So I was just sitting around yesterday thinking, "Man, I really wanna see some giant trees." Heard California's got the tallest ones in America, right? Started googling like crazy - all these forums saying Redwood National and State Parks are the spot. Grabbed my dusty hiking boots and just drove north from San Francisco.
First stop was Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Holy crap, those trees made me feel like an ant! Had to tilt my head way back just to see the tops. Found the famous "Founders Tree" there - measured over 346 feet tall. My neck actually hurt from staring up so long.
Then I drove further up Highway 101 to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Followed this muddy trail called "Cathedral Trees Trail" - totally lived up to the name. Felt like walking through a green church with how quiet and huge everything was. Saw this one monster called "Big Tree" - trunk wider than my car!
Here's what nobody tells you about hunting giant trees:
- Bring a rain jacket even if it's sunny. Those forests drip water like crazy
- Don't trust phone GPS - service disappears fast in the woods. Almost got lost twice
- Look for banana slugs - those yellow goobers are everywhere on the trails
Finished at Redwood National Park near Crescent City. Found Hyperion there - world's tallest tree at 380 feet! Well... technically just found the general area. Rangers blocked off the exact spot cause dumb tourists were trampling the roots. Smart move. Still saw plenty of giants nearby that made my jaw drop.
Weirdest part? The smell. Never knew ancient forests smell like wet cinnamon and dirt. Best part? Realizing humans built skyscrapers trying to beat what nature grew 2000 years ago. Still got tree sap on my camera lens but totally worth it.
