"Gateway to the Redwoods" Top 5 Page for this destination Muir Woods National Monument by goingsolo

Once upon a time, Marin County was covered by a slew of redwood trees. As San Francisco developed, wood was needed and there went most of the trees. But the area known as Muir Woods was spared, not because of any magical powers or acts of environmentalists, but because of its remote location.

Muir Woods National Monument was created by Congress to protect this area. The Muir Woods is substantially smaller than Redwood National Forest, but has a good sampling of the towering redwood trees. It is a reminder of how things used to look.

Muir Woods National Monument was created by Congress to protect this area. The Muir Woods is substantially smaller than Redwood National Forest, but has a good sampling of the towering redwood trees. It is a reminder of how things used to look.

Muir Woods National Monument was created by Congress to protect this area. The Muir Woods is substantially smaller than Redwood National Forest, but has a good sampling of the towering redwood trees. It is a reminder of how things used to look.

Muir Woods National Monument

The area is also overrun by tourists, who pop off their large passenger buses for a quick look and a photo in front of the tall trees. Sadly enough, that was my experience with the area. For those who have more time, you can experience Muir Woods in peace and serenity by hiking one of the short trails that lead away from the maddening crowd and to relatively isolated overlooks. Here you can observe the towering majesty of the redwood trees and the woods preserved to protect them.

But, even if you only manage a short visit here, there are several points of interest along the main drag. Walking through the forest of giants, even among the crowds, its easy to forget that San Francisco is only a couple of miles away. That is, until the tour operator signals that its time to get back on the bus.

• Pros:Serene areas and a preview of coastal redwoods
• Cons:Main areas overrun by tourists
• In a nutshell:Worth a visit, but provide your own transportation.