You'll Have A Hard Time Hugging The Massive Trees At Oregon's Valley Of The Giants
By Catherine Armstrong|Published December 23, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Calling all nature lovers and tree huggers! Oregon’s Valley of the Giants is a beautiful place to see some truly incredible old-growth Douglas fir and Western hemlock. This spot is kind of remote and can be tricky to find, but once you’re here, you’ll fall in love. Just don’t try to hug these giants – you’ll never get your arms around them!
A trip to Valley of the Giants is not for the faint of heart. It's a long, bumpy ride on a network of logging roads, but once you finally arrive you'll see that the journey was worth the hassle.
Directions to the Valley of the Giants can be fairly confusing, so we encourage you to contact the Bureau of Land Management's Northwest Oregon Office for mile-by-mile directions. Call them at 503-375-5646.
To explore the 51-acre area, take the 1.5-mile loop trail. It's an easy trail that takes you right past some of the largest trees you'll ever see. Cross the pretty footbridge, and you'll be right at the base of the trees.
These Western hemlock and Douglas fir trees are absolutely massive! Some of the largest are bigger than 20 feet in circumference. Even the most devout tree hugger can't get his arms around these giants.
The largest tree here was thought to be as many as 600 years old, and it was 35 feet in circumference. Nicknamed "Big Guy" it was felled during a windstorm in the 1980s.
Valley of the Giants is a Bureau of Land Management Outstanding Natural Area, and in addition to its impressive, old-growth trees, it's also home to the Siletz River, and many animals and plants.
Please practice Leave No Trace Principles during your visit. Stay on the trail to protect the forest's soil, animals, and plants, and pack out everything you pack in.
