One of western Oregon’s most remarkable examples of surviving old-growth forest, Crabtree Valley is surrounded by rock formations which have protected the area from natural and man-made disturbances for over 500 years. Located east of Albany in the Cascade foothills amidst a tangle of old logging roads, the core of Crabtree Valley is protected as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for its ancient forests and wet meadows, but is surrounded by previously clear-cut BLM forestlands. While only a few hundred acres in size, Crabtree Valley pools enough water to facilitate its namesake Crabtree Creek, which flows into the nearby South Santiam River. 

Fast Fact: Crabtree Valley is home to the massive tree known as King Tut, estimated to be around 800 years old.

Why this area is important

Crabtree Valley is home to some of the most stunning old-growth forests left in Oregon, and some of largest trees anywhere in the state. Amidst a sea of young, managed forests and many miles of logging roads, the area is a haven for wildlife and native vegetation, with the valley’s trees, lake and meadows sheltering spotted owls, Pacific giant salamanders, and other woodland wildlife. Crabtree Valley is also a favorite locale for explorers and big tree hunters, and while the area offers few true trails and rugged terrain, there are still plenty of huge trees to discover.

Recreational opportunities

A two-mile trail descends into Crabtree Valley along an old road, offering views of Mt. Jefferson and summer wildflowers along the way, eventually leading to Crabtree Lake. From the lake, a trail crosses a small outlet stream and leads to a rock outcrop with views of the entire valley, then onto towering Douglas firs and hemlocks along the lake’s edge. If you have an off-trail guide, another old road which departs the lake marks the access point for finding the area’s famous, but not explicitly marked “King Tut” tree.

Current threats

While the old-growth forests of Crabtree Valley have some protections as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and aren't directly threatened, mature forest and the many recovering young forests in the area could be aggressively logged under the O&C Trust Act proposal.

“Crabtree Valley lends itself to a lot of ‘wow’ moments. Some of mine include seeing my first adult Pacific Giant Salamander near Crabtree Lake, seeing a group of hikers’ eyes light up when they stood in a grove of ancient and huge trees, and being overwhelmed by the amount of ripe huckleberries one October.”  – Chandra LeGue