The Beautiful Redwood Forests of Northern California

[kylecawazafla]

Here are some photos from the Jedediah State Park along the Smith River in Northern California. This was probably the most impressive forest I have ever seen! I have seen redwoods before at Muir Woods, Hendy Woods, Madrone/Baltimore Canyon, and Richardson Grove, but these redwoods were much larger and impressive! A few years ago, I stumbled online upon the location of the Lost Monarch, which is considered the largest redwood in the world by volume. I managed to find it on this trip (the redwood in the last photo), but since my source of information is the internet, I don't know how reliable my ID is. Nevertheless, another enthusiast was also at the presumed Lost Monarch redwood when we were, and he said that it was the Lost Monarch as well!

Here are some redwoods growing along the dirt road on the south end of the Smith River. It's hard to realize the size of these trees without any scale to reference. Many of the trees are well over 300 feet tall / 90 meters!

The road offers some scale to how big these trees are!

People offer a great sense of scale!

Edited May 22, 2013 by kylecawazafla

[kylecawazafla]

The scenery itself is impressive!

Many of the fallen trunks are large enough to cause some damage if you fall off!

I can see the economic benefit the lumber produced one hundred years ago, but I can't see how people would think it is okay to cut down something so beautiful. I'm glad a few innovative individuals dedicated their lives to protect some of the remaining old growth redwood forests. I'm sure environmental tragedies of equal scale are occurring today.

These redwoods get watered by the turquoise water of the Smith River

[kylecawazafla]

The fallen logs also make great walking trails

The trees seem to grow on their own scale

[kylecawazafla]

The groves are immense!

They are amazing to walk through! It's hard that there can be something so large and alive. The spectacle is much different from witnessing a giant rock or building.

The Lost Monarch (?)

[PANGEA EXPRESS]

Great pictures. I have not been to Jedediah state park, but by the looks of the photos i must go! Besides it is where they filmed part of Return of the Jedi. Did you see any Ewoks?

[Xerarch]

Impressive! What amazing trees, one thing I have noticed since living here in West Virginia is that even though there are forests all over the place, I have not seen any old growth forests. It looks like all the land has been cleared for farming, lumber, etc. at one time or another. I often wonder what these forests would have looked like before European settlement, it must have been amazing. Thank goodness there are still patches left of the Redwood forest left for us to enjoy.

[John in Andalucia]

Lovely photos, Kyle. Thanks for sharing. Those girls look like wood nymphs, prancing about!

[BDPalms]

When I was younger and living in Indiana, we used to go hiking on the North Carolina Tennesee border. There is a tract of virgin forest remaining called the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, named after the poet killed in WW1. There are some really large poplars and hemlocks. Not as big as the redwoods Kyle posted, but still impressive.

[Kim]

Kyle, it looks like you and your friends had a wonder-filled time among the giant redwoods. It does seem amazing that they can continue to live while attaining such heights. Feeling small is fun! Thanks for the great photos.

[redant]

Amazing place and great photography as well.

[Stevetoad]

awesome shots Kyle! thats one place i NEED to see

[Kris]

Beautiful visuals and I love anything jurassic in nature.redwoods and maple trees are my favorite dicot plants.

Thanks and love

Kris.

[Phoenix Bob]

Kyle,

Great photos, but I am certain you will agree that only a virtual, live experience with these giants of nature can provide a true understanding of their uniqueness and splendor. I've been fortunate in having been able to travel the globe, but the Redwoods of Northern California remain the most singularly impressive "living" sight I've seen. They should be at the top of everyone's "Bucket List."

[dalmatiansoap]

Jurrasic!!!

[kylecawazafla]

Yes, I believe everyone should see the redwoods at some point! I did not see any ewoks, but I did look for them!

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

Wow, they are spectacular! I must go and visit a forest like that. Thanks for the beautiful photos Kyle.

[MattyB]

Amazing!

[tjwalters]

Ah...sweet. I've been to Big Basin (my pictures aren't as good as yours) - how does it compare (if you've been there)?