Welcome to the Coast Redwood Pages. Information & 100s of Pics.
Coast Redwoods Travel, Hiking & Exploring
Click pics to enlarge. Redwood National and State Parks in Del Norte and Humboldt County. Copyright 2008 - 2012 by M. D. Vaden
Almost 200 redwood forest photos are in 3 albums: see menu. Scroll down for motel lodging, hiking, guides, articles and redwood resources. A table on the left leads to pages for each of the 10 largest known Coast Redwoods which most people will not see collectively. Hyperion the tallest of redwoods is included. For visitors from other countries, "on the record" I am not a redwood guide :-)
The largest Coast Redwood, Lost Monarch, is so big that only 6 Giant Sequoia of the Sierra Nevada Mountain area surpass it's volume: and virtually identical size as the Boole Giant Sequoia. This page covers Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods. If you arrive May or June, see Rhododendron macrophyllum. The latest page is ...
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These columns include a few highlights of the coast redwood info
Welcome to coast redwoods: Sequoia sempervirens. This page began 2008 about a handful of largest redwoods and grew to over 40 pages. The list below shows some of the biggest. A few undisclosed.
With patience, 90% of folks visiting here should find what they are looking for about coast redwoods or a lead to what they seek.
There is everything from redwood dimensions, to suggested maps, researchers, travel information, photographers, chambers of commerce, articles: even poison-oak.
For image use at websites or for projects , please read: The Image Use Policy
Photo albums include albino redwood, Jedediah Smith redwoods, Rockefeller Forest, Avenue of the Giants, Lost Monarch, Prairie Creek redwoods, Howland Hill Giant, Terex Titan, Stratosphere Giant, El Viejo del Norte and more.
Links for researcher Sillett and explorer Taylor are also provided. Photo right: the Coast Redwood "Chesty" Puller near Lost Monarch in Jedediah Smith redwoods: image courtesy of Gerald Beranek.
Exploring My time in the redwoods is hiking, camping and exploring. The redwoods are an outdoor museum which also led to many interesting conversations, new friends, and some new height record discoveries.
2008 to 2011 provided opportunities to explore with Michael Taylor, Chris Atkins & Prof. Steve Sillett, in Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek redwoods and some National Forest. The days were vigorous, refreshing and memorable. Miles of deep forest exploring and discoveries. Plus a chance to lend a hand with locating tall redwoods related to LIDAR. Continued: Exploring Redwoods
For visitors from afar who need a local guide, send me an email for a name recommendation. Not for Hyperion or the like, but a memorable redwoods experience. It could be tagging along with a local expert as a hiking companion, forest exploring, or just joining a group. For travelers from afar, consider reservations at Redwood National Park lodging instead of camping, to get the most out of your adventure: it buys time, not just a room.
Coast redwoods provide many hikes, and drives. Expect park staff & rangers to be helpful: they have been for me. The rangers and staff at the redwood visitor centers, collectively, are indispensable. Keep in mind that north California has the best places to see redwoods. Oregon has very little acreage, but has some old growth redwoods and trails.
The biggest list of giant and tallest coast redwoods discovered over the years, came from two men who explored for decades: Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. They explored alone, together, with others, and ongoing too. See: Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. June 2011 for example, we explored in Oregon, discovering tallest live-top Douglas Fir @ 322.5', which should replace the impressive shrinking Doerner Fir. Various species, and not just redwoods, are part of the expeditions. For redwood geeks, take a peek at the Drury redwood mapping for another measuring aspect.
Ever wondered about how tall Redwoods can become? See How tall was the tallest Coast Redwood
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A few places to see & things to do
There are many places of interest among the north redwoods or in close proximity which will provide you entertainment, scenery or resources. Most are in northern California. Oregon Caves is snear Cave Junction, west of Hiouchi and Jedediah Smith redwoods.
Keep in mind Harris Beach State Park next to Brookings, Oregon, minutes over the border. And Oregon State Parks campgrounds are among the best in the United States.
One destination, Trees of Mystery at Klamath, has a gondola ride and native American artifact museum. You can't miss is, because there is a huge Paul Bunyan and Babe the Ox in the parking area. FYI ... the Brotherhood redwood there is the selfsame General Custer redwood seen in old 1937 postcards. There is also an area set aside for redwood weddings.
To conserve space, more suggestions were moved to another page ...
Click here to see more: Redwoods Travel. Places to See & Things to Do
Grove of Titans
This page began a few years ago with a few photos of the Grove of Titans & Atlas Grove, evolving into all this. The parks provide no maps for these. Read Grove of Titans or Atlas Grove & Project. Images below link to each redwood shown.
