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Millennium-old redwoods and abundant wildlife make this quick loop a great trail.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Point to Point

149' 46 m

High

104' 32 m

Low

45' 14 m

Up

46' 14 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly Kids will lose their minds trying to comprehend the sheer scale of this area's redwoods.

Description

Journey along the Simpson-Reed Trail for a magical experience amidst trees that have been alive since the world was being conquered by the likes of Genghis Khan and the Roman Empire.

Starting at the trailhead, follow the trail east as it meanders through age-old redwoods underlain by a rich forest of (relatively) young hemlock, deciduous trees, and shrubby undergrowth. Along your journey, keep your eyes peeled for fish eddying in pools afforded by fallen redwoods that have altered the river's flow.

About halfway around the loop, the trail reaches a series of 2 junctions with the Peterson Memorial Trail. If you're inclined to extend your experience in this area's redwoods, take the Peterson Memorial Trail loop east. Otherwise, continue following the Simpson-Reed Trail back to the "stem" of the lollipop and back to the car.

Flora & Fauna

While on your journey, expect to see a variety of plant and animal species, including redwoods, hemlocks, ferns, huckleberries, rough-skinned newts, red-legged frogs, and an array of fish and bugs.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#10561

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#976

in California

#10,561

Overall
2 Views Last Month
533 Since Dec 21, 2016
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

Huge root partially exposed
Oct 20, 2021 near Bertsch…, CA
Huge fallen tree near the parking area.
Oct 20, 2021 near Bertsch…, CA
Banana slug
Oct 20, 2021 near Bertsch…, CA
Limited parking, but it was sufficient for an early August weekday.
Oct 20, 2021 near Bertsch…, CA
Giant trees to climb on and explore.
Oct 20, 2021 near Bertsch…, CA

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Sep 17, 2023
Steve Schildwachter
Jul 28, 2022
ERIN CUNNINGHAM
12h 41m
Jun 26, 2022
Zachary Troyer
Oct 20, 2021
Keri Chipman
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May 16, 2021
Kristy Van
Sep 26, 2018
Kevin Lewis
Jun 24, 2018
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Apr 4, 2017
Jared Stewart
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