Welcome to Coast Redwoods Information and 100s of photos
Hiking, adventure, photography.
15 largest known Coast Redwoods included
All tiny images enlarge. See columns below for info
Browse around ... you can find over 200 redwood forest photos on this page, the BLOG, plus the album (see menu). Scroll down for motel lodging, hiking, guides, articles and redwood parks visitor centers. New content is added here continually, and abundantly.
Photo: Coast Redwood, 7th largest trunk on earth. Available as print. 2013 by M. D. Vaden
Also included are pics for each of 15 largest known Coast Redwoods which most people will not see, as well as Hyperion the tallest of redwoods at 379 feet, discovered at Redwood National Park ... a full page for each one.
Content dwells mostly on the north parks where the tallest and biggest redwoods grow: 300 to 379 feet tall and 60 to 90 feet circumference.
Also, I'm not a "redwood guide" ... but ... have enhanced the visit for a few folks by getting together for exploring or photography in the coast redwoods.
There are 8 coast redwoods over 370 feet tall, 4 of which are in Redwood National Park, and all 8 north of Myers Flat. The largest Coast Redwood, called Lost Monarch, is so big that only 6 Giant Sequoia of the Sierra Nevada Mountain area surpass it's volume: it's virtually identical size as the Boole Giant Sequoia.
That largest Coast Redwood (321') is taller than any known Giant Sequoia (314') of any age or size, and has volume generally associated with Sequoiadendron.
At chest high, it's almost as wide as the President Giant Sequoia featured in National Geographic (2012)
This page began 2008 about a handful of largest redwoods called the Grove of Titans ... (locations or GPS undisclosed) ... and the content grew.
With patience, 90% of folks should find here what they are looking for about coast redwoods or a lead. This is one of the most complete resources online for coast redwoods, so take your time. There is everything from redwood dimensions to maps, researchers, travel information, chambers of commerce and poison-oak.
Photo albums include albino redwood, Jedediah Smith redwoods, Rockefeller Forest, Avenue of the Giants and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Redwoods, and Redwood National Park.
Links for researcher Sillett and explorer Taylor are also provided too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
These columns highlight my coast redwood information. References to others are also included.
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. The link is below.
Photo: Redwood "Chesty" Puller, courtesy of Gerald Beranek
I also added a few of my own pages about certain trails where extra feedback seemed worth interjecting. You can find those below with MDV marked next to them.
There are maps available at park visitor centers, but view redwoodhikes.com prior to arrival at Redwood National and State Parks: Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods.
The north extent of Sequoia sempervirens is near Brookings, OR
You can view the entire NPS map from a link below or stop at a visitor center.
If you click the image to the left ... I simplified part of the NPS map cropped down to show just Jedediah Smith redwoods park and access to it. The entire NPS map shows several parks.
Take a moment to view the short Redwood Map Tutorial Video at Youtube. That video is mostly about Jedediah Smith redwoods and Prairie Creek redwoods, and may help you visualize the area, including some tips for when there are road closures.
www.redwoodhikes.com Humbold Redwoods State Park Maps Oregon Redwoods Trail 1106 Redwoods Parks Service Maps NPS Save the Redwoods Explore a Park Oregon Redwoods Trail 1111 Muir Woods & Trails Muir Woods Humboldt Lagoons State Park Oregon Redwoods Trail 1107 Redwood National & State Parks Moorman Pond Trail .. MDV Tall Trees Grove Trail .. MDV Berry Glen Trail .. MDV Stout Grove Trail .. MDV James Irvine Trail .. MDV Simpson Reed Trail .. MDV Cal-Barrel Road .. MDV Damnation Creek Trail .. MDV Lady Bird Johnson Grove .. MDV Backpack Redwood National Park Forty Four (44) Creek Trail .. MDV
Some About Exploring
Exploring My time in the redwoods is hiking, camping, photography and exploring. The redwoods are an outdoor museum which also led to many interesting conversations, new friends, and some new height records.
2008 to 2012 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. Plus a chance to lend a hand locating tall redwoods related to LIDAR. Continued: Exploring Redwoods
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 nice 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, and with others. See: Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. Actually, Taylor is an interesting fellow. Before meeting, I read about him in Preston's bestseller, which gave the impression of a poor kid of a rich dad ... a young man who couldn't cope with college.
Having met Michael, I found a mechanical engineer who is expert with species ID and forests. And an appreciable understanding of algebra and trigonometry.
In 2011, he became the California coordinator to verify nominations for the biggest of each species in that state.
June 2011, Michael and I, 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
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: consider just this one component of the environment created to dwell in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Geographic Redwood Tree Portrait
Here is acoast redwood video from National Geographic, about photographer Nichols working with a team of researchers to make a giant coast redwood portrait. The project took 3 weeks, and the redwood photo was a centerpiece of National Geographic, October 2009. You can see it here:
National Geophic - Making a Redwood Portrait
Other Places and Things to do
There are many places of interest among the north redwoods or in close proximity. Most are in northern California. Oregon Caves is near Cave Junction, west of Hiouchi and Jedediah Smith redwoods. Keep in mind Harris Beach State Park next to Brookings (Oregon campgrounds are among the best in the United States).
