Boy Scout Tree Trailhead — Attraction in Crescent City

This hike is also known as Scout Grove trail and if you go the full length to Fern Falls it is about 7.1 miles round trip with not too much elevation change. It took us about 8.5 miles because we meandered and looked at the trees the first 2-3 miles because they were so amazing. Overall it took us 4 hours. Boy Scout trail splits off near the falls and goes to the Boy Scout Tree, we didn’t do this part. We went on a Wednesday in January and there were only two other cars in the parking lot as well as some trail maintenance going on near the falls. Thankfully there was only some light rain while we hiked but the 1-2 miles around the waterfall at the end were veeeery muddy and took some concentration to navigate with our non-waterproof shoes, but it was possible. One of the bridges was fairly dilapidated but still safe, we loved seeing full-sized trees growing out of other trees too!

Overall the views are stunning and this hike is more than...

An amazing trail that winds it way to the Boy Scout Tree and then just a short distance further Fern Falls. To get to the trail head you will have drive down a dirt road. At the trail head are signs and a restroom. The trail is out and back, it 2.8 miles (4.5 Km) one way or a total of 5.6 miles (9 Km). The trail is rough going in many areas and the elevation changes will make it tough if you are not used to hiking going up and down hills. The trails are mostly wide enough for two persons. I found the trail is extremely scenic and the views were constantly changing. The surrounding area is also very quiet with occasional birds echoing through the huge trees. At the end you will find a sign pointing to the Boy Scout Tree. This tree is huge with a girth of 87 feet (26.51 meters) and a diameter of 23.24 feet (7.08 meters) at its base. After reaching the Boy Scout tree if you continue just a bit further you will...

Beautiful, Amazing, Magical but... First mile is the best in my opinion. You can see the trees, have a sence of depth. The walkway is clear and nice. The smells of cedar and flowers, soil and mushrooms. The path gets progressively worse and you have either slippery roots or muddy puddles to walk in. There are muddy/treacherous steps to navigate as well. Several areas have fallen trees over the path you will have to navigate. I highly recommend trekking poles when it is wet and it is almost always wet. If you are unstable on your feet or are traveling with someone who is, I highly suggest the Stout Grove area instead. It is equally incredible but more accessible. To the BS tree and back took a very leisurely 3 hours. The earlier you get here the better as in no or few other people. Bannana slugs, wild flowers, birds and the greatest trees on the planet. We are so lucky...