How to visit Alder Creek
Connecting people with the beauty of nature and the benefits of spending time in the redwoods is central to the League’s mission. A natural treasure, Alder Creek provides opportunities to create inspirational experiences among the sequoias—for local communities and visitors from around the world.
In the next year or two, the League will provide upgraded public access amenities, including parking, more comprehensive wayfinding signage, and improved programming spaces With these improved access spaces in place, we’ll be engaging with our focus communities with on-site programming as we move through to building out the trail network.
The League envisions many public access upgrades over the next few years, such as new and improved trails, bridges, and pedestrian overlooks, and other access infrastructure, as well as thorough interpretative storytelling about the trees and history of the land. We’ll also continue to build partnerships and programs with our focus communities, ensuring that everyone who wants access to this beautiful place has the opportunity to experience it.
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 League continues to offer public access to the Stagg Tree.
Please check this page for updates on public access to Alder Creek.
Important things to note about visiting Alder Creek:
- 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 dirt 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 Dr. 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.
Enhancing public access at Alder Creek is a key part of the League’s efforts to connect all people with the beauty and benefits of nature. Your contribution to the Redwoods Resilience Fund is an investment in a brighter future for all.
The tomorrow we want? It begins by taking action today.