Having a Great Time Camping Among Redwoods in Little Basin Park

Last weekend we had a wonderful opportunity to camp among some of the most majestic trees on the planet: the great redwoods of California. Specifically, Little Basin state park in Boulder Creek, California. We also had an opportunity to sit in on a campfire and listen about some of the history of Little Basin…

Apparently, it had been logged, was a ranch, HP used it as a campground for it’s employees, and some guy even owned it who liked WW2 memorabilia! I was amazed that so much had taken place there in only a hundred years or so.

Anyway, I can say that I still remember seeing the redwoods as a kids when my parents brought me to see the Sequoias. I’m sure I acted as if was bored silly back then but they did make a lasting impression on me and one that I wanted to share with my own kids while we had a chance.

I’m not sure if the trip will make a lasting impression upon them (they’re 11 and 8) but I do hope they remember *something* from the trip. After all, my body paid the price with dozens of mosquito bites! Here’s several photos from that trip (click to enlarge):

1. My boys at our campsite in Little Basin with family friends. It was both neat to marvel at the many majestic trees but also a bit sad to see large trees obviously cut down such as the one the children are sitting atop.
2. This was no particular tree but one that I felt particular connected with while on the Redwood trail in Big Basin. The photo does NOT do it’s awesome *vibe* justice.
3. A wide angle view of “the mother of the forest.” According to the info provided it’s apparently (or was) the tallest tree in the world at over 300 feet tall. Seems something happened and the upper 50 or so feet got knocked off a while back. Regardless, it’s still one tall tree!
4. A base view of “the mother of the forest.” It’s just a damn big tree. We also saw “the father of the forest” which wasn’t as tall but a bit wider. When trees get this big, does it even matter?
5. My boys playing on a tree. I’d prefer they didn’t… my wife overruled me.
6. My boys admiring the inside of a tree that seemed to be hollowed out probably due to a fire. We saw a lot of that.

Overall, I was super-impressed. We had a blast and a I learned a few things too. For example, I learned that redwood roots were nearly as tall as the tree itself but didn’t extend very deep, at most 10 feet. Instead, they linked together as if “holding hands” to support one another. I also learned their bark could be up to a foot thick which helped them resist fire damage.

I’m sure there was more but these things stood out in my mind. If you ever get a chance to go camping in the middle of California to see the redwoods I would encourage you to do so. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. Just bring copious amounts of bug spray as the mosquitoes are relentless!!

Oh, and the road to get to the campsite (Bear Creek Road) is ridiculously windy… bring a few barf bags. 😉