China Muerta National Reserve, National reserve in Malleco Province, Chile

China Muerta National Reserve is a protected area in Malleco Province, La Araucanía Region, southern Chile, covering forests of araucaria, southern beech, and other native trees. The terrain sits on a volcanic plateau and offers walking trails through a range of vegetation zones, from dense woodland to open highland areas.

The reserve was created in 1968 by government decree at a time when deforestation was increasing across the region, making the protection of native forests a growing concern. This was part of an early national effort to safeguard woodland areas dominated by araucaria and other native species in southern Chile.

The reserve lies in Pehuenche Mapuche territory, and after the March 2015 fire that burned over 6,000 hectares, CONAF worked with the Pehuenche community on early restoration of the reserve's fauna. The name China Muerta also belongs to one of the streams that feed the Cabeza de Indio river.

The reserve is reached by dirt roads and trails that can become difficult to pass in wet weather, so checking conditions before heading out is a good idea. Paths inside are made for walking, but the volcanic terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is worth bringing.

The reserve sits on a plateau shaped by old lava flows, and this volcanic base gives the soil and tree roots an unusual appearance that becomes noticeable along the trails. In some open sections, walkers can spot exposed basalt formations pushing through the forest floor.