Oregon’s Hidden Treasures: 10 Spectacular Groves of Ancient Trees Worth Visiting

Oregon’s diverse landscapes never cease to amaze, especially when it comes to its ancient trees. Tucked away in the corners of state parks and beyond the beaten path, lie some truly mesmerizing groves of old-growth trees that have stood the test of time. Here are ten must-visit groves in Oregon that will offer a nature-filled journey back in time.

1. The Giant Spruce of Cape Perpetua

Located inside the stunning Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, south of Yachats, this enormous Sitka Spruce is estimated to be about 500 to 600 years old. The drive along Highway 101 offers unparalleled ocean views, giving way to a rewarding forest hike that leads straight to this natural wonder.

2. Grove of the Patriarchs – Mount Rainier National Park

Take a slight detour over the border and into neighboring Washington to explore the Grove of the Patriarchs. A picturesque footbridge over the Ohanapecosh River leads you to these ancient Douglas fir and western red cedar trees, some of which are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

3. Eagle Creek’s Ancient Forest

The Eagle Creek trail, located in the Columbia River Gorge, is home to a gorgeous ancient forest complete with towering Douglas Firs and Western Hemlocks. Be sure to visit the famous Punch Bowl Falls along the way.

4. The Ghost Forest of Neskowin Beach

Offering a different kind of ancient tree experience in the Tillamook County, this beach is home to petrified tree stumps, remnants of a forest swept away by a massive earthquake and tsunami around 2,000 years ago.

5. Cathedral Grove – Wonderwood Park

Located right near Lacey, the Cathedral Grove in Wonderwood Park is a peaceful sanctuary of towering douglas-fir trees. It’s a perfect spot for a family picnic, with play areas and horseshoe pits available too.

6. Elk Creek’s Old Growth Forest

Add hiking the Elk Creek Trail in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to your bucket list. Not only will you be surrounded by jaw-dropping old-growth forest, but the turquoise waters and the nearby waterfall make this a truly serene experience.

7. Fall Creek’s Ancient Forest

As you journey through the Willamette National Forest, the path cuts a varied path through lush old growth forest filled with massive Douglas-firs, western red cedars, and maples. Spend a sunny day following the Fall Creek trail, with plenty of stops for bird-watching and picnicking by the creek.

8. Valley of the Giants

Tucked away west of Salem, this remote grove houses gigantic Douglas Firs and Hemlock trees, some stand over 200 feet tall. The terrain can be tough, so be sure to research and prepare well in advance. But the stunning forestry, rarely seen by human eyes, is worth the effort.

9. Opal Creek Ancient Forest

This 3,000+ acres wilderness in the Willamette National Forest has been preserved since the 15th century, with trees dating back to the Roman Empire. You’ll marvel at the imposing Douglas firs while exploring the numerous hiking trails.

10. The Redwoods of the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest

While the famous Redwoods of California get most of the attention, Oregon has a little-known grove of its own. The Oregon Redwoods Trail in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest introduces visitors to towering 800-year-old coastal redwoods, a unique occurrence being this far north.

The Beaver State has a rich tapestry of ancient trees carefully woven over the course of millennia. So, get out there, breathe in that fresh Oregon air, and stand in the company of these towering time capsules of our living history. Be you a history buff, science enthusiast, or just an admirer of earth’s natural wonders, these forests have many tales to share and many memories for you to make.