A leisurely hour walk through this old growth stand of trees will take you back to what much of the northwoods forests were like about one hundred years ago. It will give you a better understanding of the value of the true big tree characteristics in a forest environment. Natural reproduction is easily visible. Preservation of this unique area in its natural state is the goal of the Hiawatha National Forest. The land was acquired by the Michael Fitzpatrick family in 1&84. Additional land was purchased in 1901. In 1938 residents of the area, as well as the Escanaba Kiwanis and the Escanaba Daily Press, actively campaigned to have the site preserved in its natural state and to save it from the timberman's axe. The USDA Forest Service began managing the property in 1940.

In nature's time-honored fashion, old trees have fallen, letting in sunlight and allowing for new growth of seedlings and saplings. The fallen trees are not removed but allowed to decay, giving nutrients to the soil, as well as homes for varieties of birds and many small animals.

Some of the mammals and birds dependent upon stands of old growth are pine marten, red squirrel, mink, raccoon, bald eagle, pileated woodpecker, and the black-throated green warbler.

The stand is split by Squaw Creek. In the section north of Squaw Creek the primary trees are red and white pine, northern red oak, and white birch. The southern portion is mostly eastern hemlock, and red and white pine.

Directions: This natural area of old growth trees is located approximately 12 miles from U.S. 2 on County Road 513, with the road entrance north of the Squaw Creek Bridge. Although there is no off road parking lot, there is space to leave your car along the woods roads.