Old-Growth Forest Hikes Near Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew Big Trees and Old-Growth Forests

Known as the “Tall Trees Capital of Canada,” Port Renfrew is located on the edge of southwestern Vancouver Island in Pacheedaht territory. This small coastal community and its superlative forests are a relatively easy day trip from Victoria, BC, via a two-hour drive along Highway 14.

The ancient forests that once dominated the Port Renfrew region pre-European colonization were among the greatest forests on Earth. However, despite more than a century of intense old-growth logging, the region is still home to many of the biggest trees and most spectacular old-growth groves that remain in Canada.

The Port Renfrew Big Trees Map provides directions to the most significant trees, groves, and parks in this beautiful area, as well as key local businesses. Included are detailed driving directions to the Red Creek Fir (the world’s largest Douglas-fir tree), San Juan Spruce, Harris Creek Spruce, Big Lonely Doug (Canada’s second-largest Douglas-fir), and more!

If you’re interested in visiting these record-sized trees and old-growth groves, check out the map and see the various writeups and photos below!

Where can I see the biggest trees near Port Renfrew?

Red Creek Fir

The Red Creek Fir is the largest-known Douglas-fir tree on Earth. Towering at a staggering 242 ft (73.8 m) tall and 14 ft (4.2 m) wide, this colossal tree is likely over a thousand years old given its size.

This tree grows in the San Juan Valley, about an hour’s drive from Port Renfrew. It stands in a small grove of old-growth forest that also includes a magnificent trio of enormous redcedars nicknamed “The Three Guardians.” Visiting this ancient giant is a pilgrimage to one of the world’s most magnificent trees!

Note: The drive here involves much travel on winding logging roads. Vehicles with good tires and clearance should be used while following the most current driving directions on the Big Trees Map.

Red Creek Fir Map
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San Juan Spruce

The San Juan Spruce was formerly the largest Sitka spruce tree in Canada, and the second largest in the world, but in recent years storms have damaged its crown, reducing its overall size considerably. Still half alive, this tree remains a magnificent, storm-battered giant. Located on the banks of the San Juan River about 35 minutes from Port Renfrew, this enormous tree measures 12 ft (3.6 m) in diameter and is 205 (62 m) feet tall. The surrounding bigleaf maple trees, with their shaggy moss-draped branches, are sure to impress, while the nearby river makes for a great picnic spot.

Note: The Recreation Site has been deactivated, but walk-in access is still permitted. Visitors should be comfortable walking through a deep ditch to access the site.

San Juan Spruce Map

Harris Creek Spruce

The Harris Creek Spruce grows alongside the highway from Lake Cowichan to Port Renfrew. This massive, moss-covered spruce tree is 4 metres wide and approximately 80 metres tall. This colossal tree is the most easily accessible giant spruce on Vancouver Island and has become a must-see along the Pacific Marine Circle Route. The Harris Creek Spruce sits in a second-growth forest and towers majestically above the surrounding trees. The original old-growth forest was first logged in 1893, yet this individual tree was spared, possibly due to its impressive size.

Harris Creek Map
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Big Lonely Doug

​​Big Lonely Doug is the second largest Douglas-fir tree in Canada. Only the Red Creek Fir growing in the San Juan Valley nearby is bigger. Doug measures roughly 12 ft (4 m) in diameter and 216 ft (66 m) tall to a broken top. The tree was once a part of the unprotected Eden Grove until the surrounding old-growth forest was clearcut in 2012, leaving Doug alone in a field of massive stumps. Since then, Big Lonely Doug has become a national symbol of both the incredible grandeur and unfortunate destruction of old-growth forests. Be sure to give Doug a hug when you visit.

Good balance is necessary to navigate the rough and slippery footpath that leads down through the old clearcut to the base of Big Lonely Doug.

Note: Most vehicles can make the drive along the Gordon Mainline from Port Renfrew until the second bridge over the Gordon River. As the road heads uphill from here, it becomes extremely rough. Even 4×4 vehicles with good clearance may find it challenging. Most people now park at the start of the hill by the bridge or at this small pullout and walk the final 2 km, which takes about 10–20 minutes on the logging road.

Big Lonely Doug Map

Where can I see old-growth forests near Port Renfrew?

Avatar Grove

Temporarily closed.

The trails in Avatar Grove are temporarily closed for the foreseeable future while Rec Sites and Trails BC undertakes a trail revitalization project. Beloved by many, Avatar is famed for its burly redcedar trees and giant Douglas-firs. It was protected in 2012 after a two-year campaign led by Ancient Forest Alliance with support from the local Chamber of Commerce. We hope the trails will re-open as soon as possible for the public to enjoy!

Photos of Avatar Grove
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Eden Grove

Adjacent to Big Lonely Doug is the stunning Eden Grove, an unprotected tract of towering redcedars and Douglas-fir trees, the largest of which reach over 13 feet (4 meters) wide. A short trail (15 mins) with boardwalk sections winds through the woods, giving visitors an incredible view of one of the finest remaining lowland old-growth forests in the country.

Note: Most vehicles can make the drive along Gordon Mainline until the second bridge over the Gordon River. As the road heads uphill, it becomes extremely rough. Even 4×4 vehicles with good clearance may find it challenging. Most people now park at the start of the hill by the bridge or at this small pullout and walk the final 2 km which takes about roughly 20 minutes on the logging road.

Eden Grove Map

Jurassic Grove

This easily accessible old-growth grove looks as prehistoric as the mystical films it’s named after. Located just off the West Coast Road (Hwy 14) between Jordan River and Port Renfrew, Jurassic Grove is an enchanting yet unprotected forest that boasts towering western redcedar, Sitka spruce and Douglas-fir trees.

The trail from the road into the trees takes about 10 minutes and is of easy-moderate difficulty. The first section of the trail is through a younger second-growth forest. When you encounter the first giant cedar, take a small fork going left from the main trail (the main trail leads down to Chin Beach). A minute to two later you should find yourself in an exceptional grove of ancient cedars with a small section of boardwalk and a bench. Enjoy!

Jurassic Grove Map

Hiking is a very enjoyable and healthy activity. However, trails can pose many dangers for people who are not adequately prepared. Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) provides these hiking guides for reference purposes only. Under no circumstances shall AFA, its officers, directors, or employees be held liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information obtained through our website. AFA does not warrant that any trail descriptions or other content of this website are accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which AFA shall not be liable.

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Address

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Victoria, B.C. V8W 1J6

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The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is a registered charitable organization working to protect BC’s endangered old-growth forests and to ensure a sustainable, value-added, second-growth forest industry.

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AFA’s office is located on the territories of the Lekwungen Peoples, also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
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