Policies

Booking Policies

Reservations

In order to keep your reservation secure, be aware that full payment is due 60 days before your arrival.

Minimum Stay

During our busiest time period (June 15 and September 15) there is a three-night minimum.  There is a two-night minimum during the low season.

Check In & Check Out

Arrival: Unless otherwise stated on the booking confirmation, guests may check-in between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the scheduled day of arrival.  Reservations that have been secured by credit card or prepaid at the time of booking will be held until 11:59 p.m. on the scheduled day of arrival.

Departure: On the day of departure we ask all guests to vacate their rooms or camping spots by 11:00 a.m.  Late check-out may be available and will be charged at an hourly rate at management’s discretion. Depending on the season you may swim or use the decks until 2 p.m.

Cancellation and Change Policies

Rock Creek Ranch is in a remote location and we cannot depend on drop-ins to fill space. Consequently, we must be strict about cancellations and changes.

Any change made to a reservation will incur a $250 service charge per change to the reservation.

A cancellation fee applies to all canceled reservations:

• If you cancel your reservation more than 90 days before your arrival date, you will be charged a processing fee of $250. Any remaining amount paid will be refunded to you.
• If you cancel your reservation more than 60 but less than 90 days before your arrival date, you will forfeit 50% of your deposit.
• Changes or cancellations made less than 60 days before your arrival date are subject to forfeit of the entire deposit for the reservation.

Cleaning, Security & Accommodation Tax

Cleaning Fee: There is a non-refundable $175 cleaning fee for the Ranch House, and a non-refundable $135 cleaning fee for the Outdoor Use Area. There is a non-refundable $275 cleaning fee for the entire property.

Security Damage Deposit: A security damage deposit may be collected and refundable within two weeks of the Check Out Date, provided no deductions are made due to damage, dirt or other mess requiring excessive cleaning or other cost incurred during visitor stay.

TOT Tax:  There is a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax for the Ranch House and any rental that includes the Ranch House.

Accommodations Details

Location

The Ranch is located eight miles upstream of the confluence of the South Fork and main stem of the Smith River. The South Fork Road winds its way up the river canyon and is a two-lane paved road all the way to Rock Creek Ranch.

Parking

There is ample parking in the vicinity of the Ranch House for groups of twenty or less. Please do not block the circular access road. For Outdoor Use Area visitors, please use the parking area near the entrance gate and the road into the OUA. No parking is allowed at the Majesty Pool overlook.

Ranch House Sleeping Accommodations

During the summer, many visitors enjoy sleeping outside on the large deck or in various flat places across the 175-acre property. Inside accommodations include: one queen bed (private room); one double bed (private room); one bunk bed with two twin beds; two twin beds (private room); and one queen size futon (shared space/family room).

Off the Grid

There is no utility service at Rock Creek Ranch. We generate our own electricity through a Sustainable Power Station, which was developed in cooperation with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Environmental Engineering Department and the Schatz Energy Research Center. Click here for more information about this exciting project. While we do have electricity, we also strongly discourage certain appliances, which require extensive amounts of energy — such as hair dryers, electric coffee pots, and waffle irons.

Cooking

The Ranch has two cooking facilities. One is located at the Ranch house and the other is at the Outdoor Use Area under a roof, but open to the air (also known as the Long House).

The Ranch house has a vintage gas stove and refrigeration. Pots and pans are an eclectic mix. There are plates and silverware to serve 20 people. If you have favorite kitchen utensils (such as a special knife), you may want to bring them with you.

The Outdoor Use Area has two three-burner propane stoves (but no oven), a Weber gas grill and a campfire ring. Please bring your own coolers and ice.

Swimming

From June through August the Smith Rivers water temperature ranges from 62—70 degrees. Many guests bring their own snorkel and mask to enable them to see the cutthroat trout that live in the Majesty pool. The Emerald Pool is best for families and children as the current is calm.

Chores

The Ranch is a community effort and we invite you to ask the caretaker if there are chores that you or your group can work on while at the ranch. Stacking wood, brush cutting, working in the garden are all complimentary to your power-napping, swimming and botanizing activities!

Fishing, Wildlife and Guns

Fishing is legendary on the Smith! The South Fork Smith River and its tributaries are designated as Heritage Trout Waters, which further recognizes the beauty, diversity, historical significance, and special values of California’s native trout. Heritage Trout waters support fish populations that best exemplify indigenous strains of native trout within their historic drainages and provide anglers with the opportunity to catch native trout in a way that is consistent with native trout conservation.

Our fishing policy is that ranch visitors must have a fishing license and abide by all CDFW regulations. Summer is catch and release only.

