The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Headwaters Forest Reserve is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of more than 245 million acres of US land managed by the federal agency. This reserve was created in 1999 to protect the last existing old-growth redwood forest in Northern California. The ecosystem is home to several endangered species, including the northern spotted owl. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife works with BLM to protect the area’s flora and fauna. The South Elk River begins here, running through the stately redwoods, and the reserve attracts hikers, nature lovers, and history buffs, as the remains of an old mill town are here.
Headwaters Forest Reserve is 67 miles from Redwood National Park and 191 miles from Lassen Volcanic National Park. The closest city is Eureka, California, about 11 miles away, and the reserve is nearly at the exact midway point between San Francisco, California and Portland, Oregon—five hours south and north, respectively.
The main open trail in Headwaters Forest Reserve trail starts with three miles of pavement, making it popular with mountain bikers. After that, hikers will enjoy a two-mile climb through majestic redwoods and past what’s left of Falk, a 19th-century mill town deserted in the 1930s. For those who want to put in more distance, this connects to the main Elk River Trail.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The other trail in Headwaters Forest Reserve is only open to hikers through guided tours provided by the BLM from May through November. For visitors, though, it offers the opportunity to learn more about the reserve from knowledgeable rangers. In addition to the redwoods, this trail gives hikers a view of the reserve's largest stand of Douglas firs. You can book your tour on the reserve’s website.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Twenty miles south of the reserve, this park in Fortuna, California, offers a lovely, easy hike through more old-growth redwood groves. Bikers and trail runners enjoy this park as well. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Hikers rave about this beautifully shady trail for a longer, more challenging hike with Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It’s not open during the fall and winter due to its connection with the Big Tree Trail at its eastern end, which can only be reached by a seasonally installed footbridge. If you want to put in more distance, take the Big Tree Trail or the Grasshopper Trail.
Length: 8.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fisherfolk can have a lot of fun at Headwaters Forest Reserve, with plenty of places to cast a line. The Elk River has an abundance of fish due to its protection by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, since species like salmon and steelhead trout are endangered, if you want to fish, check ahead with BLM to make sure the river is open for fishing. Also, note that motorized boats are prohibited here, but canoes and kayaks are fine.
If bird watching is your thing, Headwaters Forest Reserve gives you plenty of opportunities to see some rare species. The reserve is home to the marbled murrelet, a small seabird resembling a penguin that can only be found on the northern Pacific coast. The northern spotted owl is here, too, as well as deer, elk, and maybe even bears.
The best place to picnic at Headwaters Forest reserve is at the Elk River Trailhead, which has parking and tables available. Hikers are certainly welcome to take their food on the trails and enjoy an al fresco meal. As when visiting any reserve, clean up after your picnic and make sure to take your trash with you.
RVs are not permitted at Headwaters Forest Reserve, but you’ll find many RV parks around it, particularly off US Highway 101, known in the area as the Redwood Highway. Avenue of the Giants Stafford RV Park offers pull-through full-hookup sites with river views, restrooms with showers, and a convenient dump station. Heading north, River’s Edge RV Park attracts RVers looking for more extended stays in a beautiful, quiet setting. Ancient Redwoods RV Park has room for larger RVs with slide-outs, 50-amp hookups, laundry facilities, and a thousand-year-old redwood guarding it all.
The Arcata BLM field office, which oversees Headwaters Forest Reserve, can advise you on where to find free BLM camping close by, or you can search "BLM camping near me." Camping is not allowed within the reserve itself, but Six Rivers National Forest, about 90 miles away, has plenty of dispersed camping sites. California laws regulating boondocking can be confusing, so visiting the field office is always a good idea when setting out for Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
The weather is reasonably temperate in northern California, never getting too hot or too cold. Since Headwaters Forest Reserve is somewhat inland, however, you can expect temperatures a bit higher or lower than what you’d find on the coast. Therefore, bringing easily layered clothing, rain gear, and bug repellent is the way to go, not to mention sturdy shoes to keep you comfortable while hiking.
For those looking to get back in touch with nature, Bureau of Land Management free camping is a wonderful way to go about it. Don’t be surprised to meet others who share your love of the outdoors. Before you go on your latest adventure, check our blog for everything you’ll need to know about BLM camping.
BLM protection is there to keep the local landscape and wildlife safe. While you’re visiting, keep things exactly as you found them. Pack out all trash that you create. All human waste should be buried at least 200 feet from any water source. Don’t pick flowers or disturb animals—this is their home, not yours. Leave only footprints; take only photos.
The public entrance to Headwaters Forest Reserve is at the Elk River Trailhead, about 10 miles from Eureka, California. From US Highway 101/Redwood Parkway coming south from Eureka, take the Elk River Road exit, and turn right at the end. The entrance is 6 miles from the exit.
Ready to visit Headwaters Forest Reserve? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
