Salmon Pass Trail Docent Guided Hiking Tours
The seasonal, reservation-only Salmon Pass Trail passes 3 miles round-trip through spectacular old-growth and second-growth redwood forest on the south side of the Headwaters Forest Reserve. Visitors can register for free docent-guided hikes from May through November.
The hike lasts 3-4 hours and is moderately strenuous, with a continuous 240 ft climb up switchbacks to the Salmon Pass ridgeline, and 360 ft of elevation change overall. Hikes begin at 10 or 11 am depending on the date.
Hikes are limited to 12 people. Registered hikers meet in Fortuna and caravan to the Salmon Pass Trailhead. High clearance, all wheel drive, and carpooling with other registered hikers is encouraged.
The seasonal, reservation-only Salmon Pass Trail passes 3 miles round-trip through spectacular old-growth and second-growth redwood forest on the south side of the Headwaters Forest Reserve. Visitors can register for free docent-guided hikes from May through November.
The hike lasts 3-4 hours and is moderately strenuous, with a continuous 240 ft climb up switchbacks to the Salmon Pass ridgeline, and 360 ft of elevation change overall. Hikes begin at 10 or 11 am depending on the date.
Hikes are limited to 12 people. Registered hikers meet in Fortuna and caravan to the Salmon Pass Trailhead. High clearance, all wheel drive, and carpooling with other registered hikers is encouraged.
Need to Know
- Seasons and Tour Availability
Salmon Pass Trail Docent-Guided Hikes are available May – November. You may book reservations beginning 2 months in advance until midnight 3 days before the tour.
- Reservations
Reservations are required to join the hike. Tickets are free. However, a nonrefundable $1.00 advance reservation service fee applies to each ticket. Print your reservation or save it to your phone and show to your docent guide before the hike.
- Distance, Time, and Difficulty
3 miles round-trip, 3-4 hours, moderately strenuous, 360 ft elevation gain overall, with a sustained 240 ft climb up switchbacks to the Salmon Pass ridgeline.
- What to wear
Hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, and a backpack.
- What to pack
plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, hiking poles optional.
- Getting there
Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled meeting time to check in. The group will caravan 4 miles from the parking lot to the Salmon Pass Trailhead on a steep dirt/gravel road.
Booking Windows
Tickets for Salmon Pass Trail Docent Guided Hikes will become available 60 days in advance of the tour date at 10AM ET/7AM PT
Reservations are available until 3 days prior at midnight local time to tour start date. For example: Reservations for August 4th, will be available until August 1st at midnight PT.
Changes and Cancellations
If you are unable to make your tour time, cancellations and modifications are allowed until 72 hours prior to tour start time. Due to limited inventory, please cancel if you are unable to attend the tour.
Please note: Salmon Pass Trail Docent Guided Hiking Tours do not charge nor collect any fees for participation in the hiking tour, however, there is a non-refundable reservation service fee of $1 per ticket.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1695 Heindon Road Arcata CA 95521-4573
Phone Number
(707) 825-2300
