Six Rivers National Forest, Protected forest area in Northern California, United States

Six Rivers National Forest is a protected forest spanning northwestern California with ancient trees, mountainous terrain, and six major river systems. The landscape features dense woodlands alongside these waterways, creating varied terrain for exploration.

The forest was established in 1947 by combining sections of other national forests into one managed territory. This consolidation created a unified system for protecting this major forestland in California.

The forest holds deep meaning for Native American tribes including the Yurok and Hoopa Valley communities, who practice traditional ways of living in these lands. Visitors can encounter signs of these cultural connections throughout the region.

The visitor center in Eureka provides general information and guidance for exploring the forest, with ranger stations at various locations offering local assistance. Weather and terrain vary greatly by season and elevation, so planning ahead helps ensure a safer visit.

The Patterson-Gimlin film, the 1967 footage presented as evidence of Bigfoot, was shot at Bluff Creek inside this forest. A 1988 Supreme Court ruling, Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective Association, concerned forest land that several local tribes consider sacred.