Old growth forests in southern Oregon

Mature and old growth forests are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate regulation. They provide habitat for numerous species, maintain water quality, and support ecosystem resilience. Their complex structures and rich soils enhance environmental health, making them crucial for sustaining ecological balance and combating climate change. Established in 1908, Umpqua National Forest covers nearly a million acres in Southern Oregon. The forest played a significant role in the timber industry and conservation efforts, balancing recreation and resource extraction with preserving its natural beauty and ecological significance.

Lake in the Woods campground

Located in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest near Glide, OR, Lake in the Woods campground offers serene beauty and diverse outdoor activities. Situated by the tranquil Lake in the Woods, this area provides opportunities for camping, fishing and swimming with access to multiple short trails leading to a variety of waterfalls. The campground features close to a dozen, first-come-first-served campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat in a picturesque setting.

From this campground, there are multiple trailheads which lead to a 0.8 mi hike to the fanning 50-foot Yakso Falls where the water is deep enough at the base for a chilly swim, a 0.6 mi hike to the winding 40-foot Hemlock Falls, as well as a two-mile stretch of Hemlock Trail with views of Tributary Falls and Clover Falls as Hemlock Creek makes its way from Hemlock Lake to the much smaller Lake in the Woods.

While driving on Little River Rd. to access this campground, I highly recommend taking a less than 7 mile road to access a 0.3 mi trail to 45-foot Grotto Falls, which is not only an amazing falls you can stand behind, but also features a 300-400 year old tree more than 6 feet in diameter.

Our forests are worth more standing

For decades, Environment Oregon and our allies have worked to protect federal forests, wildlife, and watersheds. The coalition of individuals and organizations that have come together to form the Climate Forests Campaign aim to conserve mature and old growth forests on federal lands, a vital, cost-effective climate solution — and so much more. 

We need strong public support from Oregon to urge President Biden to protect mature and old-growth forests like this area in Umpqua National Forest as well as throughout federal forest lands in Oregon and across the country. Timber interests will lobby against us, aiming to keep logging these irreplaceable areas. It’s crucial that all supporters join our campaign to safeguard these vital forests.

Hiking Yellowjacket Loop 

Just down the road from Lake in the Woods campground are two additional campgrounds on the edges of the 28-acre Hemlock Lake. From here, there is also a wonderful six-mile loop hike through intact mature and old growth forests of mostly Silver and Douglas Fir, meadows popping with wildflowers and a large swath of landscape recovering from a large-scale wildfire.

We joined Oregon Wild’s Senior Conservation Director Charda LeGue and other Oregonians on a guided hike on the Yellowjacket loop trail. Chandra’s knowledge of the history of the area, her ability to identify several tree and wildflower species, and company made for an educational and refreshing afternoon connecting with nature and each other.

Interested in going on a guided hike in your area?

As Environment Oregon’s Conservation Advocate and lover of all kinds of outdoor adventures, I would love to have you along on a future excursion. Please let me know if you would be interested in joining me to explore any of what Oregon’s environment has to offer, from the coast to the high desert or the many forests, mountains, rivers and lakes in between. Send me an email at [email protected] to let me know.