The present existence of redwoods this large became more widely known following 2008 and Preston's best-seller redwood adventure book release. The main illustrator for that book was Andrew Joslin, shown here to the right: standing in Atlas Grove, 2011, on a trip to Redwood National and State Parks with his wife.
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GPS head start for redwood adventures
I put together some GPS Link Coordinates. Locations for redwood vacation and exploring. To conserve space and allow for more coordinates, those were moved to a separate page.
Continue for more: Redwood country GPS coordinates
Book suggestions & online reading
There are over 24 books, and online articles, that you may find interesting, or outstanding. I moved the books and online articles recommendations to their own section. Titles by Richard Preston, Robert Van Pelt and National Geographic are among them.
Continue to more: Book Suggestions and Online READING
And for online VIEWING, this is unique: did you ever see the 2009 National Geographic magazine cover story on coast redwoods; the one with the multi-page photo? Check this Video for more about the project: National Geographic Redwood Photo with 3 Canon EOS 1D Mark II Cameras
Redwood hiking is among the best exercise I have ever done. A recreation overlapping my work and education.
Redwoods can also increase an awe of God's work, and show that man is significant: consider just that one component of the environment created for us to dwell in.
To see huge redwoods pick Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park like Stout Grove, or Prairie Creek Redwoods at Brown Creek and James Irvine trails. Minutes from Oregon.
Odds & Ends
WW II Bombing: Japanese Fujita bombed west coast, 1942, attempting to start fires near north redwoods near Crescent City & Brookings: Reference 1 | Reference 2 | Reference 3
Bigfoot: There have been reports of Bigfoot in the redwoods. A Bigfoot trap was built in the 70s east of the redwoods, 3 miles north of California. Page & GPS: BIGFOOT Trap
If there was a Bigfoot in the redwoods, the people who would know are probably Sillett, Taylor or Atkins, who explored extensively off-trail in many nooks and crannies hidden out of sight.
Or maybe a few others with similar experience. They would keep its existence secret to protect trampling of groves, if not just their reputation.
Maps and Hiking
redwoodhikes.com is worth 5 stars for redwood hiking destinations. Redwood photos, trail ratings, detailed maps and more. There are maps on the site, and you can order too.
There are maps at park visitor centers, but view redwoodhikes.com prior to arrival at Redwood National and State Parks. Muir Woods, Montgomery Woods, Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods. The north extent of Sequoia sempervirens is near Brookings, OR
Ever been on the old historic road through the midst of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park? You can view the entire NPS map from a link below, stop at a visitor center, or click the image to the left ... I simplified part of the NPS map.
Starting 2011, I will add a few pages about certain trails where extra commentary will be helpful. First one to start is Moorman Pond Trail below.
www.redwoodhikes.com Humbold Redwoods State Park Maps Oregon Redwoods Trail 1106 NPS Redwoods Map Redwood Parks Save the Redwoods Explore a Park Oregon Redwoods Trail 1111 Muir Woods & Trails Muir Woods Humboldt Lagoons State Park Oregon Redwoods Trail 1107 Moorman Pond Trail * Redwood National & State Parks
Most of the largest and tallest coast redwoods are in the north parks like Humboldt Redwoods, Prairie Creek Redwoods, Redwood National Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Hyperion, World's Tallest Redwood
Hyperion: 115.61m | 379.1' tall, 15.88' diameter Image Policy
Hyperion is the tallest in the world: 379.1 feet tall and a trunk over 15 feet wide at DBH. Previously, Stratosphere Giant in Humboldt Redwoods State Park was the record.
Hyperion coast redwood was discovered 2006, by Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor, who explored Redwood National Park. They found it not long after discovering Helios and Icarus.
Prof. Steve Sillett and team climbed this redwood for a measurement filmed by National Geographic. The 2nd tallest Helios redwood is in the same park, but Helios seems more husky. Icarus the 3rd tallest is in the same grove near a nicknamed Dry Heaves Creek. Apparently, Helios may overtake Hyperion.
Continued with Larger Photo at: Hyperion Redwood Page
Dial California highway conditions
Traveling to the redwoods, check highway conditions.
Especially Hy. 199 & Hy. 101.
Humboldt Visitors Humboldt Visitors & Convention Chambers of Commerce Eureka Arcata Ferndale McKinleyville Trinidad Klamath Redwood Logging History Redwood Logging History Redwood Logging Humboldt 1850-60 Redwood Logging Del Norte 1853- 81 Redwood Logging Del Norte 1939 - 1953 Redwood Logging Del Norte 1881-39 Redwood Logging Camps 1870s - 1920s Other Stuff Protecting Valuables VIDEO: Have a Road Closure Backup Plan B STAR WARS Redwoods Backpacking Redwood National Park Indians Among The Redwoods Poison-oak ID and Information Tallest Redwoods Unveiled 1 - 800 - 427 - 7623
Redwood parks info centers, US Forest Service
Redwood National and State Parks visitors centers are perfect for specific questions like ...
