Wild weather brings snow to the coast redwoods

This season’s extreme weather is creating postcard-worthy scenes

Snow is common in the giant sequoia range. But in the coast redwoods—not so much. Places like Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park are usually more about rain and fog. But every once in a while, several different weather factors align, and we see snow in the coast redwoods. The winter of 2023 is turning out to be that rare year. 

The result has been some postcard-worthy scenes in the coast redwood forests up and down California. Here are a few shots that we’ve collected. 

LBJ trail in the snow. Forster
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park is transformed in the snow. Photo by Max Forster, @maxforsterphotography

 

san vicente snow
The newly opened San Vicente Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains got a thorough dusting. Photo by Brian Homberger of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

 

snow jed smith
Snow lines the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Photo by P. Taylor/NPS

 

jbj grove trail snow forster
Another spectacular view of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park. Photo by Max Forster, @maxforsterphotography

 

portola snow
Snow lines a road through Portola Redwoods State Park in San Mateo County. Photo by California State Parks.

 

rnsp snow road
Some roads in Redwood National and State Parks weren’t passable. Photo by NPS.

 

henry cowell snow
Snow and ice weigh down a redwood branch in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Photo by California State Parks.

 

Orick snow
Snow lines the Redwood Creek Trail near the League’s Orick Mill property. Photo by Laura Lalemand.

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Since 1918, Save the Redwoods League has protected and restored redwood forests and connected people with their peace and beauty so these wonders of the natural world flourish.

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2 Responses to “Wild weather brings snow to the coast redwoods”

  1. Janis Reed

    Lovely! Mother nature at her best. I know it’s been a difficult winter for many, but I always feel that Nature knows best how to heal herself when wounded.

    Reply
  2. Rob k

    Snowfall on coast redwoods is problematic for them. Lots of damage but maybe that is forecasted by Mother Nature on a rare occasion.

    Reply

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