Big Tree Loop Trail,
Oregon Caves National Monument

Located 13.2 miles from Cave Junction, Oregon (OR)
4 Stars
7,427 Steps 1  (3.4 mi)
Trails National Monuments Oregon Caves Big Tree Loop Trail

The Big Tree Loop Trail is a steep hike with several switchbacks, the trail is mostly shaded with Douglas Firs, Big Leaf Maple, Canyon Oak and Tan Oak. This is a good trail for a family that wants to experience nature for a fun day out. The trail crosses Panther Creek and depending on the time of year there is an abundance of wildflowers throughout the hike. The trail is named after the largest Douglas Fir tree in Oregon, 13ft in diameter.

Big Tree Loop TrailBig Tree Loop TrailBig Tree Loop Trail

Elevation

The Big Tree Loop Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,092 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,084 ft. and an elevation range of 1,008 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
3.4 mi4,084 ft5,092 ft1,008 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
1.6 hrs71.6859 ft949 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
1.6 hrs79.1949 ft859 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Big Tree Loop Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Holland, OR
  2. North Topo Map: Kerby Peak, OR
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Williams, OR
  4. West Topo Map: Takilma, OR
  5. Topo Map: Oregon Caves, OR
  6. East Topo Map: Grayback Mountain, OR
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Polar Bear Mountain, CA
  8. South Topo Map: Deadman Point, OR
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Figurehead Mountain, CA

FAQ

What is the length of the Big Tree Loop Trail?
The length of the trail is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) or 7,427 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Big Tree Loop Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 1.6 hours in one direction and in 1.6 hours in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Big Tree Loop TrailCliff Nature TrailNo Name Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.