South Fork Elk River

Headwaters Forest Reserve

(map link)

Since I had spotted the single blooming fetid adderstongue (and the two already seeding!) near Avenue of the Giants, I decided to head up one of the only real climbs around Eureka to see if I could find some more. I had seen many of them before, but all with drooping stalks to seed pods in May and June. It would be something to see all of them when the stalks are stiff and holding up flowers. Unfortunately, wheels were starting to turn and I might not be around for the more opportune time after mid-February. I started up that first paved mile. The South Side Trail was closed, of course, so there was no going around it.

The barn along the way used for educational exhibits.

The nearly obscured South Fork Elk River water level isn't very high at the moment.

The paved ADA accessible portion of the trail ends at Falk after a mile. It gets a little more rolling for the next two miles. There is a slick mud section where land slides have taken out the old road the trail follows that has been graveled and the gravel seems to be holding the slick at bay nicely.

The little tributaries with their waterfalls are running.

The bright color of mushrooms along the way.

South Fork Elk River from the old automobile bridge.

It is not until the past three mile mark, after the trail crosses the river (and dogs and bikes are no longer allowed) that the trail finally starts to really climb. It's less than 1000 feet, but it's one of the biggest climbs in the area. It is along this climb I hoped to find the fetid adderstongue.

The climb even comes with a few steps.

The odd burned out stump gets covered with new growth.

Almost a view.

I found none, unfortunately. I just had to contend with enjoying the old growth loop at the very top. I had a lunch, keeping it crumb free, under those trees, then completed the loop and started down again.

The old growth includes some pretty big trees.

Of course, being tall is what these trees are known for.

Fire scaring on a living tree.

I continued to look for the fetid adderstongue on the way down, hoping the change in perspective might show them. It didn't. I didn't even see the shoots coming up. Avenue of the Giants is both southerly and lower, but even so, those must have been some very early blooms. It is always an enjoyable hike, though, at least now that there's gravel over the slick mud.

*photo album*




©2022 Valerie Norton
Written 26 Feb 2022