One of the best ways to celebrate and protect mature and old-growth forests is to get out and explore them. Here is a sampler of some of the old-growth hikes in our region. Always use caution, good planning, and check in with managing agencies before embarking on a trip.
KS Wild assumes no liability if you intend to visit any of the places featured in our materials.
London Peak is named after the famous American author Jack London who stayed at the Wolf Creek Inn, which is located in the community of Wolf Creek, about 20 miles north of Grants Pass, Oregon. The out and back trail is steep, but is easily accessible from the I-5 corridor and a great way to explore the region’s old-growth forest ecosystem.
The South Fork Rogue River Trail is a well-built trail that follows the South Fork Rogue River for more than 12 miles through old-growth woods. There are three trailheads; Upper, Middle, and Lower, you will find good turnaround points for short hikes in either direction.
The Briggs Creek Trail is named after a packer named George E. Briggs who supplied equipment to miners back in the 1800s. The hike features some of the largest Ponderosa pines in the world. Old-growth cedar and Douglas fir can also be found on this trail.
The South Kelsey Trail is one of the most famous trails in the Smith River National Recreation Area. Along with the Old Kelsey Trail, the South Kelsey is a key portion of the Coast to Crest Trail route which connects the Coastal Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail. Portions of the South Kelsey Trail can be traveled as day trips or it can take many days to traverse the entire trail.
The Fen trail is about an hour drive from Fort Jones, California and is located in one of the most botanically unique areas of the Klamath National Forest. A short spur trail brings you to an old-growth forest featuring Shasta red fir, Jeffrey pine, and more!
Just outside of Eureka, on the Northern California Coast is the 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve. It was established in 1999 after a decade-long grassroots effort to protect some of the last intact, old-growth redwood forests.
