Big Tree Area

…This is exactly what it sounds like. Part of Day 3 of my Redwoods Car Camping trip involved visiting the Big Tree Area! (Check out Day 1’s 8-mile hike along the Hidden Beach section of the Coastal Trail, and Day 2’s 12-mile hike through Miner’s Ridge + James Irvine Loop!)

The Big Tree Area is one of the groves in the Humboldt Redwoods, and contains the Giant Tree, which has been recognized by the American Forestry Association as the National Champion Coast Redwood. It’s a pretty big deal tree.

The tree is located in the park’s Rockefeller Forest, which is the world’s largest stand of old growth redwoods (10,000 acres!)!

Please pay no mind to my somewhat deranged smile…

Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation: 10 feet
Trailhead Location:
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Big Tree Day Use Area parking lot

Go from Mattole Road 4 miles from where it begins at the Avenue of the Giants. There should be a Big Tree Day Use Area with a paved road that goes toward the left.

There’s a footbridge in the summer, so cross that and turn left.

I have lots of answers to random interview questions. For instance, if someone were to ask me what type of tree I’d be, I’d choose redwoods. They have tannins (which are also found in teas, and I like tea?) that help to protect them against fire, insects, and bacteria. (I like to think that I’m pretty durable and can keep chugging along despite meeting challenges and the like.

After you reach the Giant Tree, follow the trail to where it becomes the Bull Creek Flats Trail and turn right. The redwood grove there is absolutely gorgeous, and if you ever wanted to feel short, that’s really the perfect place. ;P

When you reach the “intersection,” turn right and follow the trail to head back to the parking lot!

• If you were a tree, what type of tree would you be?