Nestled between Grants Pass, Oregon and Crescent City, California, are the Redwood National and State Parks. Although the road is mostly two lanes, it is well-paved and well-maintained. When I'm weary, and the rats are winning the race, I escape to the California Coastal Redwoods. In less than two hours, I can reach the restful serenity of these magnificent trees, any time of the year.  As soon as I drive into this leaf-fringed canopy, a blanketed hush muffles the roaring din of the busy interstate. The air smells fresh and clean, and I cannot help but breathe a deep, tension-releasing sigh. The silence is broken only by an occasional fluttering bird, a grazing deer, or a softly blowing breeze among the swaying redwood branches. It's as if I'm in nature's cathedral.  

The California coastal redwoods are like strong, tall soldiers standing guard over the forest. Many are more than 370' high, with long, finger-like roots stretching out in all directions. Each tree is an ecosystem in itself, storing water within an asbestos-lined trunk, as well as providing shelter and sustenance for numerous forest creatures, such as owls, squirrels, delicate violets, and a rainbow of wildflowers. All work together in harmony to preserve and enrich this wholesome, healthful habitat.  

Adjacent to Highway 101, near the town of Klamath, California, is Trees of Mystery attraction  Near the entrance are two gigantic statues of  the legendary Paul Bunyan, and his ever-faithful companion, Babe, the Blue Ox. On one of my visits, I noticed a little girl sitting on Paul's big boot. Suddenly, I heard this big voice say, "Hey, what are you doing sitting on my boot?" Startled, she jumped off and looked up at Paul. She was a little frightened, and moved a short distance away, so I talked with Paul myself for a few minutes. Then, sure enough, in just a little while, I saw the same little girl walk back towards the great big logger, and soon they were chatting as if they were old friends. I couldn't help but chuckle at the newfound friendship.

Trees of Mystery exhibits some of the most magnificent coastal Sequoia specimens of the entire Redwood National Park. My favorite is the Cathedral Tree, which has more than a dozen redwood trees growing out of the same trunk! For a birds-eye view of the forest, you can board the Skyline Tram and soar over the top of this evergreen wonderland.  

As my husband and I continued along Highway 101, meandering through this peaceful paradise, we found a number of intriguing stops along the way. We saw fellow travelers snapping photos as they drove through the amazing tunnel tree, and we stopped for a delicious deli sandwich and ice cream cone at the One Log House, which is a store entirely inside one giant redwood tree.  

Later that afternoon, we came upon Benbow Hotel & Resort (AAA Four Diamond), a beautiful old Tudor-style mansion on the shores of Lake Benbow. As we strolled through this stately edifice, we commented it would be a great place for a romantic dinner, or even an overnight stopover.

The next day, on our return trip to Southern Oregon, we toured the Scotia Logging Mill, and enjoyed an early dinner at the famous Samoa Cookhouse. The food was great, all we could eat,  and reasonably priced -- Whew! We sure were full when we left there! The walls displayed all kinds of logging memorabilia, and because the seating arrangement was family style, we had the opportunity to visit with other diners.  

On the way home, we paused at the Klamath River Bridge to take a photo of the two statuesque California Golden Bears. These shining sentinels greeted us as we approached the bridge. If you're an agile, more adventurous traveler, you can mount one of the grizzlies and ride 'bare-bear back." I used to be that vigorous, but alas! No longer!  We followed the winding Smith River on our journey back to Jackson County, Oregon. After such a restful respite, my husband, Keith, and I felt encouraged, rejuvenated, and ready to face another day.  Next time, I'll write about the Sequoia Gigantia of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. These massive trees are the second species of redwood tree in the state of California.  

Click here for the AAA Drive Trip - Northern California and Southern Oregon for a map and information on this area's sights and attractions.

- Betty Henagin