A stroll through old growth in Willamette National Forest
Journey into Hackleman Old Growth Grove. Through these ancient woods, each step becomes a testament to the urgent need to Save Oregon's Oldest Trees for generations to come.
From House Rock to Browder Ridge and Cone Peak to Iron Mountain, the Willamette National Forest has plenty of opportunities to explore some of Oregon’s oldest trees. Hackleman Creek Old Growth Trail is an easy, self-guided interpretive trail drawing a visitor’s attention to the special features of old-growth habitat.
This short trail, a 1.2-mile loop with a compacted gravel wheelchair-accessible option, sits just off the side of Highway 20, forty miles east of Sweet Home, OR. It serves as a sanctuary of biodiversity, a testament to the resilience of Oregon’s old-growth forests. During a recent stroll (in early May), a good portion of the trail was either covered in snow or waterlogged. But looking forward to going back in late June or July, when it’s warmer and the wildflowers start popping up, feels pretty exciting.
As one meanders along the path, time seems to suspend itself, enveloping the traveler in a sacred silence occasionally broken by whispers of ancient giants swaying in the breeze, the bubbling of Hackleman Creek, or the hum of a passing car. Towering Douglas firs, some 400 to 500 years old, reach skyward, their thick bark weathered by centuries, while their branches form a canopy filtering sunlight into a gentle, green-hued glow, nurturing plants such as vanilla leaf, bracken fern, huckleberry, and vine maple that thrive in the forest understory.
Decaying logs, slowly releasing elements back into the soil and serving as nurse logs for new growth, dot the landscape. Additionally, numerous dead yet standing trees provide habitat for a myriad of species, including the Pileated Woodpecker.
In the tranquil beauty of Hackleman Old Growth Grove, the urgency of preserving Oregon’s oldest trees becomes tangible. These arboreal giants are not just symbols of bygone eras but living witnesses to the interconnected web of life sustaining our planet. With every step through these majestic woods, one can’t help but feel a profound responsibility to ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the timeless splendor of Oregon’s ancient forests.
Before you go
Call or stop by the Sweet Home Ranger Station and pick up an interpretive guide and get an update on current conditions and permitting.
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Authors
Justin Boyles
Conservation Advocate, Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center
As the Conservation Advocate for Environment Oregon, Justin runs our campaign to protect and restore Oregon’s special places and the myriad wildlife that call them home. Justin has worked on campaigns to protect the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, clean up superfund sites along the Willamette River and promote solar energy in Oregon. In recent years, he was part of the Public Interest Network’s Creative and Editorial team where he developed campaign logos and materials connected to dozens of campaigns, turned deep-dive research into digestible interactive features for our websites, and created myriad tools for campaigns to help win real results for the environment and the public interest. Justin lives in Portland with his children where they regularly explore the diversity that Oregon’s environment has to offer: From the coast to the high desert and the many amazing rivers, lakes, forests and mountains in between.
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