The Old Growth forest trails of ‘Avatar Grove’ maybe closed but there is just an extra 15 min drive from there the iconic ‘Big Lonely Doug’ and another trail through a magnificent forest of Cedars and Firs named ‘Eden Grove’ .

To access this drive further along the Gordon Main logging road, which sadly these days is in a really rough state. The condition of this road and others like the Central Walbran  access road are a serious hindrance to the development of an alternative sustainable economic solution such as the nascent big tree tourism that exists around Port Renfrew.

But with a little patience and with a vehicle with good ground clearance and decent tires’ Eden Grove’ and Big Lonely Doug can still be accessed.

Drive 4.5 Kms from Avatar Grove to the road junction with Edinburgh Main, turn right here and park. Cross the bridge over the Gordon River. (Note this bridge has no pedestrian guard rail and there is approx 100’ drop to the river.)

The trail to Big Lonely Doug is a 10 minute walk from here following the old logging road. There is also a marked outhouse to the left of the BLD trailhead

The trailhead for Eden Grove is another 5 minute walk along the logging road from this point.

Both of these special places do not have any permanent protection. There are quite extensive protected Wildlife Habitat Areas around Edinburgh Mt including a Goshawk reserve.