It is said that the earliest redwoods grew on Earth slightly after the dinosaur period, making them one of the most ancient living things on the planet. But this is not the only cool fact about redwoods, they are the tallest tree in the world, with an average height of 300 feet (91 metres) and some of the tallest are found on the Pacific Coast.
While some of the forests on this list are home to trees that are 2000 years old, there are much more that feature new growth, ranging between 50 - 150 years old. Redwoods only grow in one place in the whole world and that is right here on the Pacific Coast, from Big Sur to Southern Oregon.
Let’s take a look at the top ten redwood forests in California, so you can start planning a trip to see these majestic beauties.
1. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett
This privately owned grove has been taken care of by the same family since 1922 and is home to one of the most famous redwood trees in California: the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree. In 1937, the Chandelier Drive-Thru was added as a special feature for visitors, and, as such, people have been driving through the tree and having their photos taken with it, ever since.
Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett
Address: 67402 Drive Thru Tree Rd, Leggett, CA 95585
2. Shrine Drive-Thru at Myers Flat
Just four miles (6.4 km) south of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, the Shrine Drive-Thru has been the focus of photographs for many years. The trunk of this tree was hollowed out by fire over a century ago and it was spared by loggers because they thought that its timber would be of little value.
Shrine Drive-Thru at Myers Flat
Address: 13708 Ave of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA 95554
Website: Shrine Drive-Thru at Myers Flat
3. Tour-Thru Tree in Klamath
The Klamath Tour-Thru Tree is a privately owned attraction, located north of Klamath Bridge. Apparently big enough to fit a full sized truck through the hole, this is a worthy stop if you have a larger car, which may not fit through some of the other drive-thru trees.
Tour-Thru Tree
Address: 430 CA-169, Klamath, CA 95548
Website: Tour-Thru Tree
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4. Muir Woods
Muir Woods has been protected as a national monument since 1908 and this special forest is both a preservation site and laboratory. It also played a very special role in 1945, when delegates from the United Nations traveled here to pay their respects to the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with a special memorial nestled into the ancient Redwood trees.
It is worth noting that parking here is very limited, so it can be a tight squeeze during the summer months. Instead, feel free to grab your hiking boots and follow the many pathways that lead through the woods.
Muir Woods
Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Website: Muir Woods
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Due to stormy weather, Big Basin may suffer trail damage, so be sure to check the website for updates before visiting. Established in 1902, this park not only has the glorious redwoods on offer but also amazing views over the Pacific Ocean, awe-inspiring waterfalls and a wide range of local wildlife!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Address: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Website: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
6. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is most famous for its 40 acre (16 hectares) grove of redwood trees. But, there is plenty more to do here than just look at the trees! Visitors can enjoy the hiking trails and picnicking areas, or, for the more adventurous, there is even horseback riding.
For a true, one-of-a-kind experience, hop aboard the Roaring Camp Railroads’ tour, which features authentic 1880’s steam locomotives and 1920’s Beach Trains operating on redwood tracks.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Address: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Website: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Tip from Content Creator
Redwood Grove Loop Trail is the most popular trail in Henry Cowell SP and for a good reason—when you get on the trail, it makes you feel like you are visiting either Sequoia or Redwoods National Parks in California. You will get to see the giant redwoods, with the tallest tree reaching 277 ft and being 1,500 years old. Make sure to grab a map at the trailhead, so that you can look up the description of each numbered tree on the trailhead. The trail itself is an 8-mi loop with an entrance fee of 10 USD. The trail is flat and wheelchair accessible too.
If you choose to take a ride in a historic open-air steam train, Roaring Camp, through the big trees, note that it will cost 39.95 USD per ticket for a 75-min ride.
7. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
In the 1900s, loggers came to this now park in the hope of acquiring some of these ancient trees for stakes and shingles. However, the Save the Redwoods League stepped in and raised millions of dollars in order to save the redwood groves in this area. Humboldt Redwoods State Park is now registered at 53,000 acres (21,448 hectares).
With the park at almost twice the size of San Francisco, we’re sure you can spend the day exploring these majestic trees, here in the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on Earth.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Address: 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571
Website: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
8. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Known locally as the Heart of Big Sur, this beautiful redwood state park is home to the fast flowing Big Sur, overlooked by steep mountains, providing an interesting terrain to hike through. The park is well developed, with plenty of rest stops, a campsite and even a popular lodge with a sit-down restaurant.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Address: 47555 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Website: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
9. Prairie Creek Redwoods National Park
Fifty miles (80 km) north of Eureka takes you to Prairie Creek Redwoods National Park. With its coastal location, you can see a beautiful sandy beach and perhaps even Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows! There are two scenic campgrounds that you can stay at, if you would like a more immersive experience.
Prairie Creek Redwoods National Park
Address: Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy #127011, Orick, CA 95555
Website: Prairie Creek Redwoods National Park
10. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
This is the last in the long line of Redwood State Parks that stretch up the coast of California. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park was founded in 1929 and was aptly named after Jedediah Strong Smith, who was the first white man in the 1820s to explore the interior of Northern California.
There is plenty to do in the park, so you can choose to either take a relaxing stroll or, for the more adventurous, kayak along the Smith River, the longest major free-flowing river in California.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Address: 1461 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531
Website: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Bask in their ancient glory
The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. ~ John Steinbeck
It’s true, these magnificent trees are not to be missed, spend a few days camping in their presence and return relaxed, refreshed and possibly with a new outlook!
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