Photo Credit: Michelle Hall
Photo Credit: Michelle Hall
Seeing the magnificent giants known as the California Redwoods is on many bucket lists, and for good reason. Everything from the grand canopy above you to the tiny minutiae of the forest floor below you will provide a humbling experience to even the most fuddy-duddy part time adventurer. That being said, we only have so many hours and days in the typical American vacation. So how can you make the most of this Bucket List moment?
The Hits and the Misses of visiting
the Trees of Mystery
the Trees of Mystery
What to HIT: Trees of Mystery park
First and foremost, you need to HIT this park. At just under 40 miles south of the Oregon state line, with close proximity to Crescent City, and easy access from I-5 it really is a no brainer to come to this park. There is plenty of easy parking and the admission price is pretty easy to swallow compared to other tourist attractions. As of this writing, the regular adult price was $20 for unlimited access for the whole day. That unlimited access even includes rides on the Sky Trail gondola, which brings me to…
First and foremost, you need to HIT this park. At just under 40 miles south of the Oregon state line, with close proximity to Crescent City, and easy access from I-5 it really is a no brainer to come to this park. There is plenty of easy parking and the admission price is pretty easy to swallow compared to other tourist attractions. As of this writing, the regular adult price was $20 for unlimited access for the whole day. That unlimited access even includes rides on the Sky Trail gondola, which brings me to…
Photo Credit: treesofmystery.net
What to MISS: The Sky Trail gondola (*)
(notice the *, because there is a caveat)
If you happen into this park on a blustery or foggy day and find yourself at the end of a long line to board the ride, then you can feel okay about skipping this part of the park. It really is great that this is included. The park management could easily charge a few more dollars for this glide through the tree-top canopy. The day we were there was very foggy and misty so by the time we got to the top there was very little to see. There IS a beautiful observation deck that would give a sweeping view of the area beyond this park, including some intriguing scientific work. Zipping up and down through the tippy tops of the tress does add to the mystical essence of your visit, but other than the observation deck, there isn’t much else to see. So here’s hoping YOUR day is a more clear and sunny day than ours.
(notice the *, because there is a caveat)
If you happen into this park on a blustery or foggy day and find yourself at the end of a long line to board the ride, then you can feel okay about skipping this part of the park. It really is great that this is included. The park management could easily charge a few more dollars for this glide through the tree-top canopy. The day we were there was very foggy and misty so by the time we got to the top there was very little to see. There IS a beautiful observation deck that would give a sweeping view of the area beyond this park, including some intriguing scientific work. Zipping up and down through the tippy tops of the tress does add to the mystical essence of your visit, but other than the observation deck, there isn’t much else to see. So here’s hoping YOUR day is a more clear and sunny day than ours.
Photo Credit: treesofmystery.net
What to HIT: The Wilderness Trail
Provided you find yourself at the top of the Sky Trail gondola ride and are looking for a bit more adventure, try the Wilderness Trail. This is an optional choice to make your way back down the trail. It’s all down hill and about a mile in length. However, you WILL need proper footwear and some experience in hiking. I would say a hiking pole would be a good addition as well. If your day is a bit misty or damp, this will make the trail more muddy and potentially more slippery. If forest conditions, and your preparations, warrant then definitely make your way down in this manner to get a more pristine and wild view of this redwood forest.
Provided you find yourself at the top of the Sky Trail gondola ride and are looking for a bit more adventure, try the Wilderness Trail. This is an optional choice to make your way back down the trail. It’s all down hill and about a mile in length. However, you WILL need proper footwear and some experience in hiking. I would say a hiking pole would be a good addition as well. If your day is a bit misty or damp, this will make the trail more muddy and potentially more slippery. If forest conditions, and your preparations, warrant then definitely make your way down in this manner to get a more pristine and wild view of this redwood forest.
What to MISS: The shuttle
Of course, if you are in a position that makes the complimentary shuttle a necessity then, by all means, partake. Again, it is one of the many amenities included in your park admission. If you can manage the trail, even by slowing your pace, then please bypass the shuttle. Taking the shuttle will zip you past many of the trails and iconic trees to drop you at the bottom of the boarding area for the Sky Trail gondola ride. If you are on the fence about taking the shuttle, consider riding the shuttle up to the Sky Trail and then meandering your way down to catch the highlights of the trails.
Of course, if you are in a position that makes the complimentary shuttle a necessity then, by all means, partake. Again, it is one of the many amenities included in your park admission. If you can manage the trail, even by slowing your pace, then please bypass the shuttle. Taking the shuttle will zip you past many of the trails and iconic trees to drop you at the bottom of the boarding area for the Sky Trail gondola ride. If you are on the fence about taking the shuttle, consider riding the shuttle up to the Sky Trail and then meandering your way down to catch the highlights of the trails.
Photo Credit: treesofmystery.net
What to HIT: The Redwood Canopy trail
Walk among the canopy of the trees at varying heights (50-100 feet) across 10 different platforms and 8 netted suspension bridges. For the true daredevil, this canopy walk will do little to stoke the flames of adventure. But for the average hiker and adventurer this provides a beautiful and unique view of the forest while also offering a relatively tame challenge. There are clear “No Running” and “No Jumping” signs, but even the most calm walker generates a bit of sway on the bridge. Just steady yourself with the shoulder-height side cables and consider yourself one with the constant movement of the forest. Some pre-planning to consider: there is a height requirement (36 inches) and there are no exit points along the way. Once you enter you must complete the suspension bridge trail or backtrack to the beginning.
Walk among the canopy of the trees at varying heights (50-100 feet) across 10 different platforms and 8 netted suspension bridges. For the true daredevil, this canopy walk will do little to stoke the flames of adventure. But for the average hiker and adventurer this provides a beautiful and unique view of the forest while also offering a relatively tame challenge. There are clear “No Running” and “No Jumping” signs, but even the most calm walker generates a bit of sway on the bridge. Just steady yourself with the shoulder-height side cables and consider yourself one with the constant movement of the forest. Some pre-planning to consider: there is a height requirement (36 inches) and there are no exit points along the way. Once you enter you must complete the suspension bridge trail or backtrack to the beginning.
What to MISS: The Trees Motel and the Forest Café
Because this park IS so easy to access from many roads or avenues there really is no need to stay here on Hwy 101 at the site of the park. Admittedly, we did not enter the motel and it DID seem well populated; we just didn’t see the need to lock ourselves in to this location. It’s quite possible to visit this park within 3-4 hours and then be on your way north up to Crescent City or even Oregon or south to more Redwoods or even San Francisco. The Forest Café is quite serviceable with enough variety to choose from. The prices do seem higher, but expected, for such an isolated only-show-in-town type of eatery. Two entrees and two drinks were just under $40. If you do a little prep work ahead of time, you can enjoy a more budget-friendly picnic amidst the beautiful scenery of your visit.
Because this park IS so easy to access from many roads or avenues there really is no need to stay here on Hwy 101 at the site of the park. Admittedly, we did not enter the motel and it DID seem well populated; we just didn’t see the need to lock ourselves in to this location. It’s quite possible to visit this park within 3-4 hours and then be on your way north up to Crescent City or even Oregon or south to more Redwoods or even San Francisco. The Forest Café is quite serviceable with enough variety to choose from. The prices do seem higher, but expected, for such an isolated only-show-in-town type of eatery. Two entrees and two drinks were just under $40. If you do a little prep work ahead of time, you can enjoy a more budget-friendly picnic amidst the beautiful scenery of your visit.
Honorable mentions:
*The End of the Trail museum inside the gift shop is a private collection celebrating and educating about the First Nations people of this area.
Photo Credit: Michelle Hall
*The End of the Trail museum inside the gift shop is a private collection celebrating and educating about the First Nations people of this area.
Photo Credit: Michelle Hall*The Cathedral Trees and The Brotherhood trees are just two of the most awe-inspiring natural specimens in this park. You can even arrange your marriage ceremony at The Cathedral Trees (nine individual trees which have grown together). Although, truth be told, The Brotherhood tree and surrounding area is just as magnificent to behold.
Photo Credit: Michelle Hall*Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, and the Trail of Tall Tales offer the littles in your group some engaging fun. A towering Paul and his best buddy greet park entrants as they approach the ticket window and even have a live person on mic, as Paul, to personally greet people. The Trail of Tall Tales is within the park and shows off the artistry of a wood-artist with nothing but a chainsaw and jack knife. It’s a funny, yet kitschy, walk through some tall tale characters.
Photo Credit: Michelle HallThe deets you need to know:
*Not an affiliated ad
*Reported from a summer 2021 visit
*visit treesofmystery.net for park information
©MichelleHall
©MichelleHall
