Irati Forest
Ochagavía, Spain
One of Europe’s largest beech and fir forests, with easy trails to the Irabia reservoir and waterfalls. From Ochagavía a narrow road leads to the Casas de Irati; a parking fee applies in season, and autumn colours peak in late October.
After the Black Forest, the Selva de Irati in the Navarrese Pyrenees is considered Europe's second-largest continuous beech and fir forest, covering around 17,000 ha. Besides beech and silver fir, it holds maple, lime and elm, with scattered oaks and the occasional yew.
From Ochagavía, the NA-2012 climbs over the Alto de Tapla to the Casas de Irati (about 23 to 24 km), where you will find an information point and a car park. From there it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Cascada del Cubo waterfall; the Errekaidorra interpretive trail is a 10.6 km loop that takes around 2¾ hours. The forest itself is free to enter, but a parking fee is charged for cars in the high season (Easter, summer and autumn), and on very busy autumn days access by car may be closed for a while (as of October 2026). Autumn colours appear from about mid-October to early November, and the waterfall carries most water in spring. Dogs are allowed on a lead.
- Nearest town
- Ochagavía, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.9891, -1.1065
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Aire naturelle de camping-cars EtxolaMotorhome stopover6 km from Irati Forest · 36 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
- Camping UrrobiCampsite20 km from Irati ForestTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Aire de camping-car du FrontonMotorhome stopover22 km from Irati ForestMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Aire de camping-car du Jaï AlaïMotorhome stopover22 km from Irati Forest · 40 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Europ' CampingCampsite24 km from Irati Forest · 500 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping du Pont d'AbenseCampsite24 km from Irati ForestTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Irati Forest?
Irati Forest is in Ochagavía, Spain, at GPS 42.9891, -1.1065. It is about 17 km from Roncesvalles.
Can you camp near Irati Forest?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bivouac aménagé, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Irati Forest?
Irati Forest is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Navarre Pyrenees: gorges, the Irati forest and Roncesvalles.
What is there to see near Irati Forest?
Places worth a stop nearby: Foz de Arbayún viewpoint (32 km), Foz de Lumbier (42 km), Zugarramurdi Caves (48 km) and La Rhune rack railway (55 km).
When is the best time to visit Irati Forest?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)