Connecting people with the beauty of nature and the benefits of spending time in the redwoods is central to Save the Redwoods’ mission. A natural treasure, Alder Creek provides opportunities to create inspirational experiences among the sequoias—for local communities and visitors from around the world.
Exploring a treasured forest
If you visit Alder Creek, bring your sense of wonder. Photo by Max Forster.
Save the Redwoods is planning upgraded public access amenities at Alder Creek, including a comprehensive trail network, formalized parking, comprehensive wayfinding and interpretive storytelling, and improved community programming spaces. As Save the Redwoods League builds out these spaces, we’ll engage our focus communities through on-site programming while continuing to build out the trail network.
We envision additional public access upgrades over the next few years, including new and improved trails throughout the property including ADA-accessible trails to the Stagg Tree, bridges, pedestrian overlooks, and other visitor infrastructure, as well as expanded interpretive storytelling about the grove and the history of the land and important cultural practices of local tribes. We’ll also continue to build programs and relationships with our focus communities, ensuring that everyone who wants to experience this place has the opportunity to do so.
Although we look forward to developing infrastructure that will allow us to share Alder Creek with a larger and more diverse range of visitors, the current visitor infrastructure is limited and primitive.
Most visitors to Alder Creek come to see the Stagg Tree, the fifth-largest tree on the planet by volume, estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Save the Redwoods continues to offer public access to this magnificent tree.
Please check back here for updates on public access to Alder Creek.
Important points to note
Winter can be a spectacular time to explore Alder Creek, just be sure to pack skis or snowshoes. Photo by Victoria Reeder.
- Alder Creek is open during daylight hours, 365 days a year.
- At present, roads, trails, and visitation infrastructure are limited. All visitors assume responsibility for their own safety.
- Access to the parking area may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. These vehicles should consider parking at the end of the asphalt road and walking the short gravel access road.
- There is no parking available for vehicles over 15 feet long.
- Use of the property by off-highway vehicles is prohibited.
- Visitors may encounter snow and ice covering the roads, trails, and parking area at any time. Roads and trails are not cleared of snow.
- Winter visitation may require parking along the asphalt roadway at the entrance to the property, adding 0.25 mile each way to the Stagg Tree.
- There are no public water or bathroom facilities on site.
- There is no public camping or overnight parking on site.
- Hunting, carrying, or any discharge of firearms is prohibited.
- Forest restoration or other infrastructure projects may temporarily limit access to Alder Creek.
Directions to Alder Creek
From all points: Head east on Highway 190 from Porterville into the mountains. Expect a slow, winding road the entire drive between Springville and Alder Creek. Eighteen miles after leaving Springville, turn left on Redwood Drive. In 6.5 miles you’ll enter the community of Sequoia Crest. Continue on Redwood Drive through the community. Please respect the privacy of the community and yield to pedestrians on the road. After 1 mile, Redwood Drive turns sharply to the left and connects with Alder Drive. At this turn, there is a dirt road that leads to a locked gate with a sign welcoming you to Alder Creek. That is the parking area. Please keep the road and gate clear of vehicles.
Access to the parking area is at the end of a short dirt road with potholes. Low clearance vehicles may have difficulty accessing the last 0.25 mile to the parking area and should park at the end of the asphalt roadway.
