Redwood Forest California Road Trip: From Crescent City to Sausalito
The Breathtaking Beauty of the Redwood Forest
Recently I drove with my mom from Portland, Oregon south to Sausalito, California. The drive took us along the breathtaking Oregon and California coasts and through many small towns, but the moment we entered Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, it felt like stepping into another world.
Growing up in Montana, I was no stranger to wild beauty. Towering mountains and endless forests were part of the backdrop of my childhood. But nothing quite prepared me for the quiet majesty of Northern California's redwoods.
The Oregon and California Coast
We stayed overnight in Crescent City, a quiet town that gave us an early start into the heart of the redwood forests. This region is part of the Redwood National and State Parks system, which includes Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek State Parks, as well as Redwood National Park. Farther south, we continued our drive along the iconic Avenue of the Giants through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Driving Through the Redwood Forest
As we drove south, the trees grew taller, thicker, and more magical. These were not just trees—they were living cathedrals. Their presence was humbling, almost spiritual. The scale and stillness of the redwoods is hard to describe, it’s something you just have to experience for yourself. I was in complete awe.
Trees of Mystery in Klamath
One of our first stops was the Trees of Mystery in Klamath. It’s a nostalgic roadside attraction complete with towering statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. It sits right in the heart of the Redwood National and State Parks, serving as a welcoming gateway into the old-growth redwood forests.
We also made time to simply sit in nature. We found a quiet grove and just listened. The hush of the forest, the filtered light through the canopy, the sheer scale of it all was truly magical.
As someone interested in forest bathing, I was grateful for the chance to truly experience it here. There was no cell service, no noise. Just the rhythm of the forest and the peace it offered.
Just off US 101 at Redcrest, we stopped to visit the Immortal Tree which is estimated to be around 950–1,000 years old. It has weathered lightning, fire, the massive 1964 flood, and even logging attempts. This beautiful tree had so many stories to share.
The Immortal Tree
Not far from there, at 779 US‑101 in Piercy, we stopped at The Grandfather Tree. The Grandfather Tree stands roughly 265 ft tall with a trunk 24 ft in diameter—making it one of the five widest coast redwoods in the world. It’s estimated to be more than 1,800 years old! The sense of time held within these trunks is almost impossible to grasp.
The Grandfather Tree
And yes, we even drove through a redwood tree. It’s a bit touristy (and we had to pay to do it), but also such a classic moment—one of those joyful, slightly surreal experiences that leaves you smiling.
Driving Through a Redwood
Walking among these ancient trees reminded me how important it is to protect places like this. The redwoods have stood for thousands of years, and their silence, scale, and resilience are something everyone should experience at least once. If you've never been to this part of California, go. See it for yourself. And help make sure future generations can too.
If you're planning a road trip down the Pacific Coast, don’t skip the redwoods. Let them surprise you. Let them stop you in your tracks. And if you can, find a place to just sit and breathe it all in.
A very Unique Tree House
A Few Tips If You're Visiting the Redwood Forest in California:
Start early in the day. Morning light through the trees is beautiful, and having the quieter trails mostly to yourself adds so much to the experience.
Bring layers. Even in warmer months, the forest can feel cool and damp, especially under the canopy.
Don’t rely on cell service. Many parts of the forest have little to no reception. Download maps or guides ahead of time, and just enjoy being off-grid.
Stop at roadside stands and shops. We found unique redwood products and friendly locals with great stories.
Leave time to just sit. Even 10 minutes of quiet in one of the groves can be incredibly grounding.
Have you ever been to the redwoods? Or is there a place in nature that completely caught you off guard? I'd love to hear about it.
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