Quartz Creek Old Growth Trees
The Quartz Creek old growth trees are one of those
rare patches of great trees that are still standing. This location is additionally
blessed in that it receives very little human traffic. This is a place where one can
linger in an undeveloped old growth forest, often in complete or nearly complete privacy.
The loop trail takes you through towering ancient Douglas
fir and Western red cedar. The trail is barrier-free and is ideal for hikers of all ages and
abilities. Giant Douglas fir trees, some 10 feet or more across (diameter at breast height)
and up to 750 years old are found here. When walking through this cool, dark forest
you might find it difficult to believe Quartz Creek is just 1 mile from the devastated
forest in the Mt. St. Helen's volcanic blast area. |
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Directions to the Quartz Creek Old Growth Trees
From Randle, Washington, take forest road 25 south to the junction
of forest road 26. Take Forest Road 26 south from the junction with Forest Road 25 for 8 miles
and then turn onto Forest Road 2608. Follow this gravel road for 1 mile to the trail head.
(Road 26 is a paved, single-lane road with turn outs. Trailers and RV's are not recommended).
Maps and Road Conditions to the Quart Creek Old Growth Trees
The contact information for the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
is listed below. Always check road conditions before driving in. The roads can be blocked by
snow in the winter and may be damaged by flooding and down trees in the spring. The elevation in the
area is around 2000 to 3000 feet.
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
10024 US Hwy. 12
PO Box 670
Randle, WA 98377
Phone: 360-497-1100
You should obtain from the forest service:
- A Cowlitz Valley Ranger District Map (showing the roads and hiking trails)
- A Northern Gifford Pinchot National Forest Trail Guide
- A Northwest Forest Pass (to park at the trail heads)
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The Quartz Creek Old Growth Trees site has a single pit toilet, a
one half mile interpretive trail through the trees and a single parking / camping spot that will
hold 2-3 cars.
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