Big trees in California
Jul 14th, 2010, 09:00 AM
#22
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I have to say driving the car through a redwood was a bit of a laugh- the one we went through ( and I am sure there are several) was close to Crescent City and it really is a tourist trap ) but of course we did it anyway.
There is a fee to go through, the tree is almost dead and held together with wires - the pictures came out great though and we had fun doing it.
Watch the side mirrors on the car - the vehicle after us took
one of the mirrors off going through
There is a fee to go through, the tree is almost dead and held together with wires - the pictures came out great though and we had fun doing it.
Watch the side mirrors on the car - the vehicle after us took
one of the mirrors off going through
Jul 14th, 2010, 09:38 AM
#23
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I agree that the north coast is better for the big trees. There are some old growth groves in the Santa Cruz mountains, but not nearly as many as further north. And the old growth groves further north are more accessible - more spectacular even from the car or with a short walk. In the Santa Cruz mountains you've got to work harder to get the old growth trees and they are fewer and further between.
Jul 14th, 2010, 08:46 PM
#26
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Is flying into SF a bad idea? Direct flights with good times for arrival and departure. Arrival around 10 am and early afternoon departure. Or should I do connecting flights into Sacramento?
Jul 15th, 2010, 01:51 AM
#27
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It depends on where you are going. Sacramento, Oakland, SF are all about the same distance to Yosemite. Sacramento is closer to the Redwoods by 1-1.5 hrs. The Redwoods and Sequoia each have many groves that you could visit, so you would need to narrow that down as well. Sequoia has three or four, but you would want to visit Mariposa Grove there. The Trees aren't just everywhere in the park, they are in little areas here and there. Sequoia has more areas and larger areas. The Redwoods are more throughout the entire park, but each area there is a little different as well
So, which place have you decided on. And then can he walk at all for any distance, would be my other question?
So, which place have you decided on. And then can he walk at all for any distance, would be my other question?
Jul 15th, 2010, 06:03 AM
#28
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I am leaning towards going up the Pacific coast from San Fransico. Yes but no long distances, I would prefer to take him to lookouts. He could do 1/4 mile but it not something we stop and do several times of the day.
Jul 15th, 2010, 06:40 AM
#29
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A direct flight into Oakland would be great - no need to wear your father or yourself out before the trip even begins. If he hasn't seen tne Golden Gate it is a pretty amazing manmade wonder. You mentioned his interest in local agriculture...in San Fran a visit to the Farmers Market at the Ferry Building would give him the opportunity to visit with farmers & taste some great local produce, cna be crowded (ferryplazafarmersmarket.com), a visit to a small winery would be nice, your timing may put you there during crush when they are picking grapes, Cowgirl Creamery in Peteluma is a local dairy farm with tours & tastings (cowgirlcreamery.com) & if he likes oysters a stop in Marshall at Hog Island Oyster Farm (hogislandoyster.com. You can take a tour &/or have a picnic. Enjoy your trip, it will be a special time for you both!!
Jul 15th, 2010, 09:52 AM
#30
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If you can get direct flights into SFO, that's what I'd do. Connecting flights can be a pain. But once you get to SFO, you'll get your car and head out. And driving across the golden gate bridge is a fabulous way to start your road trip 
Jul 15th, 2010, 01:48 PM
#31
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Here is some info that may help you and your father decide what to do.
Here's a web site for the Chandelier drive-thru tree, and 2 others.
http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/trees.html
The drive time from Oakland to the Chandelier tree is about 3 1/2 hours via hwy 101, or about 4 1/2 hours via the coast road.
The web site for Sequoia National Park is here.
http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
The trees in this park are the largest in the world, and very likely in the solar system, so it follows that they are bigger than the drive-thru trees.
The drive time from Oakland to Giant Forest in the park is about 4 3/4 hours.
For visits to farms, use this map.
http://www.calagtour.org/
Click on a county to get a list of places to visit.
Here's a web site for the Chandelier drive-thru tree, and 2 others.
http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/trees.html
The drive time from Oakland to the Chandelier tree is about 3 1/2 hours via hwy 101, or about 4 1/2 hours via the coast road.
The web site for Sequoia National Park is here.
http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
The trees in this park are the largest in the world, and very likely in the solar system, so it follows that they are bigger than the drive-thru trees.
The drive time from Oakland to Giant Forest in the park is about 4 3/4 hours.
For visits to farms, use this map.
http://www.calagtour.org/
Click on a county to get a list of places to visit.
Jul 15th, 2010, 02:07 PM
#32
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You might be interested in my recent short trip report on the north coast area
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ort-report.cfm
I live in Fresno, and it is rare for us to get up to the north coast, which is where I would vote for you to go. It will be greener, much more lush, with ground coating ferns in the north. Sequoia and Yosemite in Sept can be very dry and hot.There is a lot of ag along the coast and just inland. Your dad will see a lot of it.
