Port Renfrew has Some of Vancouver Island’s Biggest Trees

Port Renfrew is touted as the “Tall Tree Capital of Canada.” Add this to scenic trails, rugged coastline and extreme remoteness, and it's easy to see why nature lovers flock to the area. Finding Port Renfrew's biggest trees is a highlight for any visitor, and this article will help you do just that.

These giant trees in Renfrew are among some of the most massive trees on Vancouver Island and some of the biggest trees in BC.

Port Renfrew is wild and rugged, and finding these giants requires driving on rough logging roads throughout most of your journey. So, while it may be possible to reach these destinations in a lower-profile car, it's definitely not recommended.

You also won't have cell service along the way, so be prepared and plan for anything.

If you leave early enough from Port Renfrew, it's possible to see all of the trees in one day – we did! The directions below will lead you from one tree to the next, roughly following the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

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Avatar Grove

The big tree in Avatar is called Canada's Gnarliest Tree. It's in the upper portion of Avatar Grove, a beautiful, protected section of old-growth forest. This approximately 1000-year-old western redcedar is 33 feet in circumference and 230 feet tall. It also has one of the most unique burls one has ever seen.

Avatar Grove was protected by the BC government in 2012 after a two-year public awareness campaign led by the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA). The area was named after the James Cameron film Avatar.

Over the years, AFA has strategically constructed a trail with boardwalks, stairs and platforms to highlight the area's biggest and most beautiful sections. Hiking experience is still necessary to help manoeuvre through the often slippery and/or muddy sections, and, as well, the steep stairs.

The Trails in Avatar Grove

Along with the ‘Gnarliest Tree,' the trail on the left-hand side of the road, called the Upper Grove, has many large cedar trees to view. This is an out-and-back trail that ends at the ‘Gnarliest Tree.' While wandering along the path, take a moment to view the waterfall that comes into sight. This trail can be completed in approximately 20 – 30 minutes.

The lower section of Avatar Grove is located on the right-hand side of the road and has some other burly cedars and large Douglas firs. This trail is a circle loop; other than the first set of stairs, it is less steep than the Upper Grove. The Lower Grove takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Trail Conditions

The trails in Avatar Grove are temporarily closed while Rec Sites and Trails BC undertakes a trail revitalization project. They have dismantled a few sections of the boardwalk and stairs. There is no update as to when they are going to be replaced.

The trail, however, is still walkable with a bit of scrambling, and only when dry (the boardwalk covers wet and muddy grounds). It's always best to check trail conditions before you go. Obviously, if you do decide to venture here, you do so at your own risk.

Getting There

Follow the Pacific Marine Circle route from Port Renfrew as if heading to Lake Cowichan.

• Turn right onto Deering Road and cross over the large one-lane bridge.
• Stay to the right at the next Y.
• After the next small single-lane bridge, turn left at the intersection onto Gordon Main.
• After approximately 5 km, go left at the “Y” and cross a bridge with the beautiful Gordon River below you.
• Keep to the right at the next “Y” to stay on Gordon Main (now a rough gravel road).
• The signs for Avatar Grove will be on your left-hand side after a small bridge at Baird Creek.
• Park somewhere on the right-hand side of the road after this bridge.

Vancouver Island Map Book

Don’t get lost on the backroads of Vancouver Island! Relying on Google Maps on Vancouver Island is risky, especially when driving on the back roads. We never leave home without our Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook!

Learn More

Big Lonely Doug

The “loneliest tree in Canada” has become a bit of a celebrity; even a book has been written about this tall Douglas Fir.

Ironically, this 230-foot-tall specimen was saved by the man responsible for flagging the area for clear-cutting. After walking much of the block, Dennis Cronin noticed a large species dwarfing all that surrounded him. Although he noted this was one of the bigger trees he'd come across in the four decades of working in the logging industry, what he didn't know at the time was that he stood next to the second-largest Douglas fir in the country. (The largest is mentioned below.)

Although the block was eventually cut, Cronin had the foresight to mark this giant with a green ribbon, telling loggers to leave the tree alone. Hence the name Big Lonely Doug.

The area has since been reseeded, and growth is happening around Doug. However, it's not likely to ever catch up to this big beauty.

Lonely Doug is a sight at sixty-six metres tall, nearly four metres wide, and almost twelve metres in circumference!

The Trail to Lonely Doug

The size of this tree makes it easy to see and photograph from the road. However, you must get up close if you want to take in its mammoth proportions. Doing this requires walking down a steep, unmarked, rough-worn path to its base.

You'll notice this trampled-down path on the right-hand side of the gravel road. It's relatively short (approximately 10 minutes to the tree); however, do not attempt unless you have proper footwear!

