Enter the Reserve through the Northern Entrance from Elk River Road, about 6 miles off of Highway 101. The Elk River Trail flanks the South Fork Elk river through dense redwoods. Along the trail, you’ll see interpretive signs marking the location of Falk, the company mill town built in 1884 that has all but disappeared, having been slowly reclaimed by nature in the passing decades. A large portion of the trail is paved and accessible for those with limited mobility. Bicycles and dogs (under owners’ control) are allowed on the first 3 miles. Salmon who have returned to spawn upstream are easily visible from the trail in early spring.
Headwaters Forest Reserve (Southern Entrance)
Palco Rd 1, Hydesville, CA
The Salmon Pass Trail at the southern entrance of the 7472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve winds through striking old- and second-growth redwoods. However, this trail is only accessible by guided tour mid May – mid July. Visit the Bureau of Land Management’s website for tour reservations.
Headwaters Forest Reserve
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. Several threatened species call the Reserve home, including coho salmon, the northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet. You can easily spot the salmon run in early spring. Along the trail, you’ll also see interpretive signs marking the location of Falk, the company mill town built in 1884 that has all but disappeared, having been slowly reclaimed by nature in the passing decades. The first mile is paved and accessible for those with limited mobility. Bicycles and dogs (under owners’ control) are allowed on the first 3 miles.
