Redwoods + Poll: Have you ever visited ?? (Fresno, Seaside: camping, to live in, suburban)

[mdvaden]

Curious ... how many of you have ever visited the redwood old growth parks and forests? Whether coast redwood or giant sequioa.

Wanted to ask, because in another forum area, someone from Seattle mentioned a Oregon coast trip, with inclusion of the redwoods possibly. Then I noticed a "1" post person suggesting the redwoods are best put off for another trip.

Seems that many folks miss the redwoods by just that, postponing what is a relatively short drive. My mother never saw them her whole life, and she lived in north Oregon for over 40 years. I took her about 2 to 3 years ago, and she said the redwoods were the most peaceful place she had ever been in her life. At age 89. Doubt she will ever get a chance to return. But she had been to Seaside or Lincoln City or Newport yearly.

From my location in Beaverton, I can get to Hiouchi and Jed Smith redwoods in 5.5 to 6 hours. Really not that long at all.

Note about drive-through redwoods:

The drive through redwoods are not my cup of tea, but I was checking them out recently to see the dimensions. It was interesting to get a reading of 136 feet on the laser rangefinder for one with a sign that said 275 feet.

The Chandelier one seems to have the most interesting canopy of the 3 available.

[BacktoBlue]

I've been there once.

[ferretkona]

Used to live next to Calaveras Big Trees, every visit was wonderful.
Also the redwoods in Mendocino.

[mdvaden]

When I saw a comment today by the person with just one post to their name, suggesting to the Seattle folks to skip a redwood trip for north Oregon coast, I thought "bet they own a business up there" - LOL


Because if someone from WA posts about both the coast and redwoods, why tell them to wait? Doing both together is a fine idea.

[Fontucky]

Yes, the California forests.

[nullgeo]

I no longer live in California ... haven't really for many years ... I say 'really' because I almost sorta do, as I go down from Washington several times a year and 'stealth' camp at length in my home-converted mini-van all over -- middle of the cities and forests and shores alike ... I look like a suburban soccer dad or grand-dad with my dog in the nondescript vehicle. I have lived this way from coast to coast at times, but mostly in California, for years. I am absolutely sure I have never been in so much of a hurry to ever once miss spending time in "The Trees" ... the "Big Boys" ... we have a relationship And yet I rarely camp in the groves as the environment they create is so dark and cool and damp -- and those are the things I escape from up north here. Back when I lived near Fresno, camping among the redwoods was the perfect escape from the hot sun . Now I come south screaming for warm sunshine But I can't resist spending some time walking among the giants ... getting a crick in my neck at the wonder ... never tire of the experience.

[Vichel]

I voted No but we plan to correct that deficiency in several weeks time. We'll be in California for a month and will take a week to visit Yosemite and Sequioa National Parks. I've been reading up on these places and we're so looking forward to seeing the huge trees.

I suppose it's what you're used to and whether seeing big trees would be all that thrilling or not. Where I live, Perth Australia, the tallest things would be some old gum trees or Norfolk Pines. I used to live in Vancouver Canada and really miss North American type forests. The scrubby, scraggly trees we have here just aren't the same. Would love to see the coastal redwoods but another time.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Vichel

I voted No but we plan to correct that deficiency in several weeks time. We'll be in California for a month and will take a week to visit Yosemite and Sequioa National Parks. I've been reading up on these places and we're so looking forward to seeing the huge trees.

I suppose it's what you're used to and whether seeing big trees would be all that thrilling or not. Where I live, Perth Australia, the tallest things would be some old gum trees or Norfolk Pines. I used to live in Vancouver Canada and really miss North American type forests. The scrubby, scraggly trees we have here just aren't the same. Would love to see the coastal redwoods but another time.

Been many time and they're always awe-inspiring. Introduced my wife to the Avenue of the Giants a few years ago. She was amazed. She'd never thought they could grow so huge.

[NewToCA]

Been to the Avenue of the Giants during our trip to Eureka a few years ago. Also been to Muir Woods to see the coastal reds.

[jkbatca]

Went once, visited Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove. Both are one of the highlights in my various trips throughout California. The atmosphere while in these groves are something which cannot be explained, but experienced.