The Laddie Gale Tall Fir (Cheryl Hill)

• Start point: Frances Shrader Old Growth Trailhead
• Ending Point: Frances Shrader Old Growth Trailhead
• Trail Log:
• Hike Type: Loop
• Distance: 1 miles
• Elevation gain: 100 feet
• High Point: 1,100 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

This short loop hike passes through a stand of old growth trees, primarily Douglas-fir and Port Orford Cedar. Some of these trees are more than 200 feet tall. The trail is dedicated to Frances Shrader, a long-time employee of the Forest Service who was instrumental in developing plans for this trail.

Cross the road to where the trail starts on the other side. Grab a brochure from the box at the trailhead and continue down the trail to a split where you will go left. Information in the brochure corresponds to the numbered signs along the trail.

Passing tall trees, lush ferns, and huge logs - fallen trees from a windstorm - you will cross two bridges then pass a short side trail on the left that leads to a picnic table in the forest.

The loop continues, crossing several more bridges until the final numbered station at the Laddie Gale Tall Fir, named for Lauren (Laddie) Gale. He was a resident of Gold Beach and a member of the 1939 University of Oregon basketball team that won the NCAA basketball championship. The team was nicknamed the "Tall Firs." This Douglas-fir was dedicated to Laddie in celebration of his accomplishments. It is over 10 feet in diameter and 220 feet in height.

The loop is complete. Follow the trail back to your car.

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• None.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Frances Shrader Old Growth Loop Hike

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Frances Shrader Old Growth Loop Hike

Guidebooks that cover this destination

• 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range by William L. Sullivan

More Links

• Frances Shrader Old Growth Trail #1172 (USFS)

Page Contributors

• justpeachy (creator)