Explore the Untamed Beauty of Headwaters Forest Reserve
The Headwaters Forest Reserve spans 7,472 acres of coastal redwood forest, safeguarding some of the planet’s remaining undisturbed old-growth redwood groves. This remarkable landscape provides critical habitat for several threatened species, including the marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, and vital fish populations such as coho and Chinook salmon, as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout.
The Reserve lies within the ancestral homeland of the Wiyot people, who have lived, traded, and traveled along the waterways of the Humboldt Bay region for millennia. The forest continues to hold cultural importance, and Tribal members actively participate in co-stewardship efforts.
Established on March 1, 1999, the Reserve is managed by the Bureau of Land Management in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Together, they work to protect the redwood groves, forest ecosystems, creeks, and wildlife within this cherished area.
To help preserve this unique environment, visitors are required to remain on designated trails.
Elk River Trail
This 11-mile round-trip trail is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset. The first mile is paved and wheelchair-accessible, while dogs and bicycles are permitted for the first 3 miles. The final 2 miles feature a steep incline that leads to a loop through an awe-inspiring old-growth redwood forest.
Headwaters Education Center
Located just 0.5 miles along the Elk River Trail, this center welcomes visitors every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., June through September.
South Side Trail
This 1.5-mile trail is open seasonally from May through November and connects with the Elk River Trail to form a 2.5-mile loop. To reduce impacts on sensitive habitats, dogs and bicycles are prohibited on this unpaved and moderately steep path.
Salmon Pass Trail
This 3-mile round-trip route is accessible only by reservation for docent-guided hikes. To reserve your spot, visit Recreation.gov.