Headwaters Forest Reserve
RV Guide

Biking enthusiasts are able to enjoy themselves riding around the Headwaters Forest Reserve areas. In particular, the use of bicycles is permitted from the Elk River parking area along the Elk River Corridor Trail for three miles to the posted turn-around. All riders are required to stay on the trail at all times.

Opportunities are also open to mountain bikers to ride along hundreds of miles of roads and trails provided at the nearby Six Rivers National Forest. Prepare to ride along hilly and rocky trails that wind through open grasslands and pine forests.

Ornithologists and pleasure bird watchers have a fun time at Headwaters Forest Reserve, owing to the various species of birds that roam the skies above the BLM property. These birds that abound in the various park areas offer good opportunities to take photographs. Some of those you will definitely see in the park include widespread birds such as thrushes, chickadees, and woodpeckers, as well as species of concern such as marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl.

Humboldt Bay is also an internationally significant area for migratory birds, so visitors at Headwaters Forest Reserve often take short trips to view the birds in that region.

Two hiking trails are available within Headwaters Forest Reserve – the Elk River Trail, and the Salmon Pass Trail.

Elk River Trail takes hikers along the Elk River's south fork for three miles, before ascending through a stretch of old-growth redwood forest for two miles. As you stroll along this trail, look out for interpretive signs that illustrate the history of Falk along the first mile.

Salmon Pass Trail is only open by guided tour and takes hikers through resplendent redwood forest in the southern areas of the forest reserve.

Although hunting is not allowed within Headwaters Forest Reserve, hunting enthusiasts can pursue their interest at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, just northwest of the reserve. Ensure you possess the required licenses and abide by the hunting regulations in effect in the State.

Huntable game in the refuge includes snipe, geese, coots, ducks, and waterfowl. The use of trained retrievers is recommended when hunting so that you don’t lose too many birds. When you’re done, pack out whatever you packed in and leave no litter behind.

Anglers do not miss out on the opportunity to test their fishing skills when they visit Headwaters Forest Reserve. This is due to the proximity to Eel River which makes its way through the redwood groves in the region.

Fish species available in the river include steelhead, rainbow trout, and salmon. These have been listed as endangered within the river. As a result, the river is sometimes closed to fishing, so anglers need to be aware of open seasons, closed seasons and fishing regulations.

A lot of history is found at and around the Headwaters Forest Reserve, particularly in terms of human occupation. Just one mile from the Elk River Trailhead is the site where the town named Falk sat between 1884 and 1937.

This bustling mill town was a ghost town for two decades before the buildings were razed in 1979. Along the interpretive trail in this BLM park, visitors can learn about the remnants of the town. The Headwaters Education Center is another facility that enlightens guests about the history of the area.