Sally and Joe, were very accommodating, even allowing us to shift our 4 night stay dates up a day. We had unusual circumstances, being that our booking ended up landing during the middle of the Smith River Complex Fire, with Del Norte County shutting down power to the entire county. We fared well, however, in Sally and Joe's cabin -- they are equipped to operate "off the grid" and we continued to have power throughout our 4 day stay. Thank you for your hospitality, Sally and Joe, and for your efforts to maintain our safety and comfort during what was likely a very stressful time for you during the fire. Hoping all continues to be well with you and praying that you and your home remain out of harm's way!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joshua G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise*

If you are looking for a magical getaway in an off the grid location.. then this is the place for you! The owners have created such a lovely oasis... the property has just about everything you will need (stove, fridge, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, a grill, towels, sheets and blankets.. ect.). ** One thing to keep in mind.. cell service may be very spotty in town and none at all at the cabin. The private quality of the cabin is pleasant, but the owners are just next door, if there is a problem. Visiting with Nelly, the owners dog warmed our hearts so much. She came to visit us daily and made us feel so welcome. Swimming in the gorgeous Smith River was amazing! The property has a private access down a stone stairway to the river, complete with rope swing and a private beach. The drive to the cabin is so stunningly scenic... complete with all of the twist and turns, cliffs, trees, and views of the south fork of the river all the way down to the main road (199). Jedediah Smith state park is close by on 199, so no need to drive far away... the giants are right in your backyard. There are so many sights to see though... including the Crescent City Beach, The Trees of Mystery, botanical gardens, and access to the Smith River in all directions. This is a trip we will never forget... Thanks again Sally and Joe! We had a splendid time! Your property is incredible.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Allison E.

Comfortable, cozy, respite in the woods next to the beautiful Smith river

For us, this was more than we expected and a respite and retreat we had a hard time leaving in the morning and looked forward to retiring to in the evenings. We were there to be away from the main scene but close enough to venture into the many trails offered at a Jedediah To explore the magestic and humbling Redwoods. Our host, Joe, was friendly and generous and interesting- we enjoyed getting to hang a bit and learn about the area and their beautiful river and accompanying wildlife. He cares for the land he gets to live on and chooses to share with others, creating a sweet experience for his guests. Rudy, his young, lively, fluffy golden retriever pal was a perk to have around! There was plenty of wood for the wood stove as it was chilly during our stay, and easy to use and you don't smell like campfire when you leave; all the comforts of home; and a little adventure in being mindful and intentional about your use of resources and what's truly necessary to be comfortable. We had a fire every night, loved reading the books and magazines in the house, played games, and fell asleep to the low rumble of the river, no sound or light pollution, and abundance of sunlight through the big windows and views of the bright turquoiuse water will fill your soul. We can't wait to come back when the weather is warmer and take a dip in the swimming hole below! This spot probably isn't for everyone, as not everyone would appreciate its charm; it's a bit off the main path, and "off the grid" can be intimidating and misunderstood by some, but this doesn't require much but your mindfulness and following direction , and there are some potential problematic (but fun) spiral stairs for kids or less agile folk ;) But for us, this was just what we were seeking and needing and it was tough to leave.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Emma W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great hosts beautiful cabin serene property
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kathryn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a very cool place to stay! It’s off the grid and right on the beautiful lake smith. I loved having my coffee on deck in the morning. We like to cook when we travel and enjoyed using the grill and listening to river. This spot is very close to great redwood trails and about 30 mins from the coast. The host was kind and helpful and we enjoyed our stay. The only difficulty we had was we weren’t expecting there to be no phone signal or WiFi in the cabin. We told the dog sitter to call us with any questions and had planned to wrap up some work emails and book some activities later in the trip once we arrived. We could get WiFi in driveway so we were able to make it work but we would have planned differently if we knew there wasn’t any in the cabin.Overall a nice stay, just plan to be virtually tech free once you arrive!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a very special place. Our hearts are full and grateful after spending a beautiful week at the cabin. We Nelly!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Its a beautiful spot. Joe has built himself a slice of paradise. Maybe it was because of the unusal heat wave but no fan and made the cabin super warm. The last night we slept down stairs to avoid the heat. Its not far from town. The views were stunning. I didnt mind the lack of wifi. If you sat outside it was just enough to get my daily wordle in and call it a day. He shared his yummy peaches. Gave us a tour of his orchard.It really is a special spot. He is on the property but more like a nice nieghbor. Gave us privacy and we had the river spot to ourselves most of the day! I have never swam in the Smith River so it was a treat. Joes spot makes you dream of having your own someday. What you need to know:No Temp control other than windows. (Wood stove if your going in winter)Pack like your camping food wise. Stairs are well as others said a bit on the adventurous side.Water pressure is low in shower only for some reason.They have towels, beds and bedding, dishes, some herbs. So bring the rest. We went to town on day 2. Got what we needed. Farted around. It was super pleasant. They have board games too.I cant wait to visit the Smith again! Joe had some locals over after he and they worked all day volunteering clearing trails. They told me about other hikes and local spots. It was a lovely trip. Im glad I got to.meet Joe and see such a beautiful area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clint M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

