Arcata Field Office

Headwaters Forest Reserve General Guidelines

Hikers on the Elk River Trail

Please observe these rules while enjoying you're time in the Headwaters Forest Reserve:

  • The Reserve is open from sunrise to sunset for day use only.
  • Entry on the southern end of the Reserve, via the Felt Springs Road, is by guided hike only, May 15 through November 15, depending on weather. All other times, public access to the southern end of the Reserve is not allowed.
  • Dogs must be under voice control of the owner at all times, or on a leash. Dogs are only allowed on the Elk River Corridor Trail.
  • Pedestrian access is allowed only on designated trails.
  • Bicycles are allowed from the Elk River parking area to the posted turn-around, approximately 3 miles on the Elk River Corridor Trail. Bicycles must stay on the trail at all times.
  • Motorized access is not allowed.
  • Equestrian use is not allowed.
  • Discharge or use of firearms (including bows) is not allowed.
  • Hunting is not allowed.
  • Camping is not allowed, either by day or night.
  • Campfires, campstoves, grills, or fireworks are not allowed.
  • Swimming is not allowed.
  • Vegetation Gathering is not allowed
  • To avoid attracting predators, such as crows, ravens, or jays, to sensitive wildlife areas, pack out ALL trash including banana peels, orange peels, and apple cores.

Headwaters Links

Public Access

Elk River Trailhead

Salmon Pass Trailhead

General Use Guidelines

Management Plan

Headwaters Home Page