Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic Tharp’s Log tucked into a fallen giant sequoia
- Reliable wildlife viewing in open meadow (bears and deer)
CONS
- Summer crowds and limited parking at Crescent Meadow
- Mosquitoes in warm months; bring repellent
Overview
Log Meadow is the quieter twin to Crescent Meadow—a broad, sunlit clearing rimmed by giant sequoias, with easy loops and a strong chance of wildlife sightings. The star is Tharp’s Log, a pioneer-era cabin built into a hollow sequoia, which makes this stop feel equal parts nature walk and living history.
What You’ll See
- Tharp’s Log: a unique cabin-in-a-log that brings the early grazing history of the area to life.
- Meadow edges and towering sequoias: classic Giant Forest scenery without much effort.
- Frequent wildlife: black bears and mule deer commonly graze the meadows at dawn and dusk.
- Fire-sculpted trees like the Chimney Tree and other photogenic snags in the area.
Choose Your Loop
- Short sampler (about 1.8 miles, ~200–250 ft gain): From Crescent Meadow, use the High Sierra Trail segment to reach Tharp’s Log, then connect via Chimney Tree and back along Crescent Meadow.
- Longer wander (about 2.3 miles, ~250 ft gain): Adds Huckleberry Meadow, the west side of Log Meadow, Squatter’s Cabin, and the “Dead Giant,” with a brief road walk at the end.
Trails are well signed from the Crescent Meadow trailhead. A spur path leads directly to Tharp’s Log, and multiple junctions let you extend to neighboring meadows if you’re feeling curious.
Wildlife & Etiquette
Black bears are often out in the open here. Enjoy the view from a distance, give animals room to move, and never feed or approach them. Stay on established trails and boardwalks—the grassy edges are fragile and easily damaged.
Practicalities
- Facilities are at Crescent Meadow (the access point for Log Meadow): vault toilets, parking, and picnic tables. Bring your own water—there are no water taps and no grills.
- In summer, parking fills fast. Use the free park shuttle to avoid the headache.
- Roads to this area can close due to snow in winter; tire chains may be required when conditions warrant.
Best Time to Visit
- Dawn and pre‑dusk: best wildlife activity and soft, side‑lit photography across the meadow.
- June–July: peak wildflowers around the meadow edges.
- Midweek is calmer than weekends; arrive early or late to sidestep crowds in summer.
Nearby Add‑Ons
If you have extra energy, pair Log Meadow with Moro Rock for a quick stair‑climb and big Sierra views—an easy one‑two that showcases both the forest and the high country.
Where it is
36.5583, -118.7437Tips for Log Meadow
- 01Arrive at dawn or near sunset for the best wildlife viewing and light.
- 02Park at Crescent Meadow and walk the short loops to reach Log Meadow.
- 03Bring plenty of water—there are no water taps and no grills here.
- 04Use the free park shuttle in summer to bypass parking crunches.
- 05Stay on trails and give bears lots of space; never leave food unattended.
Amenities
Near Log Meadow
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayTharp's LogPioneer cabin carved into a fallen sequoia beside Log MeadowExhibit
0.2 mi awayChimney TreeHollowed sequoia chimney on the Crescent Meadow loop
0.3 mi awayCrescent MeadowEasy meadow loop ringed by giant sequoias and regular wildlifeTrailhead · Parking
0.3 mi awayColby Pass TrailRemote, high alpine link between Junction Meadow and Cloud CanyonChallenging · 17.2 mi · 9.5 hr
0.3 mi awayLog Meadow LoopEasy meadow loop to Tharp’s Log with frequent bear sightingsEasy · 2 mi · 1 hr
0.4 mi awayCircle Meadow LoopSequoia-ringed meadow loop with big-tree highlights and historyModerate · 4.3 mi · 1.9 hr
0.4 mi awayMoraine Lake TrailSerene HST lake camp after a stout, water-light climb from the KernChallenging · 8.3 mi · 5 hr
0.4 mi awayHigh Sierra TrailheadIconic gateway to the High Sierra at serene Crescent MeadowTrailhead · Parking