To steal a quote , “ the weaker, the Wi-Fi, the stronger, the connection. SO TRUE

Beautiful stay away from the distractions of busy life
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place to Get Away

If you are looking for a place to stay as a jumping off point to all the redwood forests, this cabin is what you want. Wonderful hosts that can point you in the right direction for places to go and a friendly dog to greet you when you return from a day of hiking and sightseeing. Get a taste of off grid living without having to fully commit to moving to the mountains.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent hosts who provided excellent recommendations regarding where to go. The home was very comfortable and had everything we needed to be comfortable. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Skylar

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

For a romantic setting, the A-frame cabin knocks it out of the park

I hadn't seen my girlfriend in months -- I'd been working internationally, sometimes going without refrigeration for weeks at a time -- so I was looking for a romantic spot that wouldn't involve too much roughing it. This cabin far exceeded my expectations. Outside, the redwoods formed a kind of garrison around you, a cushion from the outside world. Inside, the furnishings are super comfy and the appearance is right on the nose. Our host welcomed me warmly and his orientation to the systems was detail-oriented and easy to follow. It's easy to care about this place and to do right by the people who tend it year round. We found it easy to forget everything outside the park and lose ourselves in catching up and reconnecting. This is the spot. We loved it. You will, too.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Little Slice of Heaven

My spouse and I reside in San Diego, and we chose to take a Christmas roadtrip to see the Redwoods. Seeing the Redwoods had been on our bucket list for some time. We wanted to take this time to disconnect from the world for a bit and reconnect to each other. From the moment we found this listing on Vrbo, I guess you can say it was love at first sight. And from the moment we pulled up to the cabin, we knew we made the right decision. Joe and Nellie greeted us when we pulled up and made us feel welcomed. Nellie as greeted us every day when returned from exploring the park. The cabin was fully furnished. All we had to provide was food for the week. Unfortunately, it rained most of our stay, so we were not able to utilize the amazing back porch next to the Smith River. But we did not let the rain ruin our visit. And hearing the rain on the roof at night made for some of the best sleep. I guess the only con I can come up with is that we had to leave. I would absolutely recommend staying here to any one. We will be returning again in the near future.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pete C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Redwoods River Homestead

Our small family just had an amazing stay here. The gorgeous crystal clear Smith River is visible/walkable from the back porch, and this is a *perfect* home base location to see the Redwoods in the prime JS area. Joe the host was super friendly and let us use his canoe on the beautiful river, we had a little campfire out back and he has an active orchard/garden going on. Joe pressed some apples and gave us a jug of apple juice that was unforgettable! They also had a Golden Retriever dog Nellie that visited the boys every day. Just make sure to send a message to the host a week or two before you arrive.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by Joe and Sally Gillespie

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English

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