The Redwood National and State Parks along the Coast of California, are home to some of the most iconic and historic redwood trees — the only place on the planet where these wooden giants can grow naturally. Below are some of the most iconic redwood trees, and how they contribute to making the California Coast a magical place of nature and mystery.
#1: The Big Tree
With an estimated age reaching over 1,500 years old, the ‘Big Tree’ located in Prairie Creek State Park, is the 16th largest coastal redwood. The Big Tree is just a short 2 minute walk off the main road of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, making it easily accessible to visit. Reaching a height of over 280 ft, this historic landmark exists as a big reminder of the grandeur and beauty that is a part of the Redwood National Park. With several trails veering off the path near the Big Tree, longer hiking is also available around the location to those who may want to see the local area surrounding this living giant.
#2: The Cathedral Tree
Hundreds of years ago, a large tree once existed in what is now the current home of the ‘Cathedral Trees’. When the original tree fell all that time ago, it refused to give its life, leaving these nine jointed trees as the new foundation of what was once a large redwood. Situated in the historic park of ‘Trees of Mystery’, this legendary piece of nature is available to experience through purchase at the park, along with a series of accessible trails that lead to other magical wooden skyscrapers that are located in the Trees of Mystery location, just outside of Klamath, CA.
#3: The Trinity Tree
Another natural landmark showcasing the combination of many trees as one iconic redwood, is the Trinity Tree — also located in the ‘Trees of Mystery’ park outside Klamath, CA. Reaching just under 300 ft, this sky-reaching redwood is the remaining formation of 3 jointed redwoods that have grown together over time as one large tree. Accessible through the Trees of Mystery Park trails, this mystical wooden giant is one you can’t miss during your visits to the most iconic redwood trees.
#4: The Corkscrew Tree
Along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway just north of the Big Tree and near the Karl Knapp Trail, you will find the ‘Corkscrew Tree’, a large redwood made up of 4 intertwined trees. With a height reaching 200ft, this spiraled masterpiece is another great example of the immense natural beauty that exists through these trees as part of Northern California’s rare wooden skyline.
#5: The Tour Thru Tree
South of Crescent City, CA. of the Klamath Glen Road is the famous ‘Tour Thru Tree’, which makes up one of the four redwood coast tunnel trees. More friendly with larger vehicles, this redwood was developed and carved by a team of an engineer, tree faller, and air force major in the late 1970s as a project that took just under two days. Now the tree is home to more than 60,000 annual vehicle visitors — an experience that allows you to quite literally immerse yourself inside a giant redwood tree. Take a visit and get the real context of what it’s like to be inside one of these natural giants.
#6: The Brotherhood Tree
Also located in the Trees of Mystery park, is the home of the ‘Brotherhood Tree’, a 2000 year old redwood that reaches just under 300 ft tall. The name was inspired with the hope of brotherhood of man- a theme intended to include all races, creeds, and colors. One of the most historic trees in the Redwood National Parks, the Brotherhood Tree also reaches about a 19ft diameter, and with shown evidence of the redwood surviving what was thought to be a fire within the past few hundred years. Still standing, this iconic redwood stands as a natural reminder of the beauty and impact these trees can have to our world and culture — exemplified through this towering wooden beast that exudes a sense of true brotherhood from its redwood roots.
So what are you waiting for?! Plan a trip to the Northern California Coast where you can see these living skyscrapers in person, an experience sure to alter your perceptions of nature and its beauty for good.