Located in the upper northwest corner of California is Jedediah-Smith State Park, which is one place that you can find coastal redwoods.
Honestly, driving into the park on a narrow, curvy, gravel road I felt like I was entering another world. A world that reminded me vividly of the Jurassic Park movies. And I could easily picture a dinosaur popping out from the undergrowth of large ferns or around one of the huge tree trunks.
(Welcome to Jurassic Park!)
Our group had decided on The Grove of Titans hike, and we were not disappointed. This hike takes you on a gently sloping part gravel, part dirt, part metal walkway path that winds through the redwoods taking you past one impressive tree after another. My neck was starting to get tired from looking up and up and up. I have never seen tree like this before! Not only are they the tallest trees I've ever seen, but also the largest in diameter. From parts of this trail, you can also hear the rushing water from a nearby stream. And in the morning hours (when our group was there) it's very quiet and you can listen to the birds calling to each other as you walk.
When we arrived at the actual "Grove or Titans" it was truly amazing. It is a large opening surrounded by massive redwoods. These redwoods tower over the other vegetation that grow around and below them while they seem to reach for the sky.
I walked around this grove on the provided walkways (meant to protect the undergrowth and roots of these titans) and was in awe. In awe at their sheer size, yes, but something more. These trees have been there for 2,000 years or more and have withstood so much. Walking through the grove was incredibly peaceful. The stream that you can hear intermittently throughout your walk runs right by the grove. So, if you close your eyes and listen, all you hear is the wind in the trees, the trickling stream just beyond the grove, and the bird song high in the branches all combining to make this very serene music.
One of my brothers and I waited, wandering around the grove until the rest of our group and one other group had taken their fill and moved on, and we were lucky enough to get a few moments to ourselves with just the pure quiet that allows you to hear nature's music, and it was....for lack of a better word, spiritual.
I might lose some people here, but if you know the feeling, then you know. It's in those few moments, I felt very connected to our world. It's one of those rare times when you just have this inner peace. It's not something I ever intentionally search for or try to provoke. It's just this feeling that happens sometimes, mostly when I am out in nature, when the world just slows and there is this utter calm both inside and out. For me, it often doesn't last long, just a few moments when I can really be in the moment, feel the inner peace that nature provides when I really pay attention. Then the moment passes, and life goes on, but for a while after sometimes I'm lucky enough to keep that peaceful feeling to a lesser degree snug inside my heart.
I felt that in the Grove. And while my brother and I didn't discuss it, I think from his manner there, that he felt something similar. It was actually quite cool how most of the people that passed through the grove while we were there assumed an almost reverent attitude. You could hear them coming down the trail chatting to each other, but once they entered the Grove, they would quiet, and speak in hushed tones to each other as they gazed in awe at the giant trees. Almost like everyone entering it knew the significance of the place.
Anyway, some quick facts:
The park protects 10,000 acres of redwoods and other flora species.
Trees can grow up to 350 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter
The oldest trees in the park are about 2,000 years old
Redwoods are resistant to insects and fire - showing their hardiness.
Finally, some advice based on my experience:
This trail is popular due to its ease and while the lot was fairly empty and we encountered only a few groups on our way in, the lot was full and we passed many more groups on the way out. I would recommend getting there early not only to get parking, but also to avoid the crowds and noise so you can fully appreciate the Grove.
AllTrails has this walk listed for 1.7 miles out and back - mu husband's Apple watch had out mileage closer to 3 miles. Still a very easy and doable hike for all ages, and it only took us about 2 hours with lots of stopping for pictures and enjoyment of the views.
The road that this trail is on is windy and can only fit one car at a time. But it is a two-way road. Which means you need to be very cautious with your driving, and looking ahead to see if there are cars coming from the opposite direction. For the most part, people will pull over if they see a car coming and they have room on their side to pull off a bit. However, you will still get those people that care more about themselves than the safety of others and will come around corners too quickly. Another reason to hit this part of the park earlier in the day - less cars.
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