The enormous redwood trees of California are crazy to see from ground level.
They look like literal giants.
But imagine walking amongst them at 100ft above the ground!
Well now you can at a popular forest attraction in Northern California.
They’ve recently opened a brand new canopy walkway which allows you to see redwoods like never before.
In this guide, we’ll be revealing everything you need to know about the trail including some interesting facts and insider tips.
Table of Contents
About Trees of Mystery
Trees of Mystery is an incredible attraction located in the heart of the Redwood Forest in Northern California.
It’s pretty famous for its towering redwood trees which are actually some of the tallest and oldest trees in the entire world!
At this park, you’ll get the chance to see a variety of unique-looking trees that come in some really strange shapes.
These include the Cathedral Tree, which is actually a group of 9 trees that have grown together to form a natural cathedral, and the Candelabra Tree, which looks like a candelabra.
There’s also the SkyTrail which is a gondola ride that takes you up over the trees for an amazing view of the forest from above.
It’s like floating through a sea of green.
Trees of Mystery also offers numerous hiking trails that wind through the forest, allowing you to see these magnificent trees up close.
It’s not just about the trees though, the park also has a museum that is dedicated to Native American culture.
This place is great for families as it has lots of educational and fun activities for kids.
Throughout Trees of Mystery, you’ll find numerous educational exhibits about the redwood ecosystem, the history of the area and the native cultures that have lived here.
It’s a great place to learn whilst having fun!
Trees of Mystery is located just off Highway 101 in Klamath, making it an easy stop for anyone traveling along the Pacific Coast.
It’s known not just for its natural beauty but also for offering a mix of fun, adventure and education.
The Redwood Canopy Trail
And now for the star of the show!
For those who love a bit of thrill, the Redwood Canopy Trail lets you walk amongst the treetops on a series of suspended bridges.
It’s an incredible way to see the forest from a perspective most people never get.
It’s basically a series of 10 platforms and 8 bridges built amongst the treetops which allows you to walk among these giants, from tree to tree.
Imagine standing way up high, looking down at the forest floor below. It’s like being a bird or a squirrel living in the trees!
The canopy walk is about 1/3 of a mile long, with the highest point being over 100 feet above the ground. That’s as tall as a 10-story building!
Redwoods are some of the tallest trees in the world so it feels really special to be up in the air with them.
You might even be level with birds flying or see animals that live in the tree branches.
As you wander along the walkways, you’ll be surrounded by the lush, green beauty of the forest and you’ll get an impressive bird’s-eye view of the park.
It’s very quiet up in the canopy, except for the sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.
It’s a peaceful place that makes you feel like you’re part of the forest itself.
While you’re walking, there are signs that tell you interesting facts about the redwood forest and the animals and plants that live there. It’s all super interesting stuff.
You might learn about how old some of the trees are or how the forest changes with the seasons.
Did you know that some redwoods are over 2,000 years old?
The canopy walk is built to be safe for everyone. There are handrails to hold onto and the platforms where you stand to look around are extremely sturdy.
It’s a pretty unique opportunity to see the redwood trees from a completely unique perspective that few people ever get to experience!
It’s not every day you get to walk in the treetops so it’s an adventure you’ll remember for a long time.
Tips for Visiting
Getting Ready
Before you start, you’ll be given some safety tips to make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience.
Remember to listen carefully and follow all the advice.
Take Your Time
There’s no rush.
You can walk at your own pace and take as many photos as you like.
Remember to look up, down and all around to catch every detail.
Meet the Wildlife
Remember, it’s not just about the trees.
Keep an eye out for birds, squirrels and other creatures who call the redwoods home.
You’re visiting their neighborhood after all!
Once You’re On, You’re ON!
One key thing to know about the walkway is that there are no exit points along the trail.
This means that once you’re on the walkway, you’ll need to walk the entire length to get off at the end.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s extremely safe so you should have a great time.
Accessibility
The Redwood Canopy Trail is suitable for most people however there are a few key things to know.
You will be required to walk up and down stairs when getting on and off the walkway.
Unfortunately the trails are not wheelchair accessible.
There are also a few rules you need to follow including no running, no jumping, no passing by other people on bridges and no smoking.
Who is it for?
The walkway is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Both adults and kids will have a great time.
What Else is There to Do at Trees of Mystery?
Besides the amazing Redwood Canopy Trail, Trees of Mystery has a lot more to offer, as well as the area around it.
Here’s a quick look at what else you can do:
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues
One of the highlights is a giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his ox, Babe, who greet guests at the entrance.
This is a great place to take photos!
These statues have been welcoming visitors since the 1960s.
Paul Bunyan is a legendary lumberjack in American folklore and his stories are a fun part of American culture.
The statue of Paul Bunyan at Trees of Mystery is 49 feet tall and he even talks to greet the visitors!
