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If you’ve traveled through northwest California, maybe you’ve seen the towering giants of the redwoods.
Redwoods National Park and State Park protect the tallest trees in the world. But if you’d like to get an up-close and personal encounter with these awe-inspiring trees, you must visit the Trees of Mystery.
We did, and it’s a must-see stop on your road trip through northern California. Let’s dive in!
What Are the Trees of Mystery?
Located in Klamath, Calif., the Trees of Mystery is a unique attraction that draws in visitors who want to see the majestic redwood trees up close.
You don’t have to be a nature lover to appreciate the grandeur of these giants. Since 1946, Trees of Mystery has inspired guests of all ages with trails and experiences that capture a connection with nature.
Today, you can enjoy a walk through the treetops on the Redwood Canopy Trail or a soaring gondola ride on the SkyTrail.
You take a self-guided tour through the old-growth forest and enjoy free admission to view a stunning collection of artifacts in the End of the Trail Collection.
Where Is the Trees of Mystery?
Trees of Mystery is in the center of the Redwood National and State Parks. About 36 miles south of the Oregon border on Highway 101 in California, you’ll see two huge statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. You can’t miss them.
Klamath is also a great place to visit for a few days. From the city, you can take a driving tour along Highway 101 for beautiful views or visit Prairie Creek, a large prairie surrounded by redwoods.
Here you can see the large herd of native Roosevelt Elk.
Trees of Mystery opens every day except Christmas. You’ll want to spend at least several hours here to enjoy the activities and beauty of the place.
The trail entrance opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. The museum and gift shop also open at 9 a.m. but stay open a bit later. The museum closes at 4:30 p.m., while the gift shop closes at 5 p.m.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Trees of Mystery?
A day of fun at the Trees of Mystery costs $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $13 for kids ages 3 to 12. This admission ticket gives you access to everything for the entire day.
Ride the SkyTrail as many times as you want, or walk among the majestic trees of the Redwood Canopy Trail two or three times.
But you can get free parking at the Trees of Mystery. They also provide free RV parking next to the Forest Cafe in a large, flat parking lot. All guests can easily access the park from Highway 101.
Keep in Mind: Redwood offers 4 campgrounds and 8 backcountry camps! Click the link to see where to camp with your RV in Redwood.
Things to Do at the Trees of Mystery
Besides standing in awe at the majesty of the old-growth redwood trees, you can spend hours walking the Redwood Canopy Trail, riding the SkyTrail, and viewing ancient artifacts. You can easily fill up an entire day.
Walk the Redwood Canopy Trail
The newest attraction at the Trees of Mystery is the Redwood Canopy Trail. This aerial suspension bridge meanders through the old-growth redwoods at the mid-canopy level.
It has 10 platforms, which suspend 50-100 feet high in the trees, and eight suspension bridges that travel between them. Additionally, it has a minimum height requirement of 36 inches, and you can’t bring pets on this trail.
Ride the SkyTrail
The SkyTrail gondola ride travels nearly a third mile through the redwood forest tree tops. This unique experience lifts you up into the trees for an up-close perspective of these majestic trees.
The eight gondolas continuously run up the mountain all day long. The ride lasts 8 to 10 minutes, and once you reach the summit, you have a stunning mountaintop ocean vista waiting for you.
Explore the Amazing Redwoods
These towering giants grow as tall as 375 feet with diameters as large as 20 feet. That’s taller than the Statue of Liberty and wider than a Greyhound bus.
These magnificent trees draw you into a whole other world. As you explore the redwood forest, you’ll see the Brotherhood Tree, which is over 2,000 years old, and the Cathedral Tree, which is actually a group of nine trees growing together as one.
Visit the End of the Trail Collection
You’ll find the End of the Trail Collection attached to the gift shop. It opened in 1968 with Marylee Thompson Smith sharing her fascinating artifacts from over 30 years of collecting and learning about ancient cultures.
Today it’s one of the largest privately owned collections around. You’ll see pottery, baskets, statues, tools, and more.
Keep in Mind: Make the most out of your time in Redwood National Park and make sure you see these 9 Incredible Things at the park!
What Is the Motel Trees?
Across the street from the Trees of Mystery is the Motel Trees. If you’d like to stay on the property, you can reserve one of the 23 rooms.
This base camp will allow you to explore the surrounding area of the California north coast. From the Motel Trees, you can take the half-mile trail to Hidden Beach, where you can go fishing, beach-combing, and picnicking.
Are Pets Allowed?
Yes, the Trees of Mystery is pet-friendly except on the Redwood Canopy Trail. Please keep them leashed and pick up after them.
Make sure to take lots of photos and share them on Facebook! Your furry friend will love a ride on the SkyTrail.
Is Visiting the Trees of Mystery Worth It?
The Trees of Mystery is a remarkable venue where you become one with nature in unique ways.
Whether you ride the Sky Trail with your pup again and again or walk the Redwood Canopy trail time after time, you’ll have the chance to bask in the grandeur of this redwood forest.
There’s no reason to bypass this unique attraction with easy access to and from the parking lot off Highway 101 and free RV parking. Make it a stop on your trip itinerary when you explore the Pacific Northwest!
Which attraction will be your favorite, the SkyTrail or the Canopy Trail?
