Tall Trees Grove

The Tall Trees Grove boasts some of the world's tallest trees, many of which are over 320 feet in height. This short trail is great for a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. Hiking to the Tall Trees Grove leads along a trail down to Redwood Creek. Upon reaching the grove the trail splits into a short loop that meanders through the towering coastal redwoods. Anyone backpacking will need to obtain a permit and can follow the offshoots of the Tall Trees Loop and trek out into the creek bed where backcountry camping is allowed. Visitors must set camp at least a quarter of a mile from the grove. After completing the loop, visitors leave the old-growth forest behind and hike out the same trail, this time gaining elevation.

To access the Tall Trees Trail, all visitors must obtain a free permit from a park visitor center. Along with this permit, users will obtain a combination for the gate that bars the entrance to Tall Trees Grove Access Road

Within the Tall Trees Grove lies what was world's tallest tree before the top broke off. According to information signs, this tree was over 360 feet tall. The coast redwoods are not the only large flora within the grove. Ferns here grow up to 6 feet tall and make visitors feel as if they are within the world of Jurassic Park. 

Unfortunately the area of old-growth coast redwood forest continues to shrink. This leads to problems for species adapted to live within the tree canopy. Marbled murrelets are one such species of bird. These sea-going birds only nest in tall old-growth forests and are also under threat from other birds. Corvids, most notably the Steller's jay, will feed on marbled murrelet eggs and chicks if they are presented with the opportunity. One way to help prevent the decline of these murrelets is to not feed any birds, especially the Steller's jay. Corvids are very intelligent and can remember hundreds of locations of where they were fed by humans, thus they return often. If corvids are not fed within the old-growth forests, they will likely avoid the area and the marbled murrelet nests.