On your way from SF or Oakland, you can stop at Muir woods in the north bay area, which is also a treat. For first timers, the Avenue of the Giants with the 8 sheduled pullouts should be great. The very short loop trails are generally flat, and the trails are well maintained.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ort-report.cfm
I live in Fresno, and it is rare for us to get up to the north coast, which is where I would vote for you to go. It will be greener, much more lush, with ground coating ferns in the north. Sequoia and Yosemite in Sept can be very dry and hot.There is a lot of ag along the coast and just inland. Your dad will see a lot of it.
On your way from SF or Oakland, you can stop at Muir woods in the north bay area, which is also a treat. For first timers, the Avenue of the Giants with the 8 sheduled pullouts should be great. The very short loop trails are generally flat, and the trails are well maintained.
Jul 15th, 2010, 05:45 PM
#33
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"My 83 yr old father has always wanted to see the 'big trees in California'"
In my mind, "the big trees" are the Sequoiadendron giganteum or "giant sequoia". These trees are located in the Sierra Nevada. The coastal redwoods are beautiful, stately trees but they do not compare in girth with the sierra trees. Also, because the sequoia trees are more spread out, it is easier to admire their size than their coastal cousins.
For your father, I would recommend visiting Yosemite because they have the narrated tram tour through the Mariposa Grove which would make it a lot easier for him to appreciate the grove. Also, you would be able to show him Yosemite Valley which is a sight second to none. If he has never seen Yosemite (and if he has, wouldn't he have seen the trees?) you should take him. Yosemite is a much more worthy destination to fly all the way out to from Texas than the Avenue of the Giants.
Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful redwood groves along the North Coast but, except for some groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the best parts are further north up in Redwood National Park and it's associated state parks. Also, the trees around the Avenue of the Giants are not near the coast. You don't reach the coast on Hwy 101 until you get up to Humboldt Bay and you don't see the ocean until you get to McKinleyville. You could drive Hwy 1 for coastal views but that drive really needs at least two days to do it justice.
If you go to Yosemite, you will drive through part of the San Joaquin Valley which is one of the most productive agricultural regions on earth. A short detour could also take you through the Delta which is one of the most interesting farming areas in the West. There are also vineyards and wineries in the Sierra foothills that produce some excellent wines.
In my mind, "the big trees" are the Sequoiadendron giganteum or "giant sequoia". These trees are located in the Sierra Nevada. The coastal redwoods are beautiful, stately trees but they do not compare in girth with the sierra trees. Also, because the sequoia trees are more spread out, it is easier to admire their size than their coastal cousins.
For your father, I would recommend visiting Yosemite because they have the narrated tram tour through the Mariposa Grove which would make it a lot easier for him to appreciate the grove. Also, you would be able to show him Yosemite Valley which is a sight second to none. If he has never seen Yosemite (and if he has, wouldn't he have seen the trees?) you should take him. Yosemite is a much more worthy destination to fly all the way out to from Texas than the Avenue of the Giants.
Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful redwood groves along the North Coast but, except for some groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the best parts are further north up in Redwood National Park and it's associated state parks. Also, the trees around the Avenue of the Giants are not near the coast. You don't reach the coast on Hwy 101 until you get up to Humboldt Bay and you don't see the ocean until you get to McKinleyville. You could drive Hwy 1 for coastal views but that drive really needs at least two days to do it justice.
If you go to Yosemite, you will drive through part of the San Joaquin Valley which is one of the most productive agricultural regions on earth. A short detour could also take you through the Delta which is one of the most interesting farming areas in the West. There are also vineyards and wineries in the Sierra foothills that produce some excellent wines.
Aug 17th, 2010, 02:29 PM
#34
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Flying into Eureka directly and will stay some place for 3 nights. Actually we have 2 days exploring. Then we are driving down Highway 1, spend the night along the way. End up in San Fransico for one night and flying home to Texas.
I picked the coast because we are tired of the heat and he has never seen any coastline except Texas. I think the dramatic differences will be impressive.
Need a central place to see RNP and Avenue of the Giants.
Thanks
I picked the coast because we are tired of the heat and he has never seen any coastline except Texas. I think the dramatic differences will be impressive.
Need a central place to see RNP and Avenue of the Giants.
Thanks
Aug 17th, 2010, 03:06 PM
#35
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Hwy 1 and HWY 101 are different. I am sure you know that, but just wanted to make sure. Hwy 1 is much slower going. You might get enough "coast" at the Redwoods. Don't miss Patricks Point State Park. Agate Beach and Palmers Point Beach there are very interesting. The two are very close to each other, but very very different. Try to catch Palmers at Low Tide. You will see hermit crab, mussel, starfish, etc.
You could see some very nice beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore as well(near SF), if you decide to drive a lot on hwy 1.
You could see some very nice beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore as well(near SF), if you decide to drive a lot on hwy 1.
Aug 18th, 2010, 11:51 AM
#36
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Yes I know they are different. I plan on staying in Miranda and then heading south to Mendociona area on highway 1. About how long of a drive? I figure at least 4hrs from Mendociona to SF. Is that about right? If we get tired of the coast where do you recommend that we head off and maybe head off to Sonoma...maybe?
