Old-Growth Hikes in the Oregon Cascades
A field guide to old-growth ecology.
Hikes are organized by region of the Oregon Cascades, and presented as an interpretive field guide to old-growth ecology. All material is based on recent field visits (2023-2025) and current research. New and updated content is regularly added.
Hike descriptions include a retrospective look at 30 years of forest change. All hikes were originally documented and published in field guides I authored from 1991-2003.
Hike descriptions, maps, photos and illustrations published on this website are made freely available. Use the drop-down menus to learn about old growth ecology and explore old-growth hikes.
Consult the ‘Things You Should Know’ section below for tips on safety, roads, trail use, and regulations.
“I hope this work encourages you to get out and enjoy these majestic forests, and enriches your understanding of the forces shaping their history and future.”
Author - John Cissel
The primal beauty and mystery of old forests have fascinated me my entire adult life, and is what drew me to the Pacific Northwest over 45 years ago. From 1990-2003 I hiked over 2,000 miles throughout the Cascade Range searching for the finest remaining old forests, and published four guide-maps (1991, 1993, 1996, 1998) and a book (2003) describing the best of those hikes.
These explorations have been intellectually supported and sustained through 25 years working in forest and fire ecology research at local, regional, and national levels. I have been fortunate to work and collaborate with leading ecologists and scientists, many of whom have helped shape my understanding and appreciation of old forests. Thank you.
I have also been most fortunate to share my love of old forests with Diane and our children, Morgan and Katie, who have helped and supported me in innumerable ways. Diane has contributed directly to this website and has accompanied me on most of my old-forest ventures over the last 40 years.
I can be reached at pnwoldgrowthhikes@gmail.com.
John Cissel
Eugene, OR
Professional roles
1990-2001: Research Liaison, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest (US Forest Service)
2002: HJ Andrews Site Director (Oregon State University)
2003-2006: Oregon Science Coordinator (Bureau of Land Management)
2007-2016: Program Director, Joint Fire Science Program (National Interagency Fire Center)