It’s a strange feeling, standing amongst the giant redwood trees of Northern California. They surround us with strength and power, towering over us so tall we can rarely see their upper branches. They provided a sharp contrast to the wide-open coastal views we had been enjoying as we drove from Astoria along the Oregon Coast.
It seemed nearly impossible to capture the grandeur of the redwood trees and the contrasting feeling of both awe and insignificance. I gave it my best shot. Here are the photo highlights from hiking and driving south from Crescent City California to Fort Bragg through the giant redwood trees.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
We entered Jedediah Smith from the south on Howland Hill Road and looped up to the north. Although starting out paved the road quickly became a hard packed dirt road with incredible scenery. We stopped and hiked at Stout Grove. I recommend both the drive and the hike.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek is home to the tallest tree on earth but they keep its location a secret. However, there are plenty of tall trees here, and one of the tallest is found in the “Big Tree Wayside” off of the Foothill trail. This state park is great for hiking with loads of well signposted trails. From the Northern end of the park there are several relatively short trails leading out to a lesser known beach.
The Avenue of the Giants in Humbolt Redwoods State Park
This 31 mile drive through the redwood trees was the highlight of our day. We did stop at “Pepperwood” for a hike, although Founder’s Grove was the hiking area that had been recommended to us. Either way, the rain came and we cut our hike short.
Practical Information:
- The Coast Redwood is the tallest living tree on earth and a fascinating excursion on any USA road trip.
- Not only are they tall, but they are also old. Fossil research suggests that relatives of today’s coast redwood trees thrived in the Jurassic Era, 160 million years ago.
- Only about 5% of the world’s old growth redwood trees exist today, and 95% of these are in California, mostly in protected parks.
- We drove by three places that had a “famous” drive-thru tree for $5, but we didn’t see the point without kids, and besides, we can’t imagine that the redwood trees like it very much.
- You can stop into visitor’s centers at each park for free trail maps, or, pre-purchase this waterproof, tear-resistant trail map from National Geographic of the Redwood National and State Parks.
Have you seen the giant redwood trees of Northern California? How did you react?
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Tillamook: Let Me Take You Inside a Cheese Factory
Mario Vaden
Actually, Prairie Creek used to have the largest coast redwood, and the tallest one was published as Redwood National Park when National Geographic covered the measuring in 2006. The berry in the photo is edible. It’s Salmonberry. We get some scratches and bleeding from the stems when we explore. My name should be linked with a page about new updates. Follow the breadcrumbs from that page to the main page and more if you are interested.
Cheers, M. D. Vaden
Rhonda Albom
Thank Mario. This is great information. We were in Redwood National Park as well. Also, good to know about the berry.
Rob+Ann
Haven’t been to see the Redwoods in a very long time, but I can still remember the impression they made on me. So huge and serene. High time we made another trip! Thanks for sharing the great photos!
Rhonda Albom
I can’t believe we lived so close for so long and never made it up here. (I spent 15 years in San Francisco).
Frank
Pictures do give these trees justice, I’ve seen them a couple of times and have never grown tired of looking at them. They are magnificent in person!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Frank.
indah nuria savitri
We missed the Redwood when we visited CA last spring but we managed to enjoy Muir Woods. You’re right, it’s such an incredible feeling to be aming the giants, yet peaceful 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I love Muir Woods. I generally try to get there when I visit San Francisco. This time we skipped it as we saw these redwoods.
Kristi
I have not seen them up close like that. I would have been in awe for sure. I love that pic. of you and your husband in front of that massive tree! Amazing!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. I was quite glad I bothered to carry a tripod around with me.
soma
The redwood trees are truly breathtaking. It has been too long since I have been to a redwood forest. Your photos are amazing!!
-Soma
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Soma. I hope you get back to one soon.
Kristy Life-n-reflection
They do seem other worldly, they don’t they!
Rhonda Albom
Other worldly is actually quite a good descriptor for these trees.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Beautiful world we have isnt it? We need to take care of it for it to take care of us back. I am so sirry to be mushy but these trees are just amazing!
Rhonda Albom
Merlinda, never apologise for being mushy- and you are so right.
Deb Nance
We visited there eight years ago. I kept saying to people, “These trees are just so big. So BIG!” It was amazing.
Rhonda Albom
LOL- I think that is the thought running through everyones mind.
Erik Smith
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Rhonda Albom
Thanks Erik.
Magnus
Amazing, great serie of shots!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. They are much more amazing in person.
Ruth
Wonderful! After seeing the Sequoias recently, I cannot wait to visit the redwood. I have a thing for big trees.
Rhonda Albom
Me too 🙂
Deborah/Mom2Michael
Wonderful images. I would love to see those trees in person some day.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Deborah, I hope you get there.
Jesh StG
Am glad you found the meme SEASONS – welcome!.
When we lived 7 hrs. South, we used to go to Yosemite almost every year for 2 decades, and they have a special section for the Sequoias. Always have the sense of awe, that I am just a small part of something bigger (history). And the smell of the forest is stronger than at open areas. That is my impression:)
Now we live about 3 1/2 hours from Yosemite, so I’m spoiled!
