Headwaters Forest Trail
July 22, 2023
12.13 miles
All access paved walkway makes for easy walking for the first mile as we follow the South Fork of the Elk River. We stick with the river for another two miles as we walk out of the fog and into the sun. The trail passes under massive maples and we dodge patches of stinging nettle before crossing a bridge over Elk River. From this point the trail climbs steeply via long switchbacks to an undulating ridge trail with occasional steps and lots of roots to hop over. The old growth loop is full of spectacular trees reaching high into the sky with burn scars and gnarly burl “butts.” After a 30 minute sitting snack break, we bomb down the trail retracing our steps back to the trailhead. Over the 12.13 miles in 4 hours and 20 minutes, we climb a total of 1,788 ft. with the highest elevation topping out at 1,319 ft. Not too shabby for the first hike of the season!
The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve was established in 1999 after a decade-long grassroots effort to protect the world’s last unprotected, intact, old-growth redwood forest ecosystem. Deep in the heart of the Headwater Reserve, old-growth forest forms the headwaters of the South Fork Elk River and Salmon Creek. The Reserve is managed by the BLM in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Journey Return 