Big Cedar Tree

Pros & cons

PROS

Ancient, gigantic western red cedar just steps from the parking loop
Quick, rewarding stop with more big trees on a short loop

CONS

Tree is split and partially fallen after a 2014 storm
Short, rough spur road and small gravel lot

Overview

A few minutes off US‑101 in the Kalaloch stretch, the Kalaloch Big Cedar Tree is a roadside detour that delivers instant old‑growth awe. This western red cedar is roughly a millennium old and once ranked among Washington’s biggest before a 2014 storm split it. Even in its broken state, the massive trunk and gnarled form feel primeval.

What You’ll See

The star is the colossal, storm‑split cedar—part standing, part toppled—now serving as a nurse log in the lush coastal rainforest.
A very short path from the loop parking reaches the tree (think steps, not a trek), with an optional lollipop loop (~0.3 miles round‑trip/0.32 mi reported) through a grove of other huge cedars.
Expect moss-draped branches, ferns, and damp, earthy rainforest vibes—especially atmospheric on foggy coastal days.

Why It’s Special

This isn’t just a big tree; it’s a front‑row seat to the life cycle of an old‑growth forest. The split giant shows how these forests recycle themselves, with the fallen wood feeding new growth. It’s also one of the easiest places on the peninsula to stand beside a true giant without a long hike.

Logistics

Access: Look for a brown “Big Cedar Tree” sign on US‑101 and follow the short spur to a loop parking area.
Facilities: None—no restrooms, water, or trash cans.
Trail: Gravel and dirt; can be muddy and rooty after rain. Wear waterproof shoes.
Parking: Small, unpaved lot; it can fill at busy times.

Wildlife

No standout wildlife is tied to this exact spot, but the surrounding coastal forest hosts songbirds and occasional deer or elk—keep your eyes and ears open on the loop.

Pair It With

This makes an easy add‑on to a Kalaloch beach day—Beach 4, Beach 6, Ruby Beach, and the quirky “Tree of Life” are all along the same highway stretch.

Best Time to Visit

Swing by early or late for softer light and fewer people; foggy mornings can be magical in the cedars. It’s an anytime stop, but mid‑day on summer weekends tends to be busier. Plan 10–20 minutes if you’re just seeing the big tree, longer if you stroll the loop.