Take the kids to see trees that are hundreds of years old. It’s always a plus to find a hollowed out redwood so kids can climb in and truly enjoy one of our Bay Area native treasures.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Look for the Mother and Father of the Forest – the biggest trees in this park. 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540.
Butano State Park – Banana slugs are all over this park. Follow them to the Candelabra tree that has five huge vertical branches coming out of the massive trunk. 1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Take this park’s Redwood Loop trail to find the famed Fremont tree. You and your 20 closest friends can go inside. 101 N. Big Trees Park Road, Felton. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546.
Muir Woods National Monument – While it can get very crowded, you should visit Muir Woods National Monument at least once since it has some of the most beautiful old-growth redwoods. Consider taking the Muir Woods Shuttle or carpooling since parking is limited. 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley. www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm.
Redwoods Regional Park – Give a little lesson in preservation at this park that’s full of second-growth redwoods. 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland. www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood.
Wilder Ranch State Historic Park – You can hike from the ocean to the redwoods at this park that also offers living history days. 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549.
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