When I was young (single digits) we started visiting the Redwoods every year. Back in the early 60s, there was no Redwood National Park. It wasn't dedicated until 1968. By then I was ten years old and had been enjoying the redwoods for several years. We lived in Medford, Oregon and traveled to the coast several times a year, always passing through Jedediah Smith State Park, and then on to the beeches of southern Oregon and Northern California.The coast redwoods are a unique species. They exist no where else in the world. They are the largest growing, living thing on the planet.I grew up visiting them several times a year. My sisters and I would love to stand at the base of one particular tree in JS State Park and try to imagine that we could see the top through the branches. Lying at the base of these trees, surrounded by the ferns, grasses and huckleberry bushes that tower over our heads, one could easily imagine being transported to the prehistoric environment.Being deep inside these forests is a unique experience that all should have an opportunity to enjoy. An early morning walk through the misty paths of the Redwoods gives us an opportunity to not just see nature in one of its purest forms, but to actually be a part of it.
We can see the daily event of the coastal fogs and valley mists moving through the trees and fern patches, the accumulating moisture dripping off of the leaf tips of the ferns. Because of both the height of the trees and the density of the ground growth, I've always felt that the Redwoods are a good example of a true rain forest. During certain times of the year centering around late fall, deep winter and early spring, and almost every morning all year long, a walk through the forest requires serious rain gear and water proof footwear.
Check out the park page at http://www.adventure-crew.com/parks/redwood.asp
Make sure that a trip to the west coast includes a visit to California's north coast.
Stu Marks Field Producer - Team Two