Big Basin Redwoods State Park

While my dad was here we decided that we needed to kidnap him and take him to see some redwoods. By kidnap I mean get him in the car to ride somewhere. His mission while he was here was to spend quality time with the kids - not spend time in a car (they love the babies so much). This was a place that I had already visited once when my mom and sister came out. I remember both of them being in awe of the trees and the beauty of the park. Mom agreed that dad would be fascinated by the redwoods. So, we all loaded up in the car and made the drive (without telling my dad that the drive would be a little over an hour).

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is absolutely breathtaking. The park is located in the Santa Cruz mountains and was established in 1902. The drive is very curvy and the road narrows to a one lane - hello, West Virginia driving!

A picture we took on the drive. 

Once we arrived there we began walking around looking at the massive trees. As we stood among trees that are estimated to be 1,000 to 2,000 years old I was reminded that someone who is way bigger than me is in charge of things and is doing a darn good job of it. The scenery is nothing short of amazing. It is almost as if you are inside the most beautiful nature painting you have ever seen.

We walked around the park on one of the easier trails that showcased some of the most amazing trees in the park. We got to see what is called Mother of the Forest which is tallest measured tree (329 feet!) in the park as well as Father of the Park which is believed to be over 2,000 years old! The walk was beautiful and the kids enjoyed running to hide amongst the redwoods and attempting to scare us as we walked by.

Father of the Forest Tree

My dad spends the majority of his time outdoors and can identify any type of tree in West Virginia, Virginia or Kentucky. However, he hadn't seen a gigantic redwood before so I am glad that we were able to kidnap him and take him to see something new!

I guess Q got tired from trying to 

process all the beauty around her? ;)

If you happen to live on the left coast but haven't gone to see giant redwoods, shame on you. Go do it! If you are ever visiting the left coast you should add it to your list of things to do.



Quick Q&A:

Are there things that you didn't tell us about Big Basin Redwoods State Park?

Yes! Much more information can be found here.