In operation for nearly 80 years, Trees of Mystery is a delightful way to spend an afternoon surrounded by towering giant redwoods. Located near the small town of Klamath, California, within the heart of Redwood National Park, it’s allegedly Northern California’s original redwood nature attraction. It’s rightfully earned its name from the array of unique tree formations and amount of diverse species thriving within its boundaries. Exploring Trees of Mystery is an immersive experience, where visitors are surrounded by numerous types of giant trees, while also learning about the area’s rich natural history. With its fun vibe and epic attractions, including a canopy trail and a gondola ride, Trees of Mystery offers a memorable experience for all ages.

At Trees of Mystery, the name says it all: there’ll be a lot of trees, and many will be mysterious. You’ll encounter various tree types, including the majestic Coastal Redwoods, Sitka Spruce, and Douglas Fir. As you explore the park’s trails, you’ll be surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the forest. You can walk along the Kingdom of Trees Trail, which is a leisurely 0.8-mile stroll through the heart of the park, or venture further along on the Wilderness Trail, a 1-mile scenic trail. For those seeking an elevated experience, ride along via the SkyTrail, a 0.33-mile (one-way) gondola ride offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest – and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The Redwood Canopy Trail is an exciting adventure with 10 viewing platforms 50-100 feet above the forest floor. You will walk along the trail’s 9 bridges, ranging from 23 to 130 feet in length, and witness the beauty of the redwood forest from a unique perspective.

My personal favorite was the Redwood Canopy Trail. While all the paths offer beautiful views and are easy to navigate, this trail provides a truly distinctive experience. As you climb up to 100 feet above the forest floor, you’ll feel like you’re soaring through the towering redwoods, even though you never even come close to the top of the trees. Despite the height, those who fear heights (like me) will find comfort in the safety measures with secure bridges and sturdy platforms. While my legs typically tremble when high up, I found the experience surprisingly easy and fun. Perhaps it’s because walking through the canopies offers excitement and wonder, helping you forget how high you are. It’s something I highly recommend doing.

The SkyTrail was another fun experience and something I’d highly recommend! Now, my brother, who shares my sometimes debilitating fear of heights, might disagree. Located to the back left of the park, it’s easy to find, and we did not have to wait in line (you may have to briefly wait for the next gondola). An important note: the gondolas do not stop, so you must be quick on your feet! However, my seven-year-old was able to easily get on and off four times, so it’s not too difficult. The gondola ride covers 1,570 feet to the top, with eight gondolas making a continuous loop. It takes around 8 to 10 minutes to reach the top or bottom. Depending on which side you sit on, you’ll get to enjoy ocean views peeking through the giant redwood trees in the distance. At the top, there’s a large wooden deck with a slight ramp that takes you to a great vantage point of the surrounding forest to the east and the ocean to the west.

The Kingdom of Trees Trail, the Forest Experience, and the Wilderness Trail were all also great experiences, collectively offering several remarkable trees, each with their own fascinating story and unique characteristics. First, the Cathedral Tree is a breathtaking formation comprised of nine distinct trees fused into a singular majestic entity. Originating from the remnants of a fallen giant centuries ago, the Cathedral Tree is the largest globally. Then there is the Candelabra Tree, a fallen redwood that defied the odds by sprouting anew. It’s remarkable in the fact that the horizontal tree has roots that feed the vertical trees and vice versa. After that, the Elephant Tree, with its expansive root systems, showcasing nature’s creativity and adaptability. Why it’s called the Elephant Tree, I’m not sure. Perhaps because its roots resemble an elephants trunk.

Moving along, Nature’s Underpass beckons like a portal to a fairy realm – a massive tree enveloped in vibrant moss serving as a charming passageway beneath its trunk. Next is the Octopus Tree, which is just like the Elephant Tree with its expansive root systems, evoking the imagery of an octopus. The Upside Down Tree is a striking sight that defies expectations with its dual trunks – one vertical, one horizontal – creating a whimsical spectacle. Finally, the Brotherhood Tree (picture at the end of the blog), which stands as one of the largest living organisms on the planet, symbolizing hope for humanity’s brotherhood. This awe-inspiring giant is over 2,000 years old, boasting a diameter of 19 feet, a circumference of 60 feet, and towering nearly 300 feet into the sky.

Lastly, there is the Trail of Trees. While not an actual trail of trees, it offers a fun journey through a collection of distinct and comical tree carvings. Despite its somewhat misleading name, the carved images give visitors plenty of amusement and laughter. Creating these complex images into tree bark is no small feat, even if some of the creations lean toward the whacky. It’s hard not to chuckle at the imaginative names given to each carving, from characters like “Choker Charlie” and “2 Time Tony” to “The Little People” and “Really”, each possessing a quirky personality. “Boot ‘Em”, “Cookey-World’s Faster Waiter”, “The Rat Pack”, “Ol’ Red-Thumb Robbie”, “Jack the Back”, and my personal favorite, “Pooped Logger”, all add to the trail’s fun and lightheartedness.

If all of this wasn’t enough to entice you to visit Trees of Mystery, wait, there’s more! There’s the iconic Bigfoot statue, a must-see for any cryptozoology or folklore fan. When hunger strikes, the Forest Café awaits, open Monday-Thursday from 8am to 4pm. For those interested in Native American history and culture, the End of the Trail Collection boasts one of the largest privately owned collections of Native American artifacts. Don’t forget to browse the massive gift shop, where you’ll find countless trinkets and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. And if you have a sweet tooth, be sure to indulge in some of their delicious fudge. For nostalgia and Americana, marvel at the positively colossal statue of Paul Bunyan and his faithful ox, Babe, which immediately greets you upon pulling into the parking lot. And lastly, if you want to extend your stay at Trees of Mystery, the Trees Motel offers “vintage motel-style accommodations” right next to the attraction, complete with dog-friendly rooms. For more information, please visit: https://www.moteltrees.com/

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Overall, it’s hard to argue that any visit to Redwood National Park would be complete without experiencing the iconic Trees of Mystery. While it’s situated at the northernmost part of the national park, approximately an hour’s drive from towns like McKinleyville (where we stayed), the drive is more than worth it. Offering a unique, fun, and enjoyable experience, Trees of Mystery simply left us feeling happy. During our approximately two-hour visit, we fully experienced all it had to offer. From walking the trails and riding the gondola to browsing the gift shop and enjoying a nice, packed lunch at the picnic tables, we made the most of our time there. There were also conveniently located, well-maintained bathrooms near the picnic tables. Whether you’re exploring beautiful Redwood National Park or just passing through NorCal on your way to Oregon, give Trees of Mystery a visit!