Headwaters Forest Reserve

Headwaters Forest Reserve is a nature preserve spanning thousands of acres near Humboldt Bay in Northern California, protecting stands of coastal redwoods alongside younger regenerating forest and watershed protection areas. A trail network of varying difficulty runs through the landscape, accommodating visitors with different preferences and abilities.

The land became a protected reserve in 1999 following years of conflict over logging practices, when conservation groups acquired the property to prevent further old-growth forest removal. These prolonged disputes highlighted tension between economic interests and efforts to preserve the ancient woodlands.

The reserve holds remains of Falk, a former mill settlement where the timber industry once employed hundreds of people who lived and worked among the surrounding forests. Walking through the site, you can sense the traces of this industrial past embedded in the landscape.

The trail system has sections suited to different experience levels, with some routes manageable for casual visitors and bicycles while others require more stamina and hiking skill. Plan to start early in the day and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions in the forest can change quickly.

Some trees in the forest are over 2,000 years old, making them among the oldest living things on Earth and a source of wonder for many visitors. The ancient woods also provide crucial habitat for rare species including marbled murrelets and northern spotted owls that depend on this undisturbed environment.

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: December 9, 2025 18:42