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Visiting California’s Redwoods

Groves of the Californian redwoods, also known as coastal redwoods, are quite a sight to behold, although you may end up with a cricked neck from staring up at them! Standing up to 100m (330 feet) tall excluding their extensive roots and living well over 500 years these are a very special type of tree. Claiming top spot as both the tallest trees and also the oldest living things on Earth it’s worth paying these record-breaking trees a visit next time you’re in Northern California.

Skunk Train Route through the redwoods in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, California

Where can you see the Californian redwoods?

The coastal redwoods are spread across a fairly narrow strip of land just in from the coastline that extends from Monterey up to the California-Oregon border. As redwoods rely on the formation of coastal fog to survive you’ll often find the two together. There aren’t any redwoods too close to the ocean due to the strong salt spray and winds, and you’ll find the height and number of the redwoods decreases at elevation and further away from the coastal fog due to drier conditions stunting their growth, that’s not to say they aren’t still pretty impressive!

What is the best way to experience the Californian redwoods?

Drive through trees – There are three drive-through giant redwood trees that you can drive through for a small fee. Although more of a quirk they’re a great place to stop off and admire whilst carefully manoeuvring your vehicle through a ginormous living tree – what a great photo op!

Tour Thru Tree - Drive Through Redwood in Klamath, California

Hiking through the redwoods – Lace up your walking boots, as there’s lots of hiking trails weaving through the various redwood national and state parks to discover. For an easy, short hike take the Big Tree Circle Trail in Redwood National Park looping around one of the largest redwoods in the area (Big Tree Wayside); or head to Lady Bird Johnson Grove to immerse yourself in the forest ecosystem among the firs, ferns and, of course, redwoods.

The Avenue of the Giants – Once named the best forest drive in the world, the Avenue of the Giants offers a very scenic route through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This 30-mile drive winds through the heart of the forest with redwoods towering either side of the road. Passing by secluded picnic spots and starting points to various trails there’s plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate these ancient trees.

Driving along Avenue of the Giants, Mendocino, California

Riding a railbike along Pudding Creek Estuary – Follow the route of the historic Skunk Train on your railbike through groves of soaring redwoods and over scenic bridges. Take a breather from pedalling at various spots to learn more about some of the notable redwoods and the history of the California Western Railroad.

Key Information about Driving through a Coastal Redwood

Where can you drive through a Californian redwood?

There are three drive through trees, from North to South, Klamath Tour Thru Tree in Klamath, Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat and Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett.

Shrine Drive-Thru Tree, near to the Avenue of the Giants, is the most popular tree with two cute playhouses carved out of old redwoods to also explore. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree is the widest of the drive through redwoods and therefore better for larger vehicles, its name comes from the two giant branches either side of the trunk creating a candelabra shape. And being much further north than the others, Klamath Tour Thru Tree is by far the quietest one to visit, so quiet in fact that you’ll often be the only ones visiting.

Tour Thru Tree - Drive Through Redwood in Klamath, California

How much does it cost to drive through a redwood tree?

Both Shrine Drive-Thru Tree and Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree cost US $10 per car whereas Klamath Tour Thru Tree is only US $5. Sometimes the drive through trees are staffed, and at other times you can pay using the honesty box therefore it’s best to carry cash with you. All three also have a small gift shop and picnic area.

Key Information about Riding the Railbikes

What is a railbike?

Railbikes are specially designed contraptions blending two bikes with wheels invented to carry trains along the railroads. A relative newcomer on the adventure travel scene railbike tours are cropping up all over the world making use of previously abandoned train tracks.

Riding the Skunk Train Railbikes in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, California

The railbikes used by The Skunk Train follow the same route as the historic trains, which are actually still in use, although now only for pleasurable scenic tours and not at the same time as the railbike tours! Some railbikes (including the Skunk Train ones) also feature an optional motorized assist that is great for helping you on uphill sections or if you fancy a break from pedalling.

How much does it cost to ride the Skunk Train railbikes?

The Skunk Train railbikes cost US $79 per bike with room for two riders including a contribution to historic preservation. Railbike tours last around an hour, with a short safety-briefing prior to departure, and all required safety equipment is included in the price.

Where are the Skunk Train railbikes located?

Following the famous Skunk Train tracks along Pudding Creek Estuary to the turnaround at Glen Blair Junction and back, the railbikes are located in Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coastline. Check in at the Fort Bragg Skunk Train depot to pick up your tickets and then head a few roads over to where the railbike tour begins. Make sure to leave enough time to check in and drive the few minutes across to the start with time to get kitted up before your allotted start time.

Riding the Skunk Train Railbikes through the redwoods in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, California

Find Out More…
Skunk Train Railbikes – https://www.skunktrain.com/railbikes/

Visiting California's Redwoods: A Travel Guide

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Many thanks to Skunk Train Railbikes  for hosting our fun adventure during our time in Mendocino. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own, we wouldn’t recommend something if we didn’t love it!