Pilgrimage to the Past: Oregon’s Hidden Groves of Ancient Trees Worth Discovering
Oregon is a nature lover’s paradise, with snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, and high desert expanses. But the crowning glory? It has to be the ancient trees, grand old sentinels who stand as silent witnesses to countless seasons. Hidden away in tucked corners of the state, these grandeur groves beckon the adventurous spirit.1. Eagle Creek Forest Reserve
As you wind your way up the Eagle Creek River trail, the cacophony of city life boils down to a quiet hush. Here, the trees tower overhead and create a supreme canopy that only hints at the golden sunlight outside. Want to see the most majestic Oregon Whitewood pine? Keep an eye for Metlako falls. It’s a local secret that the oldest ones grow near water bodies.2. Mount Hood National Forest
As Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood is dotted with ancient Douglas Firs and Ponderosa Pines. The Lost Lake campground is the perfect base to explore these grandfathers of the forest. And don’t miss the famed ‘Bennett Pass Road’. It’s unmarked, ask any local at Hood River, they’ll point the way.3. Valley of the Giants
Hidden west of Salem, in the Oregon Coast Range, is the tucked-away oasis, Valley of the Giants. This grove is home to some of the oldest and tallest Douglas-firs and Hemlocks in the state. No GPS will help you reach here. Just follow the Siletz River upstream, and yes, carry a good pair of binoculars for the eagles.
4. Fall Creek Ancient Forest
A few miles southeast of Eugene, Fall Creek Ancient Forest houses unlogged groves of towering old-growth Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedar. Replete with mossy rock outcrops and fern-filled hollows, this grove is a fairytale come alive. The generous Oregon rains? They make the ferns greener.5. Wild Rogue Wilderness
If you’re near Grants Pass, the words ‘Zane Grey trail’ should resonate with you. It’s a journey that circles deep around Eden Valley, into Wild Rogue Wilderness. Keep a keen eye out for the windswept Brewer Spruce and stately Port Orford Cedars.6. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Oregon’s best-kept secret, Cape Perpetua, is nestled in the heart of the coastal rainforest. From the ancient Sitka spruces that appear to touch the sky to the rhythmic dance of wave-sculpted rocks at Thor’s Well, it’s the stuff of wild, serene dreams. Tip: the winding road climb to the overlook is worth every heart-stopping curve.7. Ashland’s Lithia Park
In Southern Oregon, Ashland’s Lithia Park is a slice of heaven where city meets wilderness. Start the hike at the lower duck pond, and the path will lead you through massive Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Fir. Tree geeks, look for the single Ginkgo tree near the Japanese garden. It’s been around longer than the park itself.8. Old Growth Trail, Tillamook State Forest
This trail is an easy stroll and takes you on a journey through the epic Tillamook Burn and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s reforestation story. Ask for the small trailhead opening near Milepost 22, on Highway 6. It leads to a stand of untouched, old-growth Douglas-fir trees.9. Opal Creek Wilderness
Opal Creek Wilderness is a vivid testimony of untouched wilderness. The dazzling turquoise water slithers past 1,000-year-old Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. Start at Jawbone Flats, an abandoned mining settlement, and you’ll find this improbable Eden.10. Cascade Head Preserve
Nature Conservancy’s Cascade Head Preserve on the Northern Oregon coast is home to the 350-year-old Sitka spruce trees. The hike up to the headland will reward you with sweeping coastal views cradled by these gentle, ancient giants.The lure of Oregon’s ancient trees is irresistible. Experiencing their timeless majesty firsthand is an experience that words find hard to express. So, pull on your hiking boots, pack up your love for nature, and step outdoors. The silent whisper of these ancient trees awaits your visit. There’s old wisdom to be heard, if only you listen.