28. Tall Trees Trail

Note: This area is currently under a forest closure order due to the Bedrock Fire (7-28-23)

Summary

Length – 1/3-mile one way

Difficulty – Easy

Season – Spring to autumn

Elevation range –2,150 feet – 2,200 feet

Human imprint – Minimal

Information - Willamette National Forest, Middle Fork Ranger District

Primary old growth features

Unusually tall Douglas-fir in classic old growth forest.

Description

The Tall Trees Trail (4269) winds around a warm, sunny ridge into a cool, streamside forest where the trail ends in a secluded and peaceful glen surrounded by classic old growth. In the late 80s, towering Douglas-firs in this protected alcove were measured at more than 300 feet tall, although these trees are not adjacent to the trail itself. These lofty spires are some of the tallest trees known in Oregon. This highly productive site also shelters a lush herbaceous community and abundant large logs and snags. A few interpretative signs explain features of old-growth forests.

This grove was greatly affected by an unusual low-elevation snowstorm in February, 2019 known locally as ‘snowmageddon’. Many old trees in this area and along the trail were felled by the heavy, wet snow, and the trail has been effectively closed since then. Thankfully, a worthy cadre of volunteers known as the Scorpions Trail Crew, re-opened the trail in May of 2023 restoring access to this unique stand.

A fun side-trip to the Little Cowhorn Lookout provides a practical companion hike to the short Tall Trees Trail. The lower slope is in a former clearcut, but there is a small patch of older trees near the top amid interesting rock pillars. Views from the top include the high Cascade peaks and many recent fires.

25 years of change

The February, 2019 snowstorm significantly affected this stand, opening up the canopy and adding to the large wood on the forest floor.

How to get there

Turn left (north) towards Lowell off of State Route 58 at the covered bridge, 20 miles southeast of Eugene. Continue through Lowell, turning left then right, and come to a four-way stop by the Unity covered bridge 2.5 miles later. Turn right on County Road 6204 (which becomes FR 18 at the national forest boundary) and follow it for about 10 ¾ miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 1817 less than a half mile past the Dolly Varden Campground. Follow FR 1817 for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto FR 1806. Follow FR 1806 downhill for 2 ¾ miles and turn left onto FR 427. Parking is on the right a half mile later.

To reach the Little Cowhorn trailhead, continue past FR 1806 on FR 1817 for another 1 ¾ miles to a large, open road junction. The trail departs to the right of the gated road on the left.