May 4th ~ Redwoods National Park, Northern California
Can you see the people? Tiny specks next to the trees
We left Ellie Mae Camp-it safely parked at Jedediah Smith Park while we took a morning expedition to check out the Giant Redwoods.
We started with gathering up some literature at Hiouchi Information Center. Although we often refer to the giant trees as “Redwoods” there are in fact three distinct species.
Three redwood species can be found
- Dawn Redwood ~ the smallest variety, long thought to be extinct but were recently rediscovered in Central China
- Giant Sequoia ~ quick-growing, and long-lived. They can live more than 3,000 years. The largest one, General Sherman, is located in Sequoia National Park (California). With an estimated volume of over 50,000 cubic feet, height up to 311 feet and a diameter up to 40 feet, it is the most massive living thing on earth. They can be found only in the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Central California. The rangers called these the “football players” of the tree family.
- Coast Redwood ~ the tallest trees in the world. Think “basketball players” for this variety. Found on the Northern California coast and into the southernmost coastal section of Oregon. With a height up to 370 feet, and diameter up to 22 feet, they can live more than 2,000 years.
After getting some recommendations, we chose to take the scenic Howland Hill Road to Stout Memorial Grove to see the Coast Redwoods.
Map shows the Howland Hills Road to Stout Grove just south of Hiouchi Visitors Center
The road is not paved most of the distance, but we easily navigated it in the Subaru. RV are not recommended on this section.
Stout Memorial Grove (courtesy nps.gov)
- Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Trailhead: Paved access road is on east end of Howland Hill Road. Summer seasonal bridge allows access from Jedediah Smith Campground.
- Mileage: 0.5-mile loop
- Difficulty Level: After the initial descent from the parking lot, the trail is easy and flat.
- Description: Stout Grove, a majestic example of an ancient coast redwood forest, is often considered to be the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. In 1929, Mrs. Clara Stout donated this 44-acre grove to the Save-the-Redwoods League to save it from being logged and to memorialize her husband, lumber baron Frank D. Stout. A walk along this loop trail reveals colossal redwoods thriving in rich soil deposited during periodic flooding of the Smith River. Here, waist-high sword ferns carpet the forest floor and normally flared tree bases stop short, covered in river soils. Flood waters inhibit the growth of understory trees and plants seen in other groves, leaving the 300-foot redwoods on display. A short spur trail leads you to the serpentine waters of the Smith River.
It was truly an easy stroll through these magnificent giants. Although only a short 1/2 mile loop, we took our time and savored every moment. At one point I commented that “this is my church”, as the feeling of grandeur is overpowering.
Tranquil, and awe-inspiring
Looking up
The shapes, bumps, growths, bark made fascinating shapes.
Colors and shapes
Otherworldly magnificence
We played, we posed, we laughed, we honored their majesty.
Others before us left their marks. Today this is forbidden.
Please don’t do this…
We could not believe how much this burl looked like a gorilla head!
Gorilla head from a different/closer angle
We were like ants on the forest carpet next to these fallen giants.
We look pretty insignificant next to the trees
Sums it up nicely
After our morning drive and gentle hike, we returned to Jedediah Smith Park, loaded up Ellie Mae, and drove back into Oregon along the coast.
Next overnight place: Gold Beach, OR
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Where would I begin on my gratitude today? The size of the redwoods dwarfed me and humbled me. Standing next to these imposing creations was like a religious experience. Seeing their beauty, strength, and endurance was both over-powering and invigorating. One can not visit here without leaving with a new sense of wonder and appreciation for Mother Nature.
A Note From Abroad 
Having an amazing time! The Redwoods were truly magical….
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They really are magical aren’t they. Certainly help put things into a different perspective.
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Wow. That is truly majestic. Love the pictures and info!
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Thank you Claire. We are enjoying sharing with you.
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I am imagining myself there with you and even at home I am humbled and speechless. I once went into that area at night and turned off my car lights. It was pitch black, save for moon shadows on the gentle giants. I will never ever forget the ethereal experience.
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Mike, how amazing that must have been to sit there in total darkness with only moon light shadows on them. I envy you that special experience!
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It seems you were well tree-ted…
Jeanette & I should be in the USA in a year or so. Redwood forest is way up on the visit list.
Jeanette’s a veracious tree-hugger but she may have trouble getting her arms around those…
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Peter, I’m excited for you to see some of the USA. Please let us know when/if your plans will bring you to the Los Angeles area as we would love to see you and meet Jeanette. If you have any other areas of interest, we would be happy to make some recommendations. Just like Australia, our country is large and impossible to see it all – even over several visits.
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Those trees are truly awe-inspiring! Magnificent… As you said, very humbling. Follow that, eh!
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Joy, their magnificence almost brought me to my knees.
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Wow wow wow!
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Sums it up well 👍
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A few years ago we visited Muir Woods and were also blown away by the size and beauty of the trees as well as the quiet of the woods, even with lots of people there. Magnificent!
janet
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Janet, I have not been to Muir Woods since the early 1970’s. Thanks for the reminder. Perhaps it is time for a return visit.
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A M A Z I N G. The pics are wonderful!
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Thank you Fran!
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Amazing! Thanks for your thorough post. It is on our list for sure now.
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Nanci, I hope you find them as fabulous as we did. If you love nature, it is hard to get any better than this area.
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I would just love to visit the Redwoods…..amazing post
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Thank you very much. I hope you get to see them in person some day.
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What a beautiful place! Your caption about feeling like ants reminded me of the movie “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” when they’re exploring the backyard!
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Great comparison, lol!
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Walking in old growth forests is a truly magical experience. 😀
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Could not agree more! 👍👍👍
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Great Pictures. Thanks
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👍
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What amazing photos! I can only imagine how much more majestic they appear in person, and how magical it must feel to be walking among them. My husband and I celebrate our 25th anniversary in two years and that is where we plan to go – San Francisco, Redwood, and Napa Valley, where I fully intent to ride in a hot air balloon!
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Kim, that sounds like a fantastic trip to celebrate your 25th! Floating over Napa Valley would be an amazing experience.
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“This is my church.” I couldn’t agree more. When I’m in a forest I feel the same way.
There’s a place on the way to Tofino, heading up Vancouver Island in Canada called “Cathedral Grove” that is much like what you saw when you felt that…. only it is dropping with moss that absorbs the landscape in a hush…. that lack of sound fills the place with reverence and awe. It is incredible.
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Sheri, thank you for that wonderful suggestion. I have added Cathedral Grove to my travel wishlist. ❤️
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Wow….thank you for letting us get a peek over your shoulders so to speak. 🙂
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HaHa, love that image. You are so welcome to keep on peeking 😃
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Incredible place and photos! Definitely on our list. We are feeling small and humbled by the scenery in Colorado, but the magnificence of the redwoods is even more humbling!
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Humbling is the perfect word for what one experiences amongst these gentle giants. Go!
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