Explore

Fall foliage along the Eel River. Photo by mlhradio, Flickr Creative Commons

Fall Has Arrived

on

Although our fall-changing trees are not as numerous as in the east, we can still see some evidence of fall here on the West Coast. In our redwood forests, look for big leaf maples and vine maples for their changing color.

Brad Pitt and the Redwoods, Seriously?!

on

I nearly fell out of my chair when I came across a feature article about Brad Pitt doing a shoot in Humboldt Redwoods State Park for Details Magazine. My first thought was, “Okay, why wasn’t I invited?” And second, “Who …

Entre Los Gigantes

on

Qué maravilla— ¿cómo es que estos gigantes existen? ¿Qué cuentos han de saber y cuantas historias han de conocer? ¿Qué me dirían a este momento? Recalling one of my most memorable experiences among the redwoods at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State …

Top 10 Forests to Explore this Fall

on

The fall has always been my favorite season. Maybe because it means winter is coming — I love the snow — or because the memories are still fresh from a great summer, or because of the reminder of the cycle that will start up …

Largest WWII Memorial in U.S. Rediscovered in the Redwoods

on

In 1945, with victory in Europe and Japan within sight, individuals and organizations all across the country united in a nationwide effort to preserve 5,000 acres of old-growth redwoods as the National Tribute Grove. The effort, led by Save the Redwoods League …

Favorite Discoveries from the Forest

on

Guest bloggers Doug and Joanne Schwartz – League members and dedicated volunteers – are serving this summer as our Redwood Explorers-in-Residence, exploring the northern parks, and ground-truthing and mapping the groves of ancient forest they find. Along the way, they’re documenting the many interesting …

Many new redwoods grow in areas with old-growth cutting. Photo by Joanne and Doug Schwartz

A Strange and Wonderful Mystery Forest

on

Guest bloggers Doug and Joanne Schwartz – League members and dedicated volunteers – are serving this summer as our Redwood Explorers-in-Residence, exploring the northern parks, and ground-truthing and mapping the groves of ancient forest they find. Along the way, they’re …

Fern Canyon is all its ferny glory.

My favorite hike

on

When I am driving north on Highway 101 through Humboldt County and know my destination is the James Irvine trail at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, it’s hard to contain my excitement. This week, Orange Coast shares the history of how …

A pygmy forest at Van Damme State Park in Mendocino County looks young, but it's not. Photo credit: David Berry, Flickr Creative Commons

Pygmy Forests Offer a Surprise

on

On a recent trip to visit some of the amazing redwood parks in Mendocino County, I happened upon a type of forest I had never seen before. A forest where pines, cypress and redwood trees are a mere fraction of …

Betty Thompson (right) visits with some of the youth at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur before worship service begins on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Thompson will be traveling to the Redwood National Forest, where her dad once worked in the conservation corps, in June thanks to a project adopted by parishioners of Oakhurst to raise money to help Betty realize her dream. Photo by Jonathan Phillips, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Woman’s Lifelong Wish to See the Redwoods Comes True

on

Betty Thompson grew up in Georgia, far from California and confined by cerebral palsy to a wheelchair. As a girl, Betty, now age 66, was captivated by her father’s stories about life and work in Humboldt Redwoods State Park as …

Oysters are a local treat and a great post-hike lunch. Photo by queenkv, Flickr Creative Commons.

A Gastronomic Tour of the Redwoods

on

You know how sometimes after a long hike, that sandwich you brought along in your backpack is about the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten? Well, as that famous chef guy says, we’re about to kick things up a notch. Next time, try skipping the granola in lieu of one of these four gastronomic experiences that are unique to the redwoods region.

The Eel River, which snakes along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, has dozens of secluded and scenic swimming spots. Photo courtesy HRSP/Redwoods.info.

Make a Big Splash Among the Big Trees

on

Sweltering summers are perhaps the best time all year to experience the redwood forests in Humboldt County the way locals do, as natural water parks. The Eel River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River along the Avenue of the Giants, and Redwood Creek, which is surrounded by the world’s tallest trees in Redwood National Parks, have plenty of kid-friendly swimming holes.

Hit the trails this Saturday for National Trails Day!

All Our Trails Have to Offer

on

This Saturday is National Trails Day®! Whenever I think about hiking on one of the over 200,000 miles of trails we have in the U.S., the lyrics of one of my favorite Ani DiFranco songs pop into my head: When …

Stories from Calaveras Big Trees

on

I was at Calaveras Big Trees State Park over the weekend for an event celebrating the grand opening of the new visitor center and commemorating the 150th anniversary of California State Parks. I was there to speak at the event, …

You don't have to go far for great hikes and beautiful redwoods, like these in Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP. Photo by Julie Martin.

Magnificent Redwood Parks Close to Home

on

It’s almost Memorial Day weekend, and if you’re like me, you’re looking forward to spending the long weekend outside. Like ninety-five percent of Californians, I live in an urban area, and a quiet escape to the redwoods — even for just …

California's state parks have so much to offer, yet are underutilized. Pictured is Humboldt Redwoods SP, where League supporters have protected 50,000 acres.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods

on

Here at Save the Redwoods League, we get a kick out of celebrating Star Wars Day every May 4th (as in, “May the 4th be with you…”). Of the 460 planets that exist within the Star Wars films, where would you …

Loma Mar Propety. Photo by Paolo Vescia

How Not to Get Lost in the Forest

on

Spring and summer are popular times to visit the redwood forest. Are you prepared to find your way around? I thought I was, but I got lost. It was one of the few times I’ve been lost in my decades …

Find a welcoming picnic spot, like this one at the Grove of the Old Trees, for a fiesta with friends or family.

Five Redwoods Picnic Spots for Cinco de Mayo

on

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Are you doing anything to celebrate Mexican culture today? Festivities for this holiday (which is actually more popular in the United States than in Mexico) often include traditional folklórico dancing, mariachi music and, of course, delicious Mexican …

Getting there isn’t always half the fun — but these resources can help!

Handy E-Resources for Redwoods Trips

on

Want to hike or camp in the redwoods?  Don’t know where to go, don’t have a car, or need a last minute camp site? Or maybe you don’t want to go alone, or are wondering if your dog will be …