Redwood Grove Loop via Parking Area 4 (Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park)
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Distance: 1.81 miles
Elevation: 30 feet
Time: 59 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge
The Hike
CALIFORNIA HIKING! Hiking is a strong word for this one, but my definition of hiking has always been "intentional time moving in the woods," so it counts! One of my best friends from high school was getting married at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and between their nuptuals and the jamboree portions of the evening, they led us through the Redwood Grove of the park! I have never seen trees like this, and I was absolutely blown away.
The walk from the overflow parking area was along the paved road, and then turned into the Redwood Grove which was a soil path. The first item of note was a cross-section of a dead tree that had over 2000 rings! So the tree was planted before Jesus, which was truly mind boggling to me. We followed the interpretive trail around the counter-clockwise loop.
There were trees you could stand inside and walk through and the forest floor was covered in these massive clover-like plants. One wedding guest said that they're edible and tasted like a sweet arugula, and they were right! The trees reminded me of the Firebird scene from Fantasta 2000. I truly could have spent a full day in here, but we did have to get back to the parking area for the jamboree, so it was time to head back after lots of chit chatting and taking MANY photos. Two friends and I decided we'd come back the next day for some more exploring, yay!
- From Overflow Parking, walk along road to Redwood Grove.
- At Redwood Grove, follow loop counter clockwise.
- Follow road back to Overflow Parking.
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