The same day we went to Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, we headed up north Port Renfrew to see Avatar Grove and to see Big Lonely Doug at the same time.
Where is Avatar Grove located?
As I couldn’t find any exact address for this place, I just saw that Gordon River Road was going to where we wanted to go.
So, just put that to your GPS and continue as long as you need to.
But, for your info, the road is bumpy, so be prepared for that.
So once you cross the small, single-lane bridge and reach a “T,”. Turn LEFT onto Gordon River Main (right goes to Lake Cowichan)
Stay on the mostly-paved road, and after approximately 5 km, you will reach a “Y.” Go LEFT and cross a tall, beautiful bridge over the Gordon River.
After crossing the bridge, stay on Gordon River Main (now a bumpy gravel road) for about 1.5 km, keeping to the RIGHT at the next “Y.”
You will soon cross a small bridge at Baird Creek. Park on the right side after the bridge. Look for signs at the trailheads and go for it.
Why the name of Avatar Grove?
“Avatar Grove” is a popular nickname for the Pacheedaht name of “T’l’oqwxwat” and is in the unceded territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. The BC government protected it in 2012 after an intense two-year public awareness campaign led by the AFA in partnership with the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce.
What can you see in Avatar Grove?
The trail on the right-hand side will take you into the Lower Grove, flatter, and has some giant, burly cedars and large Douglas-fir trees.
The trail on the left side of the road takes you through the Upper Grove, where, at the top, you’ll see “Canada’s Gnarliest Tree”! This side is a bit steeper and has many large cedar trees alongside the path.
Why should you go there?
To enjoy a walk far away from the crowds and to enjoy all these gigantic trees. Some of them are gnarliest, and you can see the most famous Canadian gnarliest tree. Sometimes, you can even have a good show as people are going just in front of this tree to dance or to sing. (is it like a lucky place to attract something you want in your life? I have no idea…but we had to wait a long moment before I could do some pictures)
We had planned to hike to see Big Lonely Doug, a huge Douglas fir who stands alone in a recent clear-cut. But, when we arrived, we saw many people at the path entrance with many signs. So, I asked what was happening, and they told us that they were trying to protect this area from logging all the old trees that are there. Many camps like theirs had been forced to get out from the police, so if we had decided to get through the path and if they had found, we would probably have been arrested. So, this is why we didn’t get there. But, even on Vancouver Island, we can see how logging can be devastating the ecosystem, and it’s so great that some people understand how vital are these trees for our future. I don’t know if they will obtain cause or not, but I really hope so. Save the trees!!!
