I am a curious creature who loves to explore our planet. My most recent excursion was to Big Basin Redwoods State Park in California. Big Basin is known for having some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world!! The area has been protected since 1901. This place launched the state park movement in California. Thanks to the efforts of Josephine McCrackin, Carrie Stevens Walter, Andrew P. Hill and the Sempervirens Club. These early settlers saw the need to protect these trees from lumber mills and fought hard to pass legislation to create the protected acreage. This special place has been home to humans for over 10,000 years. The Cotoni and Quiroste tribes who are a part of the larger network of the Ohlone culture occupied this area for countless generations.
Pictured: Massive Coast Redwood
The trees found growing here are Coast Redwoods, Douglas-Fir, tan-oak, red alder, mandrone and more. Coast Redwoods also know as Sequoia sempervierens only grow along the Pacific Coast from Southern Oregon to Central California. These magnificent trees can reach heights of over 300 feet and circumferences of 50 feet. Sadly, only 5% of this ancient forest remains. The rest was lost to logging and human destruction.
Redwoods are nationally fire resistant. When a fire moves through the area Redwoods are able to sustain.
If you plan on visiting, here is some information you should know. A day pass for a vehicle is $10 USD. There is camping onsite and reservations are required. The park is located off of Highway 236 about 25 miles north of Santa Cruz. You will need to pay the fee at the Park Headquarters and display this receipt on your car windshield. The rangers will also provide you with a map and a sheet to fill out if you plan on going on a long hike. Trails close at sunset.
Address: 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
It is advised you fill out this form and leave it in your windshield so the rangers know where to look for you if you have not returned by the evening.
This redwood has sustained fire damage. It is still alive and growing. You can walk inside of it and see the sky. Here is the epic view you will see.
Thank you for reading my Big Basin Redwood State Park Part 1. Tomorrow I will post Big Basin Redwood State Park Part 2 (Mushrooms!) where I will show you my mushroom photographs.
Here is a sneak peak photo!
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Amazing photos!! I can't get over the massive coast bark in the first photo. When I was in the Santa Cruz area I did some hiking and would see these HUGE stumps, 6-7+ feet across. Sadly I'm sure they were remnants of the logging to build san francisco. I was so impressed to see already massive trees a few feet wide growing out of the side of those stumps, they had not all been killed!
There is a saying redwoods never die, they multiply! ;) I really like the way they grow in faerie circles and support each other. The state is currently experiencing a drought which has led to less fog cover. Young redwoods depend on the fog to get their start. I am sending Cali rain blessings.
I saw my first redwood faerie circle earlier this year outside of Boulder Creek on a farm I visited. It was very special. Yeah... more rain!
Big Basin is beautiful! Do you have any trail recommendations? Which ones did you explore?
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I explored Dool Trail and part of the Skyline to Sea trail. The whole place is beautiful and so sacred. I recommend following your heart and seeing where it takes you. <3
I used to live in Boulder Creek! I lived in a little trailer park and absolutely loved it. Such a beautiful place, great pics! I love, love, love Redwoods. We will restore. Thanks for the reminder.
I used to live in Santa Cruz :) I attended UCSC from 2009-2011. I love returning and spending time among the trees. I am very blessed because my partners parents live in Felton so we visit a few times a year.
I adore redwoods as well. Yes sister! We will restore mama Earth.
That's beautiful. Hopefully I'll slow down a bit next year to go enjoy some of this.
I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz and exploring the State Parks in the area. There is so much beauty to see!
I'm gonna have to do that. 😊✌🏾
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