Headwaters Forest Reserve
- Picnic
- Accessible Restrooms
- Partially Accessible Parking
Features
- Picnic
- Accessible Restrooms
- Partially Accessible Parking
Information
- Website:
- blm.gov
- Address:
- Elk River Rd., Loleta, CA, 95551
- Region:
- North Coast
- Phone:
- Info: 707 825-2300
- Hours:
- Daily, sunrise to sunset
- Dogs:
- Off leash
Only allowed the first 3 miles and must be under voice control of the owner at all times, or on leash - Last Visited:
- July 2023
The reserve has two trails, Elk River and Salmon Pass, but the latter is open for guided hikes only (May 15-Nov. 15, reservations required) and has no wheelchair access.
Trails and Pathways
- Trail:
- Elk River Trail
- Trailhead Location:
- Parking lot at the foot of Elk River Rd.
- Trail Length:
- 1-2 total miles
- Typical Width:
- 4 ft. & above
- Typical Grade:
- Gentle
- Typical Terrain:
- Hard
The generally level section of trail follows the South Elk River on an old logging road. Only the first mile is paved; after that the surface is packed gravel, and the terrain becomes more difficult. It's evident from the trees' size that the forest has been logged, and while several large stumps offer a glimpse of their potential size, sadly, they also serve as a reminder of the devastation of old-growth forests. Because this is a relatively young forest, dappled sunlight reaches the trail in many places, while plants characteristic of riparian habitat––willows, maple, alder, ferns––fill the empty spaces. Interpretive panels on metal sculptures that resemble tree branches provide insight into the area's history.
In less than at about .5-mile you reach the education center. Immediately past the center is the steepest segment (10% grade), which lasts for several hundred feet. My motorized chair easily climbed this section, and someone with good upper-body strength should have no problem.
Sounds of flowing water became a soft whisper before I could finally see the river from the trail. Less than half a mile from the education center, the pavement ended by an interpretive sign that explains that if you were standing in this spot in the year 1902, you'd be inside the mill. The unpaved trail becomes narrow and was impassable in my motorized wheelchair.
The first bench is at.5-mile, another is at .75 mile.
Accessibility Features
- Accessible Parking:
- Limited designated accessible parking, van accessible, firm, level or slope no greater than 2%;
The paint designating the accessible space is barely visible and there is no sign.
- Accessible Restroom:
- Yes – At trailhead and behind the education center about half a mile from trailhead
- Accessible Picnic Table:
- Yes – firm & stable path to tables, firm & stable surface, 27" or greater knee clearance
- Accessible Visitor Center:
- Yes – The Headwaters Education Center is .6 mile from the trailhead in a building used 100 years ago by the Falk Mill to store the locomotive that hauled lumber to the mill. It is primarily open for school visits. Interpretive panels describe the reserves ecology and history. For the accessible entrance, go past the building to the dirt and gravel driveway.