What dates are camping reservations available?
How do we tell the difference between a Coast Redwood and Douglas Fir? Clues fall to the ground continually.
How do I get a camping permit or gate pass for Redwood National Park? Etc., Etc. ..
Click here for list of Redwood Parks Information Centers & Phone numbers
Or choose this one for their Current Conditions information updates
Wi-Fi internet hotspots: redwoods
Wi-Fi Internet Suggestion In case you need to check email, share photos or find places on your vacation
This is a very challenging thing for me, because I like to tap into email, maps and other information, and 25% of the time, connections seem to vanish.
Best places to see coast redwoods
Best places to see the Redwoods About the best places to see the northern redwoods when you want to get the most redwood exploring out of your visit.
Example of Coast to Coast redwood vacation cost Shows basic bare-bones costs in case anyone wonders what a long distance visit is like, coming from overseas or cross-country. Fairly inexpensive.
Lodging, motels, restaurants
Let's start with 1 favorite Restaurant & 4 motels that I have enjoyed for lodging. Shown on my GPS page.
Curly Redwood Lodge CRESCENT CITY on Highway 101. Near food & shopping. 5 minutes from the Redwood park. Rather huge rooms. Sparkling restrooms. Older but clean. Wi-Fi, cable TV. This is the motel which I have stayed at most often. Affordable Redwood National and State Parks lodging.
Hiouchi Motel HIOUCHI next door to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. WiFi, "well behaved" pets. Rooms quaint, sparkling clean. Near small market, restaurant, and fuel. Had microwave and small refrigerator.
Ravenwood Motel KLAMATH. Practically designer decorated, wireless Internet, Excellent rates, Lodging for fishing, hiking, or birding, vacation. Very comfortable. Friendly service. Redwood National and State Parks lodging. Woke up one morning here and forgot I was not at home. Beverage and food directly across the street.
The Chart Room CRESCENT CITY. An excellent restaurant for seafood and other meals. I eat there often. Overlook the ocean, harbor, sea lions and light house. The interior is spacious. The Servers seem to remain for years, which is nice.
Redwood Motel GRANTS PASS, Oregon. If you need a place close to I-5, Redwood Motel is one of the nicest around. An extra stepping stone to the coast or a comfortable room for a day drive to Jedediah Smith redwoods, The landscaping is gorgeous including coast redwood and giant sequoia. The lobby has snacks, beverage coolers, coffee most of the day and a computer for internet browsing. There are plans to add Hyperion Suites, a new addition named after the tallest redwood. Check the website.
More motels, inns, Redwood National Park lodging and restaurants continued . . . Redwood Vacation Lodging
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Redwood information, facts and education
Redwood Education Guide Nearly 100 pages. For those who want to learn about the coast redwood community and help others. In one document, provides human history of the coast redwood region, science particular to the coast redwood ecosystem, how to set up and conduct a field trip to a redwood park, lessons for before, during, and after a park visit.
Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Along the Eel River, Humboldt Redwoods State Park has over 53,000 acres, old-growth redwoods. 250 camp sites, 100 miles of hiking, biking, riding trails.
Redwood Parks Association Established to assist California State Parks. Educational & Interpretive. The Redwood Park Association merged with the North Coast Redwood Interpretive Association. Both have a long history of funding interpretive staff, events, exhibits, signs, and publications.
Redwood Profile by Flower Essence Society. Coast Redwood is Sequoia sempervirens.
Highway 199 ~ Redwood Highway Check out the Redwood Information and Map option too. Highway 199 is the main travel corridor between Redwood National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Sequoia sempervirens And informative page on Coast Redwoods with a lot of info and photos
Coast Redwood and Giant Sequioia: Compare Coast Redwood with Giant Sequoia at Wikipedia.
A bit different, but related, see Archangel Archive Propagate & Reforest. They also propagate Redwoods.
Tours, Guides, Adventure
The Redwood Coast Nature Guide Jenny Hanson, naturalist and nature guide for the Redwood Coast. Guided trips for individuals, families, and small groups, including people with physical limitations. Local naturalist services to bus tours, conventions, and large groups. Based in Eureka, California. Services from Humboldt Redwoods State Park in the south to Jedediah Smith State Park and Crescent City in the north.
FYI - the Guide website www.gilbertredwoodexcursions.com or Gilbert Redwood Excursions is now inactive. But "Redwood Ed" as he's called, is still out and about,. His site www.redwood-ed.com is still operational.
Redwood Adventures Tours, hiking, more. Orick. Family vacation, romantic holiday, wedding. retreats. Full hospitality to visitors of Redwood State Parks.
