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Redwood is surrounded by outstanding natural resources. The bulk
of these side trips are located in the national forests which
border the park to the east.
Six Rivers National Forest: Established in 1947, this 1
million acre national forest effectively extends the wild corridor
of Redwood National Park. Of the 1 million acres, 137,000 acre
are still classified as old growth. While this may seem tragic,
when compared to most forest land, 137,000 acres of old growth
is quite good within the context of massive road building and
logging. Compare this with a similar sized national forest like
the Ottawa in Michigan and you begin to see why these numbers
begin to look impressive. The forest stretches 140 miles from
the Oregon border, just to the east of Redwood.
Six Rivers got its name from the outstanding rivers which snake
their way thorough the landscape. They are: The Smith River, the
Mad River, the Trinity River, the Klamath River, the Van Duzen
River and the Eel River.
Part of the Six Rivers National Forest is home to the Siskiyou
Wilderness. This wildland comprises 182,000 acres and can receive
up to 200 inches of rain annually on the higher western slopes.
The Siskiyou Mountains are indeed impressive, rising from the
low elevation valleys by 6,000 feet in some instances. The wilderness
is also home to rare species such as martin, fisher, wolverine,
northern spotted owl and the Roosevelt elk.
Tree species include Coast Douglas-fir, Whit Fir, Pacific madrone
and Tanoak
Six Rivers National Forest
1330 Bayshore Way
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-1721
5,000 feet high in Six Rivers National Forest.
Klamath National Forest: This massive, 1,737,774 acre national
forest was established on May 6, 1905. The Klamath is home to
ponderosa pine, white fir, incense cedar, Douglas fir and red
fir. 168,000 acres of the forest's vast expanse remain classified
as old growth. The Klamath borders the Six Rivers National Forest
on the east, and offers a drier climate, but also one of the most
diverse BioRegions in the U.S. The Marble Mountain Wilderness
and Russian Wilderness areas provide the largest variety of conifers
on earth. Elevations range from 450 feet to 8,900.
The Klamath is home to black bear, cougar, badger, coho salmon,
steelhead, elk, bald eagle, osprey and other watchable wildlife.
The rare northern goshawk calls the Klamath home, as do the northern
spotted owl and the olive-sided flycatchers. The Klamath is home
to five wilderness areas (which also share acreage with bordering
national forests).
Marble Mountain Wilderness - 250,000 acres of rugged, peaked terrain
and clear high mountain lakes and streams. This remarkable wilderness
ranges in elevation from 640 feet to 8,229 feet at Boulder Peak!
600 miles of trails await the eager hiker.
Trinity Alps wilderness - This is the second largest wilderness
in California. It was recognized in 1926 for its unique recreation
potential and was established in 1932 as a Primitive Area. Finally,
the wildland received official wilderness protection in 1984,
setting aside some 525,000 magnificent acres. The wilderness is
home to numerous wildflower displays. The highest portion of the
wilderness is Thompson Peak at 9,003 feet. Animals which roam
the wilderness include wolverine, black bear and cougar, along
with the animals mentioned in the main Klamath section above.
520 miles of trails await the avid hiker in this splendid wilderness.
Red Buttes Wilderness - 19,940 acres located on the California/Oregon
border. Elevations range from 2800 feet to 6,739 feet. Black-tailed
deer, black bear, cougar, peregrine falcons and osprey call the
area home. The Red Buttes are known for their striking red hue,
rushing creeks, small lakes and amazing biodiversity. There are
numerous species of conifer abundant in the wilderness.
Russian Wilderness - 12,000 acres established in 1984. Like other
wilderness areas in this national forest, the Russian offers outstanding
biodiversity. 17 conifer species exist in the wilderness, which
is unheard of. Elevations range from 2,500 feet to 8,196 feet
at Russian Peak. Wildlife is typical of the other wilderness areas
in the Klamath National Forest. The Russian Wilderness has 20
named lakes and numerous creeks.
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097-9549
(530) 842-6131
Shasta-Trinity National Forest: Massive. The largest national
forest in California. 2.2 million acres covering 6,278 miles of
rivers and streams, several hundred lakes, five wilderness areas
and the incredible, unbelievable Mount Shasta which rises to 14,162
feet.
Also included in the forest is Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir
in California.
The Shasta National Forest and Trinity National Forest were merged
in 1954. As with other northwestern California National Forests,
the biological diversity is at the highest level. Forest elevations
range from 1,000 feet to 14,162. The Shasta-Trinity is also home
to portions of five wilderness areas: Castle Crags, Chanchellulla,
Mount Shasta, Trinity Alps and the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel.
Castle Crags - 12,232 acres north of Redding. Elevations vary
from 2,500 feet to 7,300 feet. Unique spires and sharp relief
are the main feature of this wilderness, along with abundant rainfall,
vast biodiversity.
Chanchellulla - 8,200 acres with a maximum elevation of 6,399
feet. The wilderness is known for steep, rugged terrain, fishers,
black bears and mountain lions. The wilderness is also home to
the northern spotted owl.
Mount Shasta - This magnificent 38,200 acre wilderness protects
most of the towering Mount Shasta. This behemoth rises some 10,000
feet over the valley floor, surpassing even the majestic rises
of the Rocky Mountains. Even more stunning, Shasta is not connected
to any other mountains, rising up solitary over the endless northern
California forest. Mount Shasta also contains the Wintun Glacier,
which is the lowest elevation glacier in the state. This popular
wilderness area should not be missed. We've seen a lot of mountains,
and Shasta may be hands down the single most impressive.
Trinity Alps - See the Klamath National Forest section.
Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel - Officially protected in 1964, this 180,877
acre wilderness is managed by several national forests. Elevations
range from 2,700 feet to 8,092 feet at Mount Linn.
This rugged wilderness protects the headwaters of the Eel (Wild
and Scenic River), Mad river and the South Fork of the Trinity
River (Wild and Scenic River). Wildlife is similar to other northern
California national forests and parks.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest Headquarters
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002
(530) 226-2500
(530) 226-2490 (TDD)
Crater Lake National Park: This fantastic 183,000 acre parks
lies 130 miles from Redwood. Crater
Lake is one of Parkcamper's feature parks. Click the
link to read more.
Lassen National Park: This beautiful 106,000 acre volcanic
park is 180 miles from Redwood. This park will be posted shortly
on Parkcamper.com. Truly a fantastic place.
Another view from Six Rivers National Forest.
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