A Journey Through the Giant Coast Redwoods of Northern California

This Labor Day weekend, I ventured to Redwoods National and State Parks. After a 462-mile drive from Lake Tahoe to Northern California’s coast, I was eager to hit the trails and immerse myself in nature. After visiting a few groves, I couldn’t help but feel that coastal redwoods were almost immortal. Their bark, ranging from eight to twelve inches thick, repels both fire and insects. Remarkably, they are immune to many diseases. When one falls, new sprouts regenerate from its stump and trunk, a unique characteristic that sets them apart from Sequoia trees in the Sierra Nevada.

Coastal redwoods can soar as high as 375 feet and reach diameters of up to 15 feet at the base. Their trunks are draped in a striking gray hue, adding to their majestic presence.

But are coastal redwoods truly the world’s tallest trees? That title has shifted many times. What fascinates me is what enables these towering giants to reach such incredible heights. The secret lies in evaporation at the tree tops, which creates a negative pressure that pulls water and nutrients up through the sap to nourish the highest branches. However, above a certain height, this pressure diminishes, limiting the supply to the canopy. Some scientists believe coastal redwoods could eventually grow as tall as 420 feet.

For those seeking an intimate encounter with these magnificent trees, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Tall Tree Grove, and Redwood Creek are just a few of the groves that offer a close-up experience with these natural giants.