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Headwaters Forest Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 Google reviews · Running trail in Fortuna, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Headwaters Forest Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This sprawling forest reserve features hiking trails through old-growth redwood trees.
What runners say about Headwaters Forest Reserve
“The trails are well maintained and there is a decent size parking lot.”
“The paved walkway and scenic trail goes into green and quiet mixed botanical forest for 1 mile, then the unpaved trail continues along the Elk River Headwaters.”
“The paved walkway and scenic trail goes into green and quiet mixed botanical forest for 1 mile, then the unpaved trail continues along the Elk River Headwaters.”
Hiked the Elk River Trail and it was the most amazing, quiet, and serene hike I've ever been on. It made Redwoods National Park seem busy and touristy.
Always walk this Amazing trail of beauty & solitude. Rain or shine. Gorgeous to live where I live here in Humboldt.
Headwaters Forest Reserve is an amazing place and full of natural beauty! The Reserve is managed by the Bureau of Land Management in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The trails are well maintained and there is a decent size parking lot.
Trails for all levels of experience. Wide flat paved beginning visited by walkers, runners, strollers (yes the kind with babies in them) 🤣 For the more advanced and adventurous... the sidewalk ends at the one mile mark and it just gets more beautiful from there! I've only gone ~2 1\2 less or so.
Trail conditions & character
“The paved walkway and scenic trail goes into green and quiet mixed botanical forest for 1 mile, then the unpaved trail continues along the Elk River Headwaters.”
“The paved walkway and scenic trail goes into green and quiet mixed botanical forest for 1 mile, then the unpaved trail continues along the Elk River Headwaters.”
“The paved walkway and scenic trail goes into green and quiet mixed botanical forest for 1 mile, then the unpaved trail continues along the Elk River Headwaters.”
“Great place to walk the dog and paved trail that is wheelchair accessible”
“Wide flat paved beginning visited by walkers, runners, strollers (yes the kind with babies in them) 🤣 For the more advanced and adventurous.”
“The first mile is paved and there are nice resting spots along the 4 miles in, the last mile is pretty steep but definitely worth it.”
“The first three miles are a pretty low grade out and back, but the last five are a steeper grade with a loop at the end, passing through old growth on a much narrower trail.”
“The trails are well maintained and there is a decent size parking lot.”
Plan your run at Headwaters Forest Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance2.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone+1 707-825-2300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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