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Avatar Grove is a beautiful old growth forest with stunning burled, lumpy trees. There are some large Douglas firs in there too. Unfortunately the trail is closed and the trail access is boarded up and washed out. It says enter at your own risk which is a fair warning. The boardwalk was in complete disrepair and most of the woods were washed out and under water. We knew it would be wet because it's October in the PNW but with the boardwalk falling apart it became clear we wouldn't be able to finish the loop.
We carried on past avatar grove to visit lonely Doug and found a huge sink hole about 13.8km from the gas station in Port Renfrew.
Lonely Doug was a sight as well, such a big beautiful, old tree surrounded by a formerly clear cut forest which is now essentially...
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We've been here twice and absolutely love this place. The trees are so incredibly tall. Some of the trees are super big. There are so many big trees, yet so much light coming through at the same time. It's like magic. It's not like the dark, super dense forests you see on the side of the road. There's a pretty little creek running through that's active in spring, but dry in the summer. Lots of birds if you wait and listen. You'll get the most out of this if you slow down a bit, look and listen. The light, the birds, the wind in the trees – heaven!
Logistics: You can get here in a sedan. It's technically "closed" and the trail is a little rough. Still doable for an out-of-shape 30 something. We found it easier to spot Lower Avatar Grove (on the right) and then walk to Upper Avatar Grove (on the left). It's easy to miss since it's a bit overgrown.
Other spots: Continue to Edinburgh Main Bridge, park your car, and make a short hike up to Big Lonely Doug and Eden Grove, both of which...
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If you want to see big trees on the South Island then Avatar Grove should be high on your list. The upper Trail is out and back while the lower trail is a loop. At the end of the upper Trail is a big old gnarly tree. Kids love it as there are many roots to walk on and boardwalks and staircases. In summer it was dry underfoot but in other seasons I think it could be quite muddy.
It’s a short walk really but uphill to the gnarly tree so some may need to take time to get there.
The road from Port Renfrew becomes gravel and when we did it is passable in a normal sedan car, though there are places where you want to go pretty slowly.
Definitely see upper and...
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