Sequoia National Forest

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Why is Converse Basin Significant?

At nearly 3,000 acres, Converse is one of the largest giant sequoia groves. Before it came under USDA Forest Service management in the 1930s, almost all of the large trees were cut during the turn-of-the-century logging operations.

The only specimen tree remaining is the 268-foot-tall Boole Tree, the largest tree in the National Forests.

Because of the early logging, Converse offers a unique opportunity to observe giant sequoia growth. Nowhere else is it possible to study such a large area of second-growth giant sequoia. During the private logging operations, much of the ground in the grove was significantly disturbed, and the canopy was opened, providing excellent growing conditions. The sequoia must have ground disturbance to germinate and cannot be shaded if the seedling is to survive.

Over the last 100 years, these young, second-growth trees have grown well. Some have reached diameters of 24 inches or more. In one year, it is not unusual for a young giant sequoia growing in optimum conditions to gain as much as an inch in diameter and one to two feet in height.

It is also possible here to study the interaction of fire and second growth. The 17,580-acre McGee Fire burned through Converse Basin in 1955. After the fire, giant sequoia seeds quickly germinated and grew, creating additional vigorous young growth. An overlook along State California Highway 180 gives a good view of the fire area, and a sign there explains what happened during the fire.

What Will You See?

Young Growth: A sign indicates a good place to observe young giant sequoias. Converse Basin presents a unique opportunity to observe the way giant sequoias grow after a major disturbance to the ground. Trees in Converse range from the Boole Tree, which is probably more than 2,000 years old, to tiny sequoias that have grown in the last few years along the roads. The majority of the second growth trees are 40 to 100 years old.

Stump Meadow: The stumps here present an awesome view of the destruction that occurred in Converse Basin. As many as 70 sequoias were removed from this site. Young sequoias are visible around the edge and at higher spots in the meadow. Why haven't more sequoias grown back in the meadow itself? While not fully understood, it is possible that the water table rose in the meadow after the large sequoias were cut. A single, mature giant sequoia can draw as much as 137,000 gallons of water out of the soil during a normal growing season. With the trees gone, much of the meadow is too wet for seedlings to become established. Soil moisture limits gas exchanges from the roots and encourages damping off, killing the young trees at soil level.

Boole Tree: Located in the northeast comer of the grove, the Boole Tree is the last of the huge giant sequoias that had grown until the 1890s in Converse Basin. It is the largest tree in the National Forests and is recognized as one of the largest trees in the world. It stands 269 feet tall and has a diameter of 35 feet. A trail of moderate difficulty leads from the road up to the tree and back to the road.

Where is Converse Basin?

Converse basin is an almost 3,000-acre area of young growth giant sequoia growing at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. It will take about two hours to reach the grove from Visalia.

The Route: Drive north from Visalia on State Hwy. 63. After 14.4 miles, the highway will pass through the communities of Cutler and Orosi. After another 14.9 miles, Hwy. 63 will run into State Hwy. 180. Turn right and go east on 180 for 24.4 miles. There you will pass through the gate to Kings Canyon National Park. You may go through without paying if you do not plan on using park facilities. Drive another 1.5 miles to reach the wye. At the wye, bear left, staying on Hwy. 180, and drive 4.3 miles to Cherry Gap and another 1.2 miles to the Converse Road turnoff. Turn left onto the Converse Road and follow signs for 1.7 miles to reach the first stop. Travel slightly more than 3/10 of a mile to reach stump meadow, then another 1/2 mile to reach the trailhead to the Boole Tree. The roads into Converse are dirt, but passable for passenger sedans. Most vehicles will be able to turn around at the Boole Tree trailhead.