Headwaters Forest Reserve

The Headwaters Forest Reserve spans 7,472 acres of redwood groves, second-growth forests, and watershed areas near Humboldt Bay in Northern California.

The land acquisition in 1999 resulted from extensive protests between 1986 and 1999 against Pacific Lumber Company's logging practices of old-growth redwood forests.

The reserve contains remnants of Falk, a former mill town established in 1884 that supported 400 residents until its decline in 1937.

Visitors can access an 11-mile round trip trail system, with the first three miles open to bicycles and dogs, while the remaining segments require more hiking effort.

The reserve protects ancient redwood ecosystems over two thousand years old and provides critical habitat for marbled murrelets, northern spotted owls, and coho salmon.

Location: Humboldt County

Operator: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, BLM

Website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Headwaters-Forest-ER

GPS coordinates: 40.65073,-124.08549

Latest update: March 5, 2025 03:49