Giant Redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwood State Park
There
are three species of giant redwood trees in the world, two of which can
be seen in California; the coastal redwood and the giant sequoia.
Standing near them is a humbling and surreal experience.
Tourists come every year to drive along the Avenue of the Giants, a 50-km
(31-miles) stretch of the scenic old Highway 101 in Humboldt Redwood State
Park.
Here you will be surrounded by a dense 20,730 (51,222 acre) forest of the
largest remaining stand of virgin redwood groves in the world. Stretching
through the mist, over 91 meters (300 feet) into the air, these 3,000year-old
trees, protected as part of an international biosphere reserve and noted
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are known to weigh up to 2000-tonne
this is truly an experience not to be missed.
Just to put these numbers into perspective, stop by One Log House, built
completely from one 40-tonne log from a fallen Redwood tree in
Phillipsville. Also on show there is the famed Giant Sequoia Chimney
Tree. Standing at a relatively dwarfish 24 meters (78 feet), it may not be
impressive in size, but its tenacity will amaze you considering it
continues to grow even after it was nearly destroyed in a wildfire in
1914.
Another legendary Sequoia is the Shrine Drive-through tree, which can
accommodate smaller vehicles. The Immortal Tree, another feat of nature,
stands near Redcrest; it has endured flooding, fires, numerous lightning
strikes and more than a few loggers' axe cuts.
The California redwood forests have been referred to as nature's
cathedrals; when you feel the peacefulness and reverence passing between
the lofty red-brown pillars, sunlight filtering through the dense canopy
high above like a stained glass window, you will understand this
completely.
