Headwaters Forest Reserve: Elk River Trailhead & Old Town of Falk Walking Tour Headwaters Forest Trail, Loleta, CA 95551
About the Business
Headwaters Forest Reserve, located at the address Headwaters Forest Trail, Loleta, California, United States, is a 7,472-acre park established in 1999 to protect the world's last unprotected, intact, old-growth redwood forest ecosystem. The Reserve is home to several threatened species, including coho salmon, the northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet. Visitors can explore the unique redwood ecosystem and cultural history of the Reserve on the Elk River, South Side, and Salmon Pass trails.
The Elk River Trail leads to a view of an old-growth redwood forest and is a popular destination for hiking, biking, dog walking, and wildlife viewing. Interpretive signs along the trail highlight the historic value of the once-busy mill town of Falk and the grassroots activism efforts that led to the Reserve's designation. The Headwaters Education Center, located along the Elk River Trail, is open to the public on Sundays from June to August.
The South Side Trail offers a more primitive hiking experience along a short, moderately-steep loop, while the Salmon Pass Trail passes through spectacular old-growth and second-growth redwood forest and is accessible by reservation-only guided hikes. Visitors can explore photos of the landscapes, plants, and wildlife endemic to the preserve.
The Headwaters Education Center, housed in a building that once served as an engine house for the lumber mill at Falk, offers special events and educational opportunities. To access the Reserve, visitors can use the Elk River Trailhead or the Salmon Pass Trailhead, with the Elk River Trailhead open year-round. The Salmon Pass Trailhead is accessible only through guided hikes.
The area surrounding the Reserve has a rich history, with the former mill town of Falk now a ghost town. Visitors can learn about the history of Falk and the Headwaters through exhibits and interpretive trails. The Reserve was the site of public protests in the late 1980s and 1990s, leading to its protection as a Reserve in 1999.
Visitors interested in joining a guided hike on the Salmon Pass Trail must make reservations in advance. Registration links for scheduled hikes open two months in advance, and passes can be reserved online or by calling the Arcata Field Office. The Headwaters Forest Reserve is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the redwood forest ecosystem and cultural history of the area.
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Location & Phone number
Headwaters Forest Trail, Loleta, CA 95551, United States
Reviews
"I loved the nature and peace that you kind of find here. What I just think is a shame is that in the 1800s to about 1950s there was frequent logging of redwood and other old-growth trees here. Because of this, it's not anymore a park full of old trees but you only see the stumps of what was once there. So I found that disappointing. Seedlings have been planted again but this takes ages before it was as it was. Furthermore, to me personally it does not feel like a real nature park but more like a man-made park. But to end with something positive is that I really liked the mysterious paths and the birds you could hear chirping."
"Absolutely Beauty & Solitude. My place for walking. River is extremely full. Love ❤️ it here, Lucky to live in the Elk River area. A must go for any age"
"One of my favorite places to visit where you can find a few remaining old growth Coastal Redwoods. It's a spawning place for salmon that can be observed during the spawning season. Be safe as there are black bears and other wildlife that can be found roaming free here."
"Highly recommend the trail during late summer as early summer still has debris from the winter. Works great for agile dogs but can be crawling or precarious walking for humans. That being said even with debris the trail is still doable and easy to follow. Has a beginners walking/bike path, and the trail is between beginner/intermediate."
"The Elk River trailhead access to Headwaters Forest trail is great for a quick hike. The wide, paved trail goes for about a mile before turning into a dirt hiking trail. The paved section is great for walking, jogging or scootering. After a mile the trail turns to dirt and continues a scenic hike. It's a quick get away just outside of Eureka. The sound of the creek running alongside the trail is peaceful and most of the trees are covered in moss with ferns growing all the way up to the highest branches. There are plaques along the way telling of the history of the area and the surrounding wildlife. It's worth a quick visit, and if you have more time there are miles of scenic hiking."
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