Orick, California.
The state of California and the National Park Service manage several state and national parks in northern California. There, you can see the most extensive stands of the coastal redwood species of giant sequoia trees. There are several differences between this variety of trees and those found in Sequoia National Park in central California.
As we traveled U.S. 101 up the California coast, nearing the park entrance, we traveled through the town of Orick, a population of about 350 residents and an unknown quantity of Elk, many of whom were sitting on lawns enjoying the day.
As we drove through the redwood forest, the clouds and high canopy of trees provided a cool, damp environment on this autumn day. The parks and campgrounds are managed by either the National Park Service or California State Parks, depending upon which section of the forest you are visiting.
The lower deciduous trees were just starting to turn, and along the highway, some of the leaves had already fallen by the roadside. The misty, humid weather coated the road with moisture. In the image above, the sign at the right indicates that the road leading right is Cal-Barrel Road. It’s a 3.5-mile road, mostly gravel, that provides access to some lesser-used trails in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. According to the National Park Service website, the old logging road climbs about 700 feet (213 m), and it has some tight corners. Cal Barrel Road is not frequently used, and it can be covered by redwood needles.
The vast redwood forests are only about 5 percent of what they once were. There is a project underway to help redevelop the natural habitat. Redwoods Rising is a collaborative restoration initiative. The group is tasked with the missions of protecting old-growth stands, restoring redwood forest ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term health of these mighty trees. Working with redwood enthusiasts, park visitors, local communities, and tribes, the restoration effort will involve forest and vegetation management, removal of abandoned logging roads, cultural site protection, and watershed management. You can find out more about their goals at this NPS site.
This trip was our first trip to these beautiful redwood forests. The giant trees were really a challenge to photograph. You can view these images and additional photos in 2K HD in my Flickr album here.
John Steiner
Flare Legend Adventures
Magnificent trees 🙂
Everyone should see the Redwoods! I’m glad you got to see them.
I used to give hikes in CA in 2002 and was able to feel the beauty of redwoods / and so I extra enjoyed your post today
On my wish-list to see these trees for myself one day!
I so love being around the redwoods. We have some redwoods in town. 😀 😀
It really is good for my heart to read about the measures being take to preserve these living monuments! Your images are a wonderful tribute to them, John.
Lovely pictures John, and the Elks sitting so relaxed.
The redwoods are magnificent and I’m happy to read about the ongoing efforts to preserve them and increase their numbers. The elk are obviously used to humans because the ones in Wyoming definitely aren’t that casual. There you rarely see them unless you’re up at about dawn. After that they tend to vanish into the forest somewhere.
I think even though everyone knows “The Redwoods are big trees”, until you get there and walk amongst the giants. It is so humbling, and, I am also grateful for the restoration process. Thank you for not just hared the beauty, but also ways to be sure we keep it.
John, they are a sight to behold, and a national treasure, for sure. I remember how damp and misty our hike was on the day we were there and how small and insignificant I felt as I looked up from the foot of a giant. Thanks for igniting a good memory.
They are, indeed!