A play structure for children is barely 1 minute from Redwood Parks visitor center, Crescent City.
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. FYI ... the Brotherhood redwood there is the same 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 2008 with a few photos from the Grove of Titans and Atlas Grove. Like Lost Monarch, Del Norte Titan, Sreaming Titans shown below, or Iluvatar. That evolved into all of what you see here.
The parks provide no maps or directions to these particular redwoods. 99.99 % of redwood coast visitors will never see these in person, but these images and pages can at least give your the opportunity to see what the redwood forest can develop as the centuries pass. 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 in the row of images above right side: standing in Atlas Grove, 2011, on a trip to Redwood National and State Parks.
 |
 |
 |
Book suggestions & online reading
I moved books and articles to their own section.
Richard Preston, Robert Van Pelt and National Geographic among them.
The 2012 Giant Sequoia article is included with the Coast Redwood 2009
Continue to more: Book Suggestions and Online READING
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
And related to BIGFOOT are:
Bigfoot Museum of Willow Creek
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hyperion, World's Tallest Redwood
Hyperion: 115.61m | 379.1' tall, 15.88' diameter Image Policy
Hyperion is the tallest in the world. Previously, Stratosphere Giant in Humboldt Redwoods State Park was the record. Hyperion coast redwood was discovered 2006, by Atkins and Taylor, who explored Redwood National Park. They found it not long after discovering Helios.
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. Icarus the 3rd tallest is in the same grove near a nicknamed Dry Heaves Creek.
Continued with Larger Photo at: Hyperion Redwood Page
Dial California highway conditions
Traveling to the redwoods, check highway conditions.
Especially Hy. 199 & Hy. 101.1 - 800 - 427 - 7623
Redwood parks visitor centers
and information
Redwood National and State Parks visitors centers are perfect for specific questions.
Click image to see the new
Ranger & Visitor Center photo page
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?
Is Howland Hill Road open? Is Fern Canyon accessible today? 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
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lodging, motels, restaurants
Here are some restaurant & motels, several which I enjoy for dining and lodging when I travel Humboldt and Del Norte counties of Nor Cal.
Most are are clean, affordable and comfortable options.
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.
Mazottis EUREKA | ARCATA . An Italian style restaurant. Clean, good atmosphere and many menu selections. Also beer, wine and full service bar. Open 7 days a week.
Discovery Inn EUREKA. First stay at this motel was 2012. Much better condition room and value than Motel 6 down the street. I would pick Discovery Inn for lodging any time. Clean room and bath. Fridge and WIFI worked. Convenient location. Right on Broadway / Highway 101
Bayview Motel EUREKA. Not a budget motel. Set up on a hill overlooking the town and bay. First stay here was with two other forest explorers: we got a 2 Queen Suite & adjoining single King. Nice balcony on 2nd floor.
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.
Humboldt Redwoods Inn GARBERVILLE. Liked the convenience of this motel right at the turn around for downtown, and close proximity to restaurants, grocery and fuel. South end of town.
Historic Hiouchi Cafe HIOUCHI / CRESCENT CITY. Located in the quant community of Hiouchi, almost adjacent to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the Smith River. This restaurant is off the main redwood highway 199.
More motels, inns, Redwood National Park
Lodging & Restaurants continued >>> Redwood Vacation Lodging
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Redwoods photos: Rhododendron, men, goosepen cave in redwood
Roosevelt Elk, couple from S. Africa, woman, Clintonia
Tours, Guides, Adventure
Redwood Adventures REDWOOD ADVENTURES has tours, hiking, more. Orick. Family vacation, romantic holiday, wedding. retreats. Full hospitality to visitors of Redwood State Parks. They know how to cook too. A group I enjoy stopping by to visit.
Exploring with M. D. Vaden - Exploring as time permits. Available to those who have a huge appreciation for coast redwoods. These are basically personal get-together adventures.
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 site www.gilbertredwoodexcursions.com is inactive. But Redwood Ed as he's called, is still out and about,. His site www.redwood-ed.com is operational.
JETBOAT TOURS. 3 choices. Klamath: Klamath River Jetboat. Gold Beach, Oregon: Jerrys Rogue Jets Grants Pass Hellgate Jetboat Excursions - Rogue River.
Gifts & Souvenirs
Burl n' Drift 28101 Avenue of the Giants. Family owned and operated since 1967. Fine Quality Redwood Souvenirs. (This is one of the best redwood gift shops I have been to). This is at the Ancient Redwoods RV Park and home of the Hollow Log Truck When you park, look for the Immortal Redwood next to the gift shop.
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 camping. A growing trend for , light weight and affordable do-it-yourself camping.
Redwoods photo: Autumn at Avenue of the Giants & Jedediah Smith park
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tips for photography 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
- Rain moistens needles on the ground intensifying colors, and washes dust off evergreen leaves like ferns and huckleberry
- Colorful fungi and mushrooms are more abundant
... more photo tips continued on another page, read . . . Redwood Photo Tips Continued
Other Photo Stuff
M. D. Vaden Prairie Creek photo: Save the Redwoods League 2011 photo contest
3rd place ... View ... Photo prints available | Best at 16x20 or 20x30North 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