Many thanks for sharing your trip with SEASONS, and hope to see you back very soon (am changing urls, since I’m running out of space. You can see the new url at the beginning of the post)
Rhonda Albom
I lived in San Francisco for 15 years, and never made it up here before, nor did I get to Oregon. Now that I live half way around the world I can make the effort to get here.
Amila @Leisure and Me
These trees are impressive.Very beautiful views among trees and I am sure you all had great time walking among these trees…
Rhonda Albom
Walking and driving, both were amazing.
Felicia
Those trees are gorgeous. It’s been a wish of mine to see the redwoods. Not sure if it will ever happen.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Beautiful images.
Rhonda Albom
I hope it does, walking amongst them is such an amazing experience.
Lisa @ LTTL
I cannot wait to see the Redwoods some day. They are high on my bucket list. Your pictures are stunning. You captured their enormous nature so very well.
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens (www.lisakerner-slp.com)
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Lisa. I was glad I brought a tripod.
Parent Club
Those trees are majestic!
Rhonda Albom
And so much better in real life than photos.
Patrick Weseman
Great pics. Growing up in Northern California I have always been in awe of the Redwoods. I love being around them.
Thanks for taking me back to something I love.
Andrea @ From The Sol
I have seen the Great Redwood Trees in California, but not for many, many years. Like you, I was awe struck … it is hard to imagine the size and the beauty of these trees and how old they must be. Every time I hear about a fire in California (which sadly is often these days) I pray that the Redwoods will survive it.
Thank you for coming to my blog. I hope you do make it to Thailand … it is a wonderful place and there was so much more than I was able to see. I was lucky enough to have my son and daughter-in-law (who is Thai) as tour guides so I was able to see Thailand through their eye which made it very special. There are many historical sites to be seen that I hope to get to when I go back in two years. I wish you a wonderful time is Asia …
Andrea @ From The Sol
Rhonda Albom
I think most of the fires we hear about are in Southern California, so not effecting this trees. That would be such a tragedy. As for Asia, Thailand is currently on the list be we haven’t book anything yet.
Karren Haller
One time many years ago we drove through the Redwoods!! Your photos are wonderful!!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Karen.
Carol
I visited one park during my visit to California during the 90’s. As you said, the immense trees make you feel so insignificant. Great photos by the way. It’s impossible to capture their majesty on film (my opinion). Same as no photo really gives the feeling of the Grand Canyon.
Rhonda Albom
I agree. I think that is why I took and shared so many photos – none of them are quite right.
rebecca haegele
I have seen them. Until you see them in person you can’t get a feeling for their size.
Rhonda Albom
I did my best, but you simply can’t capture it.
Barbara Radisavljevic
We have camped in both Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, near the river, and at Prairie Creek. Prairie Creek was my very first camping experience, and we loved it. We saw a lot of wildlife there. We hadn’t been married very long on our first visit. We went back years later after we had the kids with us. They were also with us at Jedediah Smith. i’ve never felt so small in my life. In those days, I didn’t have a digital camera, so I didn’t take many photos.
Rhonda Albom
Actually, now that you mention it, my first camping experience was up north in California as well. I have no idea where though. Now I am wondering.
Fun60
Exceptionally tall trees are very difficult to photograph but you have made an excellent job by including yourselves.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. I carried a tripod for all 42 days just to use on two or three of them, this was one.
Photo cache
They are magnificent aren’t they? Almost too good to be true.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, almost too good to be true.
Elizabeth
I love visiting the redwoods! Hoping to go again later this summer.
Rhonda Albom
Bring a camera!
Teresa Kindred
My mom and dad were there years ago. I still remember the pictures. Wish i could go one day. Blessings to you!
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get a chance, it’s really spiritual.
Kim Marie Ostrowski
It looks like a raspberry but yello.
Not sure if they are like that before ripe we’ll have to look that up
Rhonda Albom
That is what I thought too.
stevebethere
Looks lovely there those huge trees love the photo of you both looking so small LOL
Have a treetastic day Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I was glad to carry a tripod to get those photos.
artmusedog and carol
Redwoods are so majestic and your photography is too!
Happy Week to you ~ ^_^
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Carol
Comedy Plus
Yes, I’ve seen these majestic trees. They made me feel small and insignificant.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Me too.
Kathy Marris
No I missed out on seeing these when we visited San Francisco. We had a choice between Yosemite National Park and Big Sur. There were many big redwoods in Yosemite National Park however. But I am guessing they weren’t as big as these ones.
Rhonda Albom
This is the third direction, due north. The giant coast redwoods start a few hours north of San Francisco and go up to the top of the state.
Lexa Cain
I haven’t seen the Giant Redwoods in person, and I’m sure film and photos don’t fully do them justice — but they’re spectacular even in those mediums!! Thanks so much for the awesome pics! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
To true, these photos do not do it justice. That’s why I put so many here, to try and capture the grandure.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I remember driving through there when I was a kid. Really impressive.
Rhonda Albom
It stays with you.