Rock Creek Ranch

History 

There was no road in the 1930’s when the original owner of Rock Creek Ranch first arrived by trail over the Little Bald Hills. Drawn by the beauty, fishing and solitude, George Owen Knapp built the present day house and a lodge that was used until the river swept it away in 1955. Knapp was a wealthy, retired industrialist, and a philanthropist. He financed the first modern hospital built in Del Norte County. 

In May 2002, Smith River Alliance acquired Rock Creek Ranch from Ralph and Dorothy Hollingsworth, who were both active and volunteered widely in the community. The Alliance has continued that community spirit with many cooperative projects both on and off the property, including youth camps, community education programs, and retreats.

Rock Creek Ranch is located in the heart of the Smith River National Recreation Area. As such, it's past, present and future are linked to the SRNA and the legislation that created it.