Bureau of Land Management offers free events, hikes this summer at Headwaters Forest Reserve

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A lush green forest with a creek flowing through.

ARCATA, Calif. – Outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Headwaters Forest Reserve this spring and summer, with free guided walks and events sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and a partner group, Friends of Headwaters. Events are as follows:

  • Bird Walk, Saturday, April 30. Wildlife biologist Ken Burton will lead a one-mile round trip walk on the Elk River trail to focus on identifying native and migratory birds. Participants will learn to identify various bird songs throughout the tour. Birds are often heard, but not seen, in the riparian corridor of Elk River. Participants should meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Elk River Trailhead.
  • Native Plant Walk, Friday, May 20. Botanist Crystal Welch of the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office will lead a three-mile, two-hour walk on the new South Side Trail, presenting information and pointing out Headwaters’ native plants. Participants should meet at 10 a.m. at the Elk River Trailhead.
  • Nature Writing Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 20. North Coast writer Jerry Martien will lead the hour-long session starting at 1 p.m. at the Headwaters Education Center, about a half-mile down the Elk River Trail from the trailhead. Martien will guide participants through his process of “listening” to nature and “translating” what is heard into poetry and prose. Participants should meet at the education center.

To reach the Elk River Trailhead take the Elk River exit from Highway 101 at the south end of Eureka and turn onto Elk River Road. Drive about six miles to the Elk River Trailhead parking area.

The BLM also announced that it is now accepting reservations for free, docent-led hikes on the Salmon Pass Trail at the south end of the reserve. Hikes are scheduled for the third Sunday of each month from May to November. Hikers can reserve an outing by calling the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.

The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve was established in 1999 after a decade-long grassroots effort to protect the world’s last unprotected, intact, old-growth redwood forest ecosystem. Several threatened species, including coho salmon, the northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet benefit from the reserve’s habitat.

Information on Headwaters history, resources and recreation access is available by visiting https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/headwaters-forest-reserve.

Information is also available by contacting the Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.