Leiffer-Ellsworth Loop Trail

Leiffer-Ellsworth is a clockwise loop of two connected trails, about 1.9 miles from the northern Walker Road trailhead. It crosses lowland redwoods and a marshy flat, climbs the Ellsworth hillside for a view over the redwoods, then circles back on Leiffer. Allow about 1.5 hours. The grades are uneven but not steep; expect two sustained climbs and several junctions. Published totals for the paired walk range from about 1.9 to 2.6 miles, and the extra distance is not explained. Confirm the route at the trailhead.

From the northern pullout, follow the access path through the redwood flat and go straight at the first junction. Near the marsh, turn right at the next junction, then left onto the Ellsworth loop. Its hillside climb and descent open views down to the lowland trees; a log bench sits beside a large redwood near the bottom. Continue on Leiffer for a longer climb along an old roadbed, then descend through marshy lowlands and return along the access path. The upper hillside is less distinctive than the redwood flat.

The route moves between large redwoods, maples and tanoak, with hazel and vine maple in the canyon. In spring, look for clintonia, western trillium, western burning bush, thimbleberry and red huckleberry. The trail also follows a portion of the 19th-century Crescent City Plank Road, once used as a wagon route inland from the coast.

The northern trailhead is reached on unpaved Walker Road. At its only intersection, take the narrower branch to the left; a small semicircular pullout fits about five or six cars. Parking is limited, and RVs or vehicles with trailers are not advised. Pets are prohibited on park trails; service animals are excepted.