Redwoods, or Sequoia sempervirens, if you’re fancy, are a species of coniferous trees located among the coastal regions of California and Oregon. They’re among the largest and tallest trees in the world, second only to their family member, the Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), and reach an average height of 200 to 330 feet (60-100 meters). Their overbearing size is only matched by their impressive girth, as the average trunk diameter is around 10 to 15 feet, or 3 to 4.6 meters.
Before colonization, this geographical area was home to several Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Along the region’s north coast, the Yurok, Tolowa, Hupa, and Karuk communities have existed for thousands of years, and continue to be an integral part of the area today.
These communities also had a widespread belief that redwoods were sacred spirit beings, brought to the Earth to teach people how to live harmoniously. This belief influenced the creation of traditional redwood plankhouses, spiritual symbols that these communities used for lodging, ceremonies, and activities.
It’s no surprise that the beauty of the redwoods has drawn people to the West Coast for years. In fact, there are 49 redwood state parks in California alone, with another located in Surrey, British Columbia.
These parks work to preserve the longevity of the redwoods ecosystem, as a mere 5% of the old-growth redwood forest remains in the region. This is due to the tree’s natural resistance to insects, rot, and fire, which made it an excellent choice for lumber production.
That said, you don’t have to visit a hardware store to experience the beauty of the redwoods, as countless camping, road trips, and hiking opportunities exist out there to see redwoods in their natural habitat. Or, perhaps, you’d like to take a train…
Roaring Camp
Roaring Camp Railroads was established in the 1830s, beginning as a saw mill west of the Mississippi River. The company’s first railroad was established in 1875, running tourists through the Santa Cruz and Felton regions of California—an attraction that’s remained for 150 years.
This railroad company not only takes folks through its original route, but also extends into the beauty of the California redwoods. In an open-air boxcar, you can take a 75-minute-long journey on a 19th-century steam train through the protected forest up to the summit of Bear Mountain. Throughout your journey, the train’s conductors will narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the evolution of the railroad, and the forest itself.
The train ride happens once a day, every day, and will run you about $43 USD for adults, and $27 for kids. If you’re located in the area, you can also buy an annual pass, which costs between $100-$175, but gives you unlimited access to the Redwood and Santa Cruz Beach trains.
Roaring Camp also regularly hosts events, with holiday-specific trains running through November and December. These events often include other activities, like a visit from Santa Claus, live DJs, and other winter-themed activities that are fun for the whole family.
