Avatar Grove is a fun little hike where you get to see ancient cedars and Canada’s Gnarliest Tree.
Upper Avatar Grove 
Upper Avatar Grove
Avatar Grove is located in Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. To get there take Hwy 14/West Coast Hwy to Port Renfrew. Once in Port Renfrew you will take Deering Road north to the end of the road. You then need to turn left onto Gordon River Main Rd. When you reach a Y in the road continue to the left then the following Y turn right. Continue past the pavement and onto the gravel road, you will keep going even if you suspect you may have missed it. You will cross 4 bridges in total and shortly after the 4th bridge the trail signs for Avatar Grove will be visible on the left side. This road can be rough so best to have a vehicle with higher clearance. Ancient Forest Alliance provides a map of the area and other large trees worth a visit.
Upper Avatar Grove Trail 
Amazed at the size of the trees
The trail on the right side of the road takes you to the Gnarliest tree, and the trail on the left side takes you down into a forest with many tree nurseries.
When going ensure you have proper footwear as the trail can be wet, muddy and slippery. Take your time and be amazed by the ancient trees. My children loved making up stories about who lived in some of the trees. There are large cracks in some of the trees where you can stand inside the trunks, allowing you to have a great appreciation of how large these trees truly are.
Fun exploring inside the trunk of a Redwood Cedar 
My kids and I standing inside the trunk of a Redwood cedar
When hiking to the Gnarliest tree, keep your eyes peeled for faces carved into some of the trees which can keep kids busy.
The Gnarliest tree is roped off around it, so please respect the signs and stay on the outside of the rope. This is to help protect the tree.
Our kids in front of Canada’s Gnarliest Tree 
Canada’s Gnarliest Tree
