It’s time for another batch of pictures from our trip out West! After visiting Multnomah Falls, catching up with family and friends at my brother’s seaside wedding, and spending a day sightseeing along the Oregon Coast, we arrived in Northern California to visit the spectacular Redwoods.Ever since I was a little girl, I had been dreaming about visiting the Redwood Forest. It actually turned out to be even more majestic and breathtaking than I had imagined.
To walk up to the base of those massive trees and try to wrap my mind around the fact that they are hundreds (and even thousands) of years old was truly amazing. It’s one thing to see a building or other man-made structure that was build before the year 1 AD, but to think that these trees have sustained themselves for that long is such an awesome thought.
We drove past many Redwoods that had been darkened and hollowed out by forest fires but were still standing strong. Then we learned from one of the park rangers that these trees are naturally fire-resistant. How neat!
As we were walking through the beautiful forests, I kept thinking how neat it would be if we could watch a time-lapse video of everything the Redwood Giants have witnessed over the past two millennia. The tree below is a spiral tree, which means it was formed by multiple “shoots” from the same root system.
After passing through Crescent City, California, we enjoyed stopping for a few short hikes in the Redwood National and State Parks near Berry Glenn and Orick. I found it quite hilarious to see Mr. Handsome dwarfed while standing next to even the medium-sized Redwoods.
Some of the trees had little hideouts in the middle of them, which made for great photo ops. Here’s one of Mae and Lena…
I think Lena is trying to find the top of the tree!
This picture is a little dark, but seeing Lena’s tiny head poking through really captures the size of the trunks.
The “Big Tree” extends 304 feet above the forest floor and is an estimated 1500 years old. Wow!
The bright orange and yellow leaves and the vibrant green moss made the forest look like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. This isn’t a Redwood, but it’s still a beautiful tree.
Later that afternoon, we stopped at Humboldt Redwoods State Park and drove through the Avenue of the Giants. (Thank you to the readers who suggested we visit Humboldt. It was time well spent!)
We came across a tree that fell last winter, but unlike all the others we saw lying on the ground, it had splintered.
This is the Dyerville Giant, which once stood a whopping 362 feet tall with an estimated age of 2,000 years and a circumference of 52 feet. Before it fell in 1991, it was believed to be the tallest tree in the world.
Before heading to a hotel for the night, we stopped at the Chandelier Tree in Legget, California. At 315 feet, this tree is approximately 2,400 years old. Visitors with regular-sized vehicles can drive through the base of the tree, but we were in a 12-passenger van, so that didn’t work out. There’s Mae standing in front of the opening…
We spent 16 hours in San Francisco (pictures coming soon) and then headed home. Now that we’ve seen the Redwoods, the trees around here just aren’t that impressive. LOL.
This is definitely my favorite post of yours
Those trees are so impressive
It's also always been a dream of mine to visit there
im glad to hear that. It was one of my favorite posts to write. 🙂 If you're able to visit, I definitely recommend it.
Ellie
So pretty! Did you drive from Nashville or fly? We would like to go soon, but sure of the best place to fly into and rent a car.
We flew into Portland and then drove down the coast and flew out of San Francisco. It was a great trip! Can’t believe it was more than 4 years ago. I would love to go back.
The Redwoods are breathtaking! I remember our guide telling us that if the average temperature in the Bay Area rose even one more degree, the Redwoods would no longer be able to live. 🙁
Wow, that's crazy! We heard that only 4% of the old-growth redwoods are around today. Imagine with the area would have looked like if the logging industry has not destroyed so many of the trees.
Ellie
Love all these pictures! I was born and raised in Humboldt County 🙂
That's awesome! Did you live near the park? Any redwoods in your backyard?
Ellie
Have not been able to visit the Redwoods yet but would love to someday. I have an even bigger desire to see them in person after looking at your wonderful pictures.
They are definitely way more breathtaking and I had imagined, too!
Ellie
How did you like San Fran?
I'm from Canada, but I just came back from a music festival in Indio, California (near Palm Desert) called "Desert Trip". Going through withdrawal, missing the hot weather!
We were only in San Francisco for a very short time, but what we saw was beautiful. I would love to go back and see more. Did you stop in San Francisco on your trip?
Ellie
I'm going to San Francisco in December! Looking forward to seeing if you recommend anything when you write about it 🙂
That will be a blast! I'm going to write a post about the things we saw, as well as the things we wish we had had time to see.
Ellie
Breathtaking just to see pictures…
I can only imagine what it felt like being there…
It really makes you feel small standing next to those trees. LOL
Ellie
How is your baby nephew doing?
He's doing great! He was born two weeks ago, although we have not been able to meet him yet. ( i'm counting down the days!)
Ellie
Congrats to her. What are their names and what name did they pick for the baby? I also have a nephew on the way any day. My sister in law and brother always wait until the very last minute to decide on names
People are not focused on the environment as our earthly home, in my opinion. People often mostly think in terms of the 'self'. I like your post because it focuses on the value of these trees. Thank-you.
Glad to hear that! 🙂
Ellie
Enjoyed these pictures!
Thanks! Have a wonderful weekend.
Ellie