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. Actually, since our visit several days earlier to Multnomah Falls, it has been day after day of breath-taking scenery.
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.
Hiking at Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Everything seemed larger than life.
We felt small next to the redwood trees.
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.
Hubby and I standing in fron of one of the big trees.
I wonder if this berry was edible.
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.
The Avenue of the Giants
Walking into the forest at Pepperwood.
Looking up from the hiking trail.
Fallen trees produce new growth.
Practical Information:
- The Coast Redwood is the tallest living tree on earth.
- Not only are they tall, they are 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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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
Thank Mario. This is great information. We were in Redwood National Park as well. Also, good to know about the berry.
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!
I can’t believe we lived so close for so long and never made it up here. (I spent 15 years in San Francisco).
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!
Thanks Frank.
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 🙂
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.
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!
Thanks. I was quite glad I bothered to carry a tripod around with me.