Among the Tallest Trees on Earth: California’s Redwood Experience
- Nicole
- Aug 27, 2024
- 4 min read
The last time I walked beneath the Redwoods, I was a child, barely tall enough to see over the driftwood that lined the beaches of Northern California. What I remember most is not the trees, but the fog that rolled in thick off the Pacific, the wet sand clinging to my feet, and the salty sting of a wave that knocked me flat. When I scrambled back up, sputtering and laughing, I saw my dad standing nearby and the tall silhouettes of the trees rising in the distance.
Almost 40 years later, I returned.
This time, the coast greeted me not with fog but with sunshine, soft breezes, and a chance to truly see the Redwoods with grown-up eyes. Unlike many national parks, Redwood National and State Parks don’t have a single grand entrance. Instead, you ease into them. One moment you’re cruising down U.S. Highway 101, and the next you’re swallowed by towering giants, an old-growth temperate rainforest spread across Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Together, they protect 133,000 acres of pristine land in Del Norte and Humboldt counties, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
It’s humbling, stepping into a forest where trees can live for 2,000 years and soar over 300 feet high. These aren’t just trees, they’re witnesses. They’ve seen centuries unfold. And they still stand strong.
Beyond the trees, the Redwoods shelter a rare ecosystem. Bring binoculars because you might spot a Northern Spotted Owl tucked in the canopy, or glimpse Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of tidewater goby darting in streams or even sea lions sunning along the rugged coast. The forest hums with life, reminding you this isn’t just a park, it’s a sanctuary.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
Here are a few of my favorite experiences during this trip:
✨ Lady Bird Johnson Grove – A short, family-friendly loop with sweeping views and interpretive signs honoring the former First Lady’s work in conservation.
✨ Avenue of the Giants – A 31-mile scenic drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It’s jaw-dropping and a great alternative if you’re traveling with kids or those less inclined to hike.
✨ Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway – A must-drive route that parallels Highway 101 with less traffic and more magic. Pull off at “Big Tree,” standing 304 feet tall with a diameter of 21 feet.
✨ Fern Canyon – My favorite stop of all. Imagine walking through a narrow canyon where 50- to 80-foot walls are dripping with ferns and moss, water trickling down like a green curtain. It feels prehistoric—and in fact, Steven Spielberg filmed parts of Jurassic Park: The Lost World here.
The forest hums with life, reminding you this isn’t just a park, it’s a breathing sanctuary.
Travel Tip: The dirt road to Fern Canyon is narrow, steep, and not suitable for RVs or trailers. Check seasonal closures and bring waterproof shoes, you’ll wade through streams along the trail.
Quirky Stops: Don’t miss the giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox at Trees of Mystery, or the famous “drive-through” trees (yes, they’re touristy, but worth the photo op—budget about $6 per car).
Visitor Centers – Stop at the Kuchel Visitor Center near Orick for maps and exhibits, and the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center to see the famous “Bigfoot” plaster cast, a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Standing among the Redwoods feels like entering a sacred space. It’s quiet here, and the silence carries weight. Please encourage your children (and yourself) to walk softly and speak gently and for the love of all things holy.... NO WHISTLES! Let the forest share its stories without interruption.
Practical Tips for Today’s Redwood Explorer:
Best Time to Visit: Summer for easier road access, fall for fewer crowds, spring for wildflowers, and winter if you love fog-shrouded mystery.
What to Pack: Waterproof shoes, layers (weather changes quickly), snacks, and plenty of water. Cell service is spotty, download maps ahead of time.
Pets: Dogs are allowed in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads but not on hiking trails. Keep them leashed (6 ft max). For dog-friendly hikes, check nearby Three Rivers Park District or the Humboldt County beaches.
Camping & Lodging: Reserve early! The state park campgrounds fill up months in advance, especially Gold Bluffs Beach. For comfort, nearby towns like Trinidad and Crescent City offer cozy inns and cabins.
Leave No Trace: Stay on marked trails, carry out your trash, and resist the urge to carve into bark or pick ferns. These trees have survived millennia, let’s help them thrive a little longer.
As I stood beneath the giants once more, I thought about the arc of time. How these trees had watched over the land for thousands of years. How they had witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. How my memory of being knocked over by a wave as a child was just a blink compared to their lifetime.
The Redwoods remind us that we are small, and that’s a gift. They invite us to pause, breathe, and rediscover wonder. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll never forget the way it feels to walk among giants.
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