Trees of Mystery

Where is it located?

Located off of Highway 101 near Klamath, California, the Trees of Mystery sits among the colossal sequoia trees of the Redwoods State and National Park.

What is it like?

Upon entering Trees of Mystery, right off Highway 101, you are greeted by a giant waving lumberjack statue in the courtyard, standing next to an equally massive bull statue. Don’t be frightened if the lumberjack talks while you pass by--a man on a PA system monitors incoming guests and likes to crack jokes, making it seem like the statue is talking. Next to the courtyard, the gift shop offers unique sequoia-themed knick-knacks, homemade fudge, espresso, and a small museum of Native American artifacts (some of which you can buy for a hefty price). Attached outside to the gift shop is a ticket booth and path that leads to the true treasure of the Trees of Mystery: a mile-long trail through thousand-year-old trees with a once-in-a-lifetime sky train that takes you above the forest canopy. Make sure to pack plenty of water, wear your hiking boots, and be prepared to spend a half-hour or so walking up hill.

Why you should visit.

Entering the redwoods forest is like stepping into a fairytale. Not only are the trees hundreds of feet tall (ranging from 200 to 300 feet), some of them are as wide as, or even wider than, pick-up trucks. One of the world’s largest trees grows in the Trees of Mystery. Standing 297 feet tall, The Brotherhood Tree is 19 feet in diameter and 60 feet in circumference. The base is the size of a bedroom! These trees are among the oldest living beings on Earth--some being around since the First Crusade in 1096. And if the beauty and history of the trees are not enough, the skytrain provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a bird’s-eye view of the forest. For those wishing for a experience nature at its greatest, a trip of the Trees of Mystery is well-worth its $16 admission fee.

Photos taken by Shanna Lowe.