How to Get to Big Lonely Doug

• Keep following Gordon Main past Avatar Grove for approximately four more km.

• You'll pass over Axe Creek, which flows through a culvert under the gravel road.

• Take the junction to your right to continue on Edinburgh Main.

• Shortly after, you'll come to a bridge that crosses over Gordon River, and the road becomes extremely rough.

• After just over 1 km, you'll see a clear-cut and your first glimpse of Lonely Doug.

• Park on the right-hand side of the road directly across from the giant tree to find the trail.

Once you've explored this area, you'll need to head back the same way you came in and, all the way back out to the first junction you took to get to Avatar Grove (Gordon Main and Deering Road/Pacific Marine Road). Unless, however, you are continuing to this hidden gem

San Juan Sitka Spruce

At 12.2 feet in diameter, the San Juan Sitka Spruce was once considered the largest spruce tree in Canada and the second-largest in the world. Unfortunately, a massive winter storm hit the area in 2016 and caused this large beauty to lose its top. All is not lost, however, for the mammoth base is still very much intact and well worth viewing.

And, due to its location, this beautiful giant is accessible to all.

Getting There

• Continue on Pacific Marine Road (heading towards Lake Cowichan) and drive past Fairy Lake. The famous ‘Bonsai Tree' is located just off the shore of Fairy Lake, so you may want to pull over and take a picture while in the area. This small but mighty tree is actually a tiny Douglas Fir growing out of a submerged log.

• After approximately 10 km, you will come to the “9-mile Junction” sign, as well as a sign for Lizard Lake (left) and San Juan River (right). Head to the San Juan River Recreation Site by turning right onto Lens Main.

• Proceed another 2.5 km to Bear Creek Main and turn right.

• Continue on Bear Creek Main until you cross the San Juan River bridge.

• Upon crossing the bridge, hang a left into the San Juan River Recreation Site, where you'll immediately spot the spruce tree.

On a side note, this recreation site features a rustic campground with six open sites, available year-round. It's a beautiful little spot along the river.

Red Creek Fir – Among the Largest Trees in BC

The Red Creek Fir is the largest living tree in the world, and, apparently, the seventh-largest tree ever grown. This one is my favourite out of all the giant trees in Port Renfrew. It measures 43.7 feet in circumference, 14 feet in diameter, 242 feet tall, and has a crown spread of 75 feet across!

At only 500 meters each way, the trail to the giant fir is quick and relatively easy. Along the way, you also come across three HUGE beautiful cedars (watch for them on your left-hand side).

The drive to the fir is difficult and requires a 4×4 or other high-clearance vehicle to manage extremely rough gravel roads.

Getting There

• After leaving the San Juan Sitka Spruce (above), continue on Bear Creek Main, heading uphill.

• After approximately 2km, you come to an intersection of sorts, turn right here onto Mosquito Creek Main.

• Keep driving for another 4 km, staying on the main road, and then at the Y, turn right onto Red Creek Main.

• You will head downhill for approximately 4 km to a T-junction, where you take another right.

• Proceed a short distance (approximately 400 meters) to a parking area (extra-wide spot in the road). The trailhead is marked, but can sometimes be covered by greenery depending on the time of year you go.

After exploring the area, you'll need to head back the same way you came in and back to the Pacific Marine Road.

Harris Creek Spruce

The Harris Creek Spruce is another 10 km past that “9-mile Junction” sign (mentioned above). However, if you ARE following the Pacific Marine road to Lake Cowichan, it's worth the stop.

Although the smallest of the trees listed above (in girth, not height), this 200 + year-old beauty is still impressive at 269 feet tall and 13 feet in diameter. And with easy access just off the highway, it's also the most accessible.

A fence was erected around the tree to protect its roots and hopefully preserve it for many years. This does, however, hinder the ability to get good photos.

Getting There

• As mentioned, continue along the Pacific Marine Road for another 10 km (approximately) past the “9 mile Junction” sign.

• Watch for a small sign in the trees, indicating the location of the spruce tree, and a wide spot on the side of the road where you can park. This is where you'll find a short, accessible trail to the tree.

What Else to do in Port Renfrew?

Check out these other amazing spots in Port Renfrew.

• Juan de Fuca Park Gems
• Plane Crash Site
• French Beach Provincial Park

Why you should go

Finding Port Renfrew’s biggest trees is part journey, part discovery. The rugged roads and winding trails only add to the sense of adventure, leading you to some of the most spectacular giants on Vancouver Island. With a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to explore, you’ll uncover a world that feels wild, untamed, and unforgettable.

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