Simpson-Reed Grove

Simpson-Reed Grove is a named coast-redwood grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, with a short interpretive loop through the trees. The loop is 0.8 mile, level, and compacted gravel, about 4 to 5 feet wide. It is a good choice for a close redwood walk without a strenuous climb; allow 30 to 60 minutes. The connected Peterson Memorial loop is another option if you want to stretch the visit.

This grove has a denser, more tangled understory than the open, cathedral-like feel of nearby Stout Grove. Mossy, lichen-covered hemlocks, small maples, sword ferns, redwood sorrel and huckleberries grow below the redwoods, with creeks and fallen trunks along the path. Some of the largest trees are near the beginning and end of the loop, so take your time through both stretches.

A bigleaf maple branch arches low over the trail. Use it to frame the path and the redwoods beyond, instead of pointing a phone straight up at the canopy.

Fesler Tree is a particularly large redwood beside the path. At the trail fork, take the left-hand, northbound branch and continue about 400 feet to reach it. The tree is easy to miss if you hurry through the grove looking only for the biggest trunks.

Look for ferns growing across a fallen redwood root and for young plants taking hold on old logs. A downed redwood can serve as a nurse log for hundreds of years, giving new forest growth a place to start. Interpretive panels along the loop explain natural and cultural history.

From Highway 199, turn onto Walker Road; the turn is sharp and can be hard to spot. The trailhead is about 0.1 mile up the road on the right. Some older directions still mention pullouts beside Highway 199, but the current trailhead is on Walker Road. Parking is limited, and RVs and vehicles with trailers cannot park there. There is an accessible parking area and a vault toilet. Pets are not allowed on park trails; service animals are welcome.