In the Sayward Valley area, way up high above Cooper Creek, in the Salmon River watershed, at the end of a long, rough road, you will reach the Admiral Broeren Cypress Tree and the home of Vancouver Island’s biggest Yellow Cedar. The area has many large trees with some almost as big as the Admiral. Admiral Broeren is about 11 meters in circumference and about 50 meters high.
We journeyed to see the Admiral Broeren Cypress Tree in the fall of 2012, and we had a young man from Holland with us. At seeing the Admiral, he was heard to say “Wow,” and you know, that just about says it all. When you first see this tree, it really does take your breath away, and when you think of how old it is, it boggles the mind.
The island has many of the world’s biggest trees, and this is one of my favourites. There are many more big trees in the Sayward Valley area. The rec site only has a parking area at the trailhead and an outhouse. I suppose you could camp here, as there is room, but there are no picnic tables, fire pits, or campsites.
To reach this rec site, turn onto the big tree creek mainline just south of the big tree creek bridge on highway 19 about 10 clicks south of Sayward, (if you are going south towards Campbell river, you would turn right) drive down this road until you reach the Jordon junction, turn onto the cooper creek mainline and drive until you see the north main, turn left here and drive till you see the n 1800 spur, turn right and follow until you reach the Admiral Broeren Rec Site.
Hello
Went to the Admiral Broeren to lay flowers at the base of tree on Sept 16th
in honour of my dad, Martin.
Subaru should make the trek as the last spur N1800 is steep & not maintained in years but if you drive slowly, it will be not a problem.
Hi Michele,
We went to the tree over this past weekend (not realizing it had fallen down) to show my parents. I was very surprised to see how grown in the road was (compared the last time we were there) and that it’s not being maintained. I understand that it’s not an easy place to get to, but for those of us who know the back roads and use them, it’s nice to visit a place like this every now and then. The road was so grown in, that my parents ended up leaving their truck about half was up the final road to the tree, and jumping in our truck because they were concerned about scratches. We cleared dead branches from the road and broke branches that were hanging over. We did the best we could without proper tools, but we could tell that the road hadn’t been used in a quite a long time as there was hardly a track as the weeds and grasses were thick. Sad, as it’s such a cool place to visit and to show people but also because it’s a rec site!
Hi, did you take photos of the tree, i can not find any info on its dimise
Hello
My name is Michele Broeren, daughter of Martin aka Admiral Broeren who this giant tree was named after. It’s such a disgrace that the history of my dad who was a well respected forester for MacMillan Bloedel Menzies Bay Div for 20 years isn’t known & it’s unbelievable that the signs are not replaced for directions making it very difficult for many people wanting to experience the big tree! There is no upkeep on roads, especially the last spur N1800 has huge pot holes, branches from trees across you’re vision & blackberry branches hanging out the top window of the outhouse. I put temporary signs up in 2022 but must be destroyed by now. My goal is to go this week, bring my hedge trimmers & take notes to improve the directions to this historical tree. The Sgt Randally has fallen over 15 years ago but signs are still up but not for the Admiral. The directions from Bud to turn right on N1800 is NOT visible from Cooper Main but it is my goal to honour my dad.
Hi Michele, thanks for writing to let us know, it’s been many years since I last went into this tree. I am sorry to hear what has become of the access to view this wonderful tree that honors your father. I will pass this on to the engineers who work this area, maybe something could be done about this issue.
Hi Bud
Thanks for you’re reply, I as well am reaching out to the government, Ministry of Forests, Forest Alliance Group, etc. for funding. I was in the understanding that the Admiral was not only the biggest cedar/cypress on Vancouver Island but biggest in the world or maybe there are other big cedars that haven’t been located. The Admiral was always 2nd to the Sargent Randally.
My dad passed away last week on September 1st at 96 so it’s been a very difficult time. As I mentioned, I’m going this week which will be quite an emotional trip but it’s my goal to improve the signage on this trip, making it easier for people to experience the Admiral before the snow comes & hopefully next year the N1800 can be graded or maintained before the tree falls. The beauty of the yew wood surrounding the Admiral was my dad’s favourite wood & I’m a gardener, have a love for moss! I appreciate you Bud, for you’re time & when you’re able to contact the engineers in the area, that would be so helpful, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Michele Broeren
Hi Michelle. Thank you for adding information on the history of this tree. I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I was planning on venturing out to find this beauty next week. Do you think that is something I would be able to do in my Subaru crosstrek (AWD). I’ve driven down logging roads around port Alice and to little Huson caves to help give context.
Hello Michelle and Bud
My name is Jason and have not been up to this site. I did however notice that it used to be a maintained site and would love to learn more. May be able to assist or at least connect some dots.