The End of the Trail Museum
This museum helps visitors learn about the rich history and culture of the Native American tribes of the area.
It actually houses one of the largest privately-owned collections of Native American artifacts in the whole of California.
You’ll get the chance to see clothing, pottery, baskets, weapons and tools!
SkyTrail
The SkyTrail allows you to glide through the redwood trees aboard a gondola.
The journey is around ⅓ mile and takes between 8 and 10 minutes.
The ride takes you up to Ted’s Ridge which features a large observation deck that offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding countryside.
Hiking Trails
There are several trails within Trees of Mystery that take you through the redwoods.
You can see all kinds of tree formations and even walk through a tree!
I’d recommend the Forest Experience Trail as it takes you past the park’s largest tree, known as the Brotherhood Tree.
Along this trail, you’ll also get to see the ‘Towering Inferno’ tree which was actually struck with lightning back in 1996 which set the inside of the tree alight.
Gift Shop and Cafe
After all that exploring, you can stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir or grab a bite to eat at the cafe.
All whilst being surrounded by the beauty of the redwoods.
Hours
Trees of Mystery is open every single day all year round.
The only exception is Christmas Day when it’s closed. Additionally, they only open half days on Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving.
The trail entrance is open from 9am until 3:30pm.
The museum is open from 9am till 4:30pm and the gift shop is open from 9am till 5pm.
Pricing
Admission tickets include access to everything within the park including the Redwood Canopy Trail.
Adult tickets cost $25 per person. Adults are defined as anyone between the ages of 13 and 59.
Seniors (age 60+) are $23 whilst kids are $13. Any children aged 2 or under go free.
Parking is completely free and they have a large car park on site. It’s located just off Highway 101.
How To Get There
Trees of Mystery is located in Northern California, right in the heart of the Redwood National and State Parks area.
It’s near a small town called Klamath which you’ll find just off the famous Highway 101.
Here’s how you can get there:
From the South
If you’re driving from the south, head north on Highway 101.
It’s a scenic route that will take you through forests and along the coast.
Keep going until you reach Klamath then look for signs for Trees of Mystery.
It’s pretty easy to find and is located right by the highway.
From the North
If you’re coming from the north (like from Oregon) then you’ll also take Highway 101 south.
The park is located just 36 miles south of the Oregon border.
Drive past the Oregon-California border and continue through Crescent City, keeping an eye out for Klamath.
The Trees of Mystery will be on your right, not long after you pass through the town.
If you’re flying
The closest major airport is in Medford, Oregon.
From there, you can rent a car and drive about 2 hours south on Highway 101 to reach Trees of Mystery.
No matter which direction you’re coming from, the journey to Trees of Mystery is all part of the adventure.
The drive along Highway 101 is incredibly beautiful with lots of spots to see the ocean, rivers and, of course, the redwoods.
Nearby Things To Do
In the area surrounding Trees of Mystery, there’s even more to explore:
Redwood National and State Parks
These parks surround Trees of Mystery and offer miles and miles of stunning hiking trails, camping sites and thick forests of redwoods.
You can even sometimes see wildlife like elk.
There are several visitor centers where you can learn about the park’s history and the trees.
Klamath River
The Klamath River is a long, winding river that flows through forests and past small towns.
You can go fishing for salmon and steelhead, kayak down the river or just have a picnic by the water.
It’s a peaceful place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Plus, it’s a great spot for bird watching and seeing other wildlife.
The Coastal Drive
Not far from Trees of Mystery is the Pacific Ocean.
Take a drive along the coast to see breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches and maybe even spot some whales.
The drive is especially beautiful at sunset and is a must-do for anyone traveling through Northern California.
Tour Thru Tree
This unique attraction actually allows you to drive your car through a giant living redwood tree!
It’s a unique experience that’s only a short drive from Trees of Mystery.
The tree is hollowed out in the middle which makes it big enough for cars to pass through.
Gold Bluffs Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach actually forms part of the Redwood National and State Parks.
It’s particularly known for its wide, sandy beaches and towering cliffs.
You can go camping right on the beach, hike in the nearby trails or just enjoy the ocean.
Sometimes, you can even see Roosevelt elk roaming in the area.
It’s a beautiful place to relax and get away from it all.
Fern Canyon
This deep, fern-lined canyon has been featured in several movies.
It’s a magical place for a hike as it features a narrow gorge lined with walls covered in ferns.
You get to walk through the canyon itself on a boardwalk which is surrounded by lush greenery and trickling water.
History of Trees of Mystery
Trees of Mystery opened its doors to the public in 1946.
It was created to share the beauty and wonders of the giant redwood trees with people from all over the world.
The attraction is owned and operated by the Thompson family, who have actually been taking care of it for generations.
Over the years, Trees of Mystery has grown and added more attractions, like the Redwood Canopy Trail, which gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the forest.
