We're Heading To Headwaters! Come Hike With Us! GREAT For New Members!

Join us south of Eureka in Headwaters on the Elk River Trail! This 6 mile trail is an easy to moderate out and back with a 195 ft elevation gain following the south fork of the Elk River through regenerating redwood and maple forest. The trail is mostly flat, with a few gradual inclines, and will pass through rerouted trail sections created after recent landslides. Along the way we’ll see evidence of the 1884 logging town of Falk, and the restoration work being done in this historic forest reserve.

Bring water, snacks, layers, and if it's been raining, shoes that don’t mind a bit of mud! We'll shoot for a 20 minute mile, and will stop on the bridge at the turnaround point for a short snack/beverage break.

There is a seasonal section that we'll add if it's open. It won't add much time, but it will add beauty and additional scenery! I'll update closer to the event.

We'll meet at the picnic tables right on the trailhead near the bathrooms. Check the event photos for a picture of our meeting spot.

Cell service on the way there and in the parking lot is hit or miss. Please make note of this, check the chat before you head out, and keep your rsvp up to date!

This parking lot fills up fast, so carpooling is encouraged.

Leashed dogs welcomed with extra hugs. Voice control dogs are allowed out here, so heads, and paws, up!

This trail is notorious for last minute weather-related closures, so keep your eye on the chat prior to the event page. I'll be out there the day before and will update everyone. Sprinkles add ambience, rain cancels.

Directions to the trailhead parking lot: It isn't hard to find, I promise, but Google Maps calls it Loleta and that tends to trip people up.

The trailhead is about a 15 minute drive from highway 101. From Eureka, head south on Highway 101 then take exit 702, the Herrick Ave/Elk River Rd. exit. Turn left on Herrick, drive 0.1 miles, and turn right onto Elk RIver Road. Follow Elk River Rd. as it turns right at 1.6 miles and again 3.3 miles farther. Continue to the end of the road where you’ll find the parking lot and trailhead. Using Google Maps? Use Headwaters Forest Reserve as your destination.