Grassy Knob Wilderness

Covered in a tangled rain forest of coniferous evergreens thick with an ankle-grabbing understory, this Wilderness nurtures the fragrant Port Orford cedar, drooping with its characteristic twisting limbs in rare stands of old growth with some trunks exceeding six feet in diameter. The red of vine maple brightens moss-laden glens come autumn, while winter brings an average of 130 inches of chilly rain born in the nearby Pacific. Grassy Knob Wilderness lies rugged and steep. Elevations vary from almost sea level to more than 2,000 feet on summits that include Grassy Knob, at 2,342 feet, on the western boundary; the Elk River runs along its southern boundary. The primary drainage of misnamed Dry Creek provides habitat for a remarkable population of spawning salmon, and many small, turbulent, virtually pure streams tumble for short distances over emerald waterfalls and through ravines cool with shade during typically sunny summers. Access is limited, and off-trail hiking rates as an extremely rough experience. Weather changes may be remarkable and rapid.