Massive cedar, Teal Slough (bobcat)

Trail junction, Teal Slough (bobcat)

Ancient cedar, Teal Slough (bobcat)

The short route to the ancient cedars at Teal Slough (not a GPS track) (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo

• Start point: Teal Slough Trailhead
• End point: Teal Slough Ancient Cedars
• Hike Type: In and out
• Distance: 0.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 310 feet
• High Point: 295 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seasons: All year
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

Most of the huge old growth western red-cedars fell victim to loggers’ saws long ago; cedar wood was also much prized by Native Americans for its durability and resistance to insect damage. This forested slope at the northern tip of the Bear River Ridge in the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge protects a handful of the remaining giants, massive in girth if not height, that were spared because of deformities. The woodland also protects endangered spotted owls and marbled murrelets. An adjoining property, purchased by the Nature Conservancy, also contains a number of old growth cedars.

Walk up past the gate on the graveled logging road. This dense secondary forest is dominated by western red-cedar, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. Before a road junction, look for a brown post with a hiker symbol on it. Go left on this trail, which leads along an overgrown logging spur. You will note much elk sign here. As the trail drops, look to the left for ancient cedars. One is a multi-trunked wonder; another sends a labyrinth of roots down a slope. The trail ends on the edge of a drop at an ancient giant with a massive trunk at least 12 feet across.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder
• Teal Slough Trail (Willapa National Wildlife Refuge)

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• No pets allowed: National Wildlife Refuge
• Don't block the gate at the trailhead

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Teal Slough Hike

• Willapa Bay Walks

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Teal Slough Hike

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• none

More Links

• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
• Teal Slough (Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge)
• Teal Slough (Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition)
• "Impassioned by the plight of ancient trees, one man made a difference" (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
• Group Saves Ancient Cedars At Willapa Bay (Seattle Times)
• "Out & About: Find big trees at Teal Slough Trail" (Coast Weekend)
• “Group Saves Ancient Cedars at Willapa Bay” (Seattle Times)
• Ellsworth Creek Preserve (Nature Conservancy)

Contributors

• bobcat (creator)