The San Francisco
Bay Area
Muir Woods, Portola Redwoods and Pescadero Creek, Big Basin, and Henry Cowell
Although it's not publicized, this park actually has a tiny old-growth grove. Of more interest are the trails that climb through dense second-growth redwood forests to grassy ridgetops, where there are some great views of the rolling hills of western Marin County.
Because it's right across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Muir Woods is by far the most-visited redwood park. The park is in a narrow stream valley and is less impressive than the other major redwood parks. It's surrounded by the very attractive coastal scenery of Mount Tamalpais State Park.
These adjacent parks have a few small patches of old growth. Portola Redwoods was selectively logged in the 19th century and, except for the Peters Creek loop, its redwoods lack the statliness of true old growth. Pescadero Creek has some surprisingly nice second growth, plus the tiny but attractive old-growth Heritage Grove.
A great getaway with a mountain resort atmosphere, just an hours' drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Big Basin has the best redwoods south of Hendy Woods and is the best remaining example of a southern redwood forest. However, compared with the northern forests, the trees here are generally smaller and the landscape is not as lush. Overall, the park is minimally affected by development and is exceptionally enjoyable.
This popular park is centered around a small old-growth grove on an alluvial floodplain. The redwoods are partially hidden behind a dense layer of tanoak. South of the old growth is the main body of the park, which is mostly second growth redwood forest.
© 2005-7 David Baselt
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