JETBOAT TOURS. 3 choices. Klamath: Klamath River Jetboat. Gold Beach, Oregon: Jerrys Rogue Jets Grants Pass Hellgate Jetboat Excursions - Rogue River.
Campgrounds, RV resorts
Redwoods RV Resort RV, tent and cabin camping under soaring Sitka Spruce, Douglas fir and Coast Redwoods.
KOA Redwoods Campground - Crescent City, California. 17 forested acres
Ancient Redwoods RV Park Hollow Log Truck home. Redcrest. Avenue of the Giants by Founders grove. One mile north of Redcrest, California, on the world famous Avenue of the Giants. The park sits near Rockefeller Forest and Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center.
Riverwalk RV Park Fortuna. Campground by the Eel River. Immaculate. Cabins, RV and Tent camping.
M. D. Vaden Cargo Trailer Conversion The switch from RV trailer to Cargo Trailer for camping. There is a growing trend these days for clean, light weight and affordable do-it-yourself camping trailers.
Drive-through redwoods
Drive Through Redwoods M. D. Vaden page about the 3 Drive Through Redwoods: Chandelier, Shrine, Tour Thru
Drive Through Redwood Leggett Chandelier drive-thru redwood. Gift shop. Dawn to dusk. Best looking of the 3 drive-though.
Drive Through Redwoods Information USDA & Forest Service pages about the drive through redwoods.
Exotic Plants
People familiar with redwood parks often know which species of plants belong. The parks will take reports of invasive plants so they can eradicate. There isn't much point in adding the names here, but I want to point out one Exotic called Crocosmia: very attractive. I have seen this outside Jedediah Smith redwoods along Howland Hill Road and part of Bald Hills Road on the fringe of Redwood National Park. If you find this along a redwood hiking trail, I think the visitor center may like to hear about it. The invasive ones will probably look more orange than in my photograph. It is not as high a priority as like English Ivy.
Tips for capturing pics in the Redwoods
Some basics for taking photographs in the coast redwoods.
- Carry or have extra batteries on hand
- For every horizontal redwood photo, maybe take another vertically
- The wet season .. October - June .. in my opinion, is the best season for redwood photography:
- View corridors are more numerous because deciduous leaves have fallen
- Mosses and lichens moisten and the greens seem to look their best
- Rain moistens needles on the ground, intensifying colors like reddish browns
- Trunks become more colorful
- Dust has been washed off evergreen leaves, including ferns and huckleberry
- Colorful fungi and mushrooms are more abundant
. . . more continued on another page . . .
For the rest of the photo tips, read . . . Redwood Photo Tips Continued
An additional project ... people outdoors and in the forest ...
The bark, moss and burls are a nicer canvas than a studio. Visit my new wideanglesite & blog
Other Photo Stuff
M. D. Vaden's Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park photo of a distant redwood won 3rd place in Save the Redwoods League 2011 photo contest | View Image. Prints are available.
North California and Redwoods Virtual Photography PIck a 360 degree tour
Images by Lowell Cottle Redwoods, birds and more.
North Coast Photos with Redwoods North Coast
Redwood Image Archaeology Redwood Post Card and Image Archive.
Dr. Van Pelt the Artist. Scientist, and author of Forest Giants of the Pacific Coast.
California Redwoods | Epiphytes | Redwood Creek | Redwood Stock Photos | Redwood Guides | Mill Creek Trail | James Irvine Trail | Fern Canyon | Damnation Creek Trail | Cathedral Redwoods Trail | Stratosphere Giant | Matole Road | Big Basin | Founders Grove | Muir Woods | Crown Jewel Grove | Boole | Stagg | Lincoln | President | General Grant | Grizzly Giant | Ol' Jed Douglas fir | FortyFour Creek | New Hope | Best Place to see the Redwoods | Hiouchi Motel Lodging | Lost Coast | Redwood Vacation Rentals| Cabins in the Redwoods | Redwood Locations | Yosemite | Kings Canyon | General Sherman | Grizly Giant | Big Sur | Colonel Armstrong Redwoods | Leggett | Chandelier Drive Through | Garberville | Save the Redwoods League | Forty Four Creek | Roosevelt Elk | Tanoak | California Bay Laurel | Trillium | Red Wood | Humboldt State University | Arcata | Eureka | Purisma Creek | Gifford Pinchot | Big Basin Redwoods State Park | Motels and Hotels | Pets | Children | Cabins | Alb Hee Creek Campground | Mount Tamalpais | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park | Redwood Photography Prints and Fine Art | Rullah Longantyle Eucalyptus | Eureka, CA | Fortuna | Arcata | Crescent City | Garberville | Myers Flat | Ferndale | Hotel | M. D. Vaden has 2 blogs Grove of Titans & Atlas Grove which are fragments of this page
