Trees of Mystery Klamath, CA

  Anticipating our slow speed trip down the Pacific Coast I pursued a “Visit California” online article looking for places to visit.  One of the featured stops was the Trees of Mystery road side attraction.  Normally we prefer more natural settings, but this was close to our campground and we had the time.  So, what the hell lets visit!  We were truly surprised and pleased that we had decided to do so.






Don’t be put off by the giant, talking Paul Bunyan and Babe his blue ox, that can offer a very personal welcome.






First off, the End of the Trail museum, located in the back of the expansive gift shop, is one of the best small museums that we have visited.  It’s a comprehensive collection of Native American history and artifacts.  The visit here costs nothing, but worth much more.  It reminded me in a way of Charlie Eagle Plume’s small establishment just outside of Allenspark, Colorado.  The place will easily consume an hour of your time, and possibly more.  Nations from the coasts, mountains, southwest and plains are represented in this fine collection.

A short walk through Sitka Spruce and California Redwoods takes you to my reason to visit.  The Redwood Canopy Trail is a series of stairs, platforms and suspension bridges that allow you to stroll through the canopy.  It allows you to walk from tree to tree, at times almost a hundred feet above the ground.  Stop and you will hear the wind in the tree tops, and birds calling.  Take as much time as you want.  Stop on the platforms and look and listen.

You can also ride the Skytrail gondola to the top of Teds Ridge where you can look inland to the vast old growth forest that extends beyond this park.

Throughout the park, you walk a trail that winds through and can see special trees, and chain-saw carved redwood art.

Canopy Trail












Skytrail



Amazing Redwoods


Candelabra Tree






Towering Inferno

 In the winter of 1978 lightning struck a 200 foot Redwood during a multiple day rain storm.  They found that tree, and only that tree glowing red and burning from the inside out.  The fire did not spread beyond the tree but completely consumed it from the inside out.  A small trail leads to the base of the burned out giant.

















The Brotherhood Tree

 



The Brotherhood Tree is nearly 300 feet tall and centuries old.  It stands as a testament to history and unity.  The tree has been measured, researched and seedlings cut to preserve it for history.  These studies reveal that there are entire ecosystems that live in the canopy and branches far above.  I love the idea that there are worlds that live in the treetops above us.





















Comments

  1. Great pictures. I really enjoyed them. The real trees must be amazing
    Maggie K

    ReplyDelete

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