The directions to this tiny gem are a bit daunting. If you look at a map of the area it is a rat's next of interweaving squiggles. But, the reality on the ground is much much simpler. From Falls City (west of Salem), head south/west on Bridge Street out of town. You pretty much stay on this main road - numbered 100 - the whole way. The only turn worth noting is the only one not marked with a "VOG" carsonite BLM post, and it's the only turn we missed (which led to a ~15 mile wild goose chase, made worse by bad advice from a local). Anyway, about 23-something miles from Falls City, road 100 veers right and slightly uphill (the "main road" keeps going straight). Go to the right, and continue following "VOG" posts that continue a bit further down the road. The road is in good shape, despite what some guidebooks & other info suggest. There is only a little bit of a muddy area right near the end (where a tree fell). But, a flat tire is a real possibility - have a spare.
The trail is only about 1.5 miles. It's not exactly level, but hardly difficult. I'd hoped for cloudy weather so I could take some photos of the big trees... Alas, it was nothing but clear blue skies. What a bummer. I only managed one mediocre shot here:
Bottom line? It's a really long way to drive for such a short hike, but I would like to get back with the right conditions just for the photographic opportunities. Plus, it's just an interesting site to see, and a reflection of our priorities as humans. 47 acres is all that's left of the original millions... I know we all need wood, but we need forests like this one too. 47 acres? that's it? And we're still eliminating old growth too - in Alaska, British Columbia.. not to mention many other parts of the world.
One thing - save this one for the weekends. The main road is through private land, and during the week it's closed for frequent logging activity.
-Jonathan
