River Campground (sites 1-30)

Bird's eye view of the park

Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP

Bird's eye view of the campground

Albee Creek Camp

Baxter Environmental Camp

Burlington Camp

Cuneo Creek Horse Camp

Hamilton Barn Environmental Camp

Hidden Springs Camp (sites 1-38, 51-78)

Hidden Springs Camp (sites 39-50,79-86,142-155)

Hidden Springs Camp (sites 87-141)

Johnson Trail Camp

Marin Group Camp

Trail Camp Bull Creek

Trail Camp Grasshopper

Trail Camp Hansen Ridge

Trail Camp Whiskey Flat

Visitor Center Host Area

Williams Grove Group Camp

Humboldt Redwoods SP

The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve (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. Deep in the heart of the Headwaters, old-growth forest is
the beginnings or headwaters of the South Fork Elk River and Salmon Creek.
This is how the area got its name. The Reserve is managed by the BLM in
partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve (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. Deep in the heart of the Headwaters, old-growth forest is the beginnings or headwaters of the South Fork Elk River and Salmon Creek. This is how the area got its name. The Reserve is managed by the BLM in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hiker in an old-growth redwood forest at the end of Little South Fork Elk River Trail.

Headwaters Forest Reserve

The Salmon Pass Trail (south end) is accessible for guided hikes only. Guided
hikes can be scheduled between May 15 and November 15 (weather permitting) by
requesting a tour online at the Headwaters Forest Preserve website or by
contacting the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300.

The first mile passes through a young to mid-aged forest with views of
restored watershed areas. The next 2 miles ascend through the old-growth
redwood forest with a view across Salmon Creek to the largest stand of
Douglas-fir within the Reserve. The trail then loops back as it descends
through the old-growth.

Distance and difficulty: This 2 1/2 mile hike is considered moderately
strenuous and takes 3 to 4 hours.

The Salmon Pass Trail (south end) is accessible for guided hikes only. Guided hikes can be scheduled between May 15 and November 15 (weather permitting) by requesting a tour online at the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/headwaters-forest-reserve" rel="nofollow">Headwaters Forest Preserve website</a> or by contacting the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300. 
 
The first mile passes through a young to mid-aged forest with views of restored watershed areas. The next 2 miles ascend through the old-growth redwood forest with a view across Salmon Creek to the largest stand of Douglas-fir within the Reserve. The trail then loops back as it descends through the old-growth. 
 
Distance and difficulty: This 2 1/2 mile hike is considered moderately strenuous and takes 3 to 4 hours.

Salmon Pass Trail

Salmon Pass Trailhead

The first 3 miles follow a narrow stream corridor of public land that
parallels the South Fork Elk River. The first mile is paved and accessible for
those with limited mobility. Bicycles and dogs (under owner’s control) are
allowed on the first 3 miles. The last 2 miles wind beneath a closed tree
canopy, ending at a small old-growth redwood grove. Please stay on the trail
to avoid trespassing and to protect the area’s natural resources.

Distance: It is 5 miles to the old-growth and about a mile through the old
growth loop, for a total 10.5-mile trip.

Difficulty: The first 3 miles traverse moderate terrain adjacent to the river.
The remaining 2 miles are moderately strenuous. Plan 1 to 2 hours for the
first 3 miles, and 2 to 2.5 hours for the last 2 miles.

The first 3 miles follow a narrow stream corridor of public land that parallels the South Fork Elk River. The first mile is paved and accessible for those with limited mobility. Bicycles and dogs (under owner’s control) are allowed on the first 3 miles. The last 2 miles wind beneath a closed tree canopy, ending at a small old-growth redwood grove. Please stay on the trail to avoid trespassing and to protect the area’s natural resources.

Distance: It is 5 miles to the old-growth and about a mile through the old growth loop, for a total 10.5-mile trip.

Difficulty: The first 3 miles traverse moderate terrain adjacent to the river. The remaining 2 miles are moderately strenuous. Plan 1 to 2 hours for the first 3 miles, and 2 to 2.5 hours for the last 2 miles.

Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP

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Campgrounds

River Campground (sites 1-30)

Nearby Parks

Humboldt Redwoods SP

Headwaters Forest Reserve

Salmon Pass Trailhead

Elk River Trailhead