California Coastal Redwoods
California, USA
Hello, inquisitive people. Wander Woman here. Today I’m going to share with you a “national treasure” that’s right in my own backyard, so to speak; the California coastal redwoods. Their habitat extends slightly north of the California border into Oregon, but for the most part, these magnificent trees are California natives. They are among the longest-living beings on earth. They can live an astounding 2,000 years or more and attain heights of up to 380 feet (115 m). They are giants in girth as well. Redwood trees can reach up to 30 feet (9 m) in diameter. They are truly breathtaking to behold.
One of the most famous places to go to see redwoods is Muir Woods in Marin County, just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The benefits of going to Muir Woods are its convenient location just outside a major city and the fact that it is very well-maintained, with solid infrastructure in place to make a visit easy and comfortable. Paths are meticulously maintained; safe, level, and much is even wheelchair-accessible. There are dirt paths that delve further into the woods for the more intrepid explorers, but you can soak up the majesty of the redwoods without ever leaving the main walkways. There are bathrooms, a visitor center, and a very nice large gift shop.
But Muir Woods has its drawbacks, too. Foremost among these are that it’s very popular and often crowded. Parking is scarce and must be reserved in advance, online: no exceptions. If you arrive without a parking reservation, you will be turned away. There is a cost to park and also an admission fee for the woods. Muir Woods is a big tourist draw, but Northern California locals like myself know that there are other ways to enjoy the redwoods without either the crowds or the cost.
Roy’s Redwood Preserve is in Marin County just north of San Francisco, like Muir Woods. Far fewer people know about it. I’ve never found it crowded, and there is no cost to park or to enter. However, parking is simply alongside the road, and there are no amenities onsite (that includes bathrooms!) One really cool thing about Roy’s is that parts of the movie Star Wars: Return of the Jedi were filmed there. I highly recommend this site to any Star Wars fans out there. You will feel like you’re on Planet Endor because, in a way, you kinda are!
Across San Francisco Bay, in the city of Oakland, you will find Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, another solid option for seeing these magnificent trees right in the San Francisco Bay Area. There’s a modest entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle, and if you have a dog with you, there’s a $2.00 dog fee. The Park has basic amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, and some paved trails. There is also camping available. However, my absolute favorite place to go to bask in the glory of the California redwoods is the Avenue of the Giants, within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Located approximately a 4-hour drive north of San Francisco, the Avenue of the Giants is a 31.5-mile (50 km) road that winds and meanders its way through some of the most magnificent redwood groves on earth. There is no cost to drive this stretch of road. As you drive, you will encounter a visitor center where you can take a bathroom break, check out the exhibits, get a map from the rangers, and maybe treat yourself to a souvenir hat or tee shirt. The Avenue also winds through the smattering of little towns nestled under the trees, where you can find gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, gift stores, and art galleries. If visiting the Avenue of the Giants and the surrounding area from San Francisco, I personally recommend making it, at minimum, a 2-night trip. You will not regret investing the time (or the gas money!)
The California redwoods are truly more majestic than I could ever convey, and something that every resident and visitor should see at least once. If you ever find yourself in my beautiful Golden State, do not leave without seeking them out.
Located not far from the Avenue of the Giants, the “Grandfather Tree” is 265’ tall, 24’ in diameter, and believed to be approximately 1,800 years old.
Also located near the Avenue of the Giants, in the small town of Leggett, CA, you can find the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree. This tree is believed to be approximately 2,100 years old and is still alive despite the tunnel that was bored through it in the 1930s. A fairly compact car can still be driven through it today at the cost of $10/car.
A man sits inside the trunk of a fallen redwood tree. Avenue of the Giants, California
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