River running is excellent, especially in the spring; hiking is great year-round; and swimming is best during the summer. Explore your options!

Bears occasionally visit the ranch. Please do not leave food out overnight.

Rock Creek Ranch is a weapon free zone.

Fire

During the summer it is essential to ask the Rock Creek Ranch Caretaker if campfires are permitted during your stay. The Ranch is located in the Smith River NRA – part of the Six Rivers National Forest. The Outdoor Use Area has a fire pit on the terrace below the Long House. Due to extreme fire risk during the Summer, we do not allow “Tiki” torches, candles or other open flames of any kind outside.

Heat

The Ranch House has a heating system and two wood burning stoves. Each year we split and stack several cords of wood and kindling. Split wood is located behind the ranch house—visitors should participate in toting the daily supply into the house. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of the wood burning stove, please ask the Caretaker for training.

Lighting

We make all of our own power at the ranch. A gentle reminder to please turn lights off when not in use.

Drinking Water

The water coming out of the kitchen faucets at the Ranch House and the Long House is treated by a water filter (when a lever is activated). Use this as your source of drinking water. If you prefer to drink spring water, four miles up the South Fork Road is a wonderful spring located at the west end of the Steven Bridge.

Linens

The Ranch House has a supply of towels and bedding. You may bring your own linen and/or sleeping bags if you wish.

Telephone

We have one phone for emergency use (707) 954-0254. There is an Internet connection available for guest use (no streaming) and no reception for cell phones. The closest pay phone/cell reception is in Hiouchi on Highway 199 in front of the convenience store.

Electronic Devices

Rock Creek Ranch is your best chance to get away from your devices. Laptops and cell phones are discouraged.

Composting

The Ranch composts food scraps (non-meat) to create compost for the garden. You’ll find a plastic container in the kitchen for temporary holding of compost materials. Please empty this at least daily (so we aren’t attracting ants) to the composter located behind the house near the small garden shed. Do not add fatty foods like meat, cheese or bread to the compost bins.

Smoking

Rock Creek Ranch is a non-smoking establishment.

FAQ

Where is the closest grocery store?

Rock Creek Ranch is located within the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) far from modern conveniences; there are a few things you may need to know as you prepare for your visit. RCR is 15 minutes from the Hiouchi Hamlet (convenience store with some groceries), and it is 30 minutes from Crescent City, which has several grocery stores.

What is the road like?

The Ranch is located eight miles upstream of the confluence of the South and the main fork of the Smith River. The South Fork Road winds its way up the river canyon and is now a two-lane paved road all the way to RCR.

Are dogs and other pets allowed?

Other than service animals, pets are not allowed at Rock Creek Ranch.

Can I come take a tour and just look around?

Unfortunately, we do not offer guided public tours. To preserve the sanctity of the visitor experience, self-guided tours and walkabouts are not allowed.

What time can I check in?

Feel free to arrive any time after 4 pm.

Will my cell phone work at Rock Creek Ranch?

Rock Creek Ranch is located approximately ten miles from “civilization,” and there is no cell coverage at the property. This isolation and tranquility, while deepening the experience of your stay, can also be a significant change. Cell phones do not work at the ranch.

Can I bring my trailer?

Sorry, we are unable to accommodate most camping trailers because of their size and we have no hook-ups onsite. We do have parking available for cars and vehicle sized campers – but no dedicated location for trailers.

How do I get to Rock Creek Ranch? How far is it from the nearest airport?

Rock Creek Ranch is approximately thirty minutes from Crescent City Airport (CEC), 2 hours from the Arcata Airport (ACV), and 2 hours and twenty minutes from the Medford Airport (MFR).

Does Rock Creek Ranch have electricity?

There is no utility service at the Ranch. We generate our own electricity through a Sustainable Power Station, which was developed in cooperation with the Cal Poly Humboldt’s Environmental Engineering Department and the Schatz Energy Research Center. You can visit the following link (http://now.humboldt.edu/news/students-propel-renewable-energy/) for more information about this exciting project. While we do have electricity, we also strongly discourage certain appliances, which require extensive amounts of energy — such as hair dryers, electric coffee pots, and waffle irons.

Can I have a campfire at Rock Creek Ranch?

Ask the Caretaker when you arrive if the current conditions allow a campfire. The Ranch is located in the Smith River NRA – a unit of the Six Rivers National Forest. We do have a fire pit on the terrace below the Long House and one at the Ranch House overlooking the river. Due to extreme fire risk during the Summer, we do not allow “Tiki” torches, candles or other open flames of any kind outside.