Redwood National Park: Discover the Redwoods

By: Larry Alton

Larry Alton is an independent business consultant specializing in social media trends, business, and entrepreneurship.

"Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft," suggested Baz Luhrman in his "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen" ode to the class of 1999. When vacationers think of California, they often envision golden beaches, Disneyland, the glamour of Hollywood and the celebrity sightings. However, California is a very large state and the northern tip is often overlooked, much to the chagrin of those who discover it late. If you're California dreaming, don't overlook the appeal of the Redwoods.

The Redwood National Park is home to true giants of trees, many of which are five stories high (and up) and rival the height of the Statue of Liberty. Touring the Avenue of the Giants, which stretches along historic Highway 101 in the Humboldt Redwoods State Parks, allows you a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a mice among men. Driving (literally) through a redwood is a must, and heading to the nearby coastal trails provides endless hiking, mountain biking and coastal driving opportunities.

History in the making

The national park was founded in 1968 and includes the Del Norte Coast, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks (which dates back to the 1920s) and Jedediah Smith. All together, it's 133,000 acres located within Humboldt and Del Norte counties. There are four parks which safeguard 45 percent of all coast redwood old growth forests. In the redwoods, you'll find the tallest and most enormous trees in the entire world.

However, there's more natural beauty to see here than "just" the biggest trees in existence. You'll also find a plethora of grassland prairie, fauns, rivers, flora and cultural resources. Back in 1850, the forest spanned over two million acres along the California coasts. Originally home to Native Americans, it unfortunately became a mecca for lumber mills and gold miners, particularly during the gold rush era 150 years ago. When gold didn't turn up in droves, miners opted to become lumberjacks and began harvesting the trees as quickly as possible.

A giant trip

Visit the Prairie Creek Revelation trail, a short hike that provides an epic perspective of the terrains and woods; it's also next to Elk Prairie which a number of elk herds call home. Simpson Reed Grove is an underdog of a sight to see, located in the Hiochi region of the park and right off of Highway 199. Stout Grove is the perfect place to see Mother Nature at her finest and where some of the oldest and tallest redwoods can be found.

Lost Man Creek can be found near Lady Bird Johnson Grove and offers a variation of the surrounding environment thanks to constant water access. Keep an eye out for Sword Ferns throughout the park, which were the first plants to grow after the area burns. They're what nourish the Hemlocks and Douglas Firs, and what kickstarted the growth of the redwoods 1,000 years ago. Fine dining, winery tastings and quaint B&Bs can be found in abundance, so the next time you think California, think of heading north for a change.

∙Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP, Top 100 Family Campgrounds (Reserve America)

∙ World's Tallest Tree

∙ Redwoods & Wine

∙ Drive Through Trees

∙ Redwoods NP Admission Free

Also see Larry Alton's travel story: San Francisco Entertainment: Know Your Way Around the Hills