The Mighty Redwood Forest

We've moved on from the southern Oregon coast to the northern California redwoods. These trees are as massive as they are ancient. Some of the protected old growth forest is over 1500 years old, 350 feet tall and 80 feet around their base.

Pictures cannot tell the story without a point of reference to appreciate their size.

At Prairie Creek National & State Park there are elk reserves where large herds graze in peace along the roadway.

This is what happens when you don't pay attention to driving. It wasn't a cell phone distraction, it was the herd of elk. Ooops

We found this hidden, well-kept cemetery on a hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean.

There are two ways to get to Fern Canyon: drive down a 6 mile dirt road or hike 4.9 miles - one way. We packed water, lunch, binoculars, and a camera and took the hike. 

I'm so glad we did because the redwoods and ferns along the trail were amazing.

Fern Canyon opens to the Pacific ocean with 80 foot walls covered in 6 types of ferns. You must travers a shallow creek that weaves through the canyon. We were told a part of Star Wars was filmed here. Easy to picture with its other-worldly look and feel.

This is a view of a river from a bridge.

When I was young, one of our family vacations was driving up the coast. We had to recreate the drive through tree experience.

After reading the brochure on this tour-thru tree I realized this wasn't the tree we drove through as children. This one opened to the public in 1974. The other one is further south.

I do know this is the same "talking" Paul Bunyon and Babe the blue ox.
***Wrong - Mom said the original statue we went to was in Minnesota***