"Coastal Redwoods" Big Basin Redwoods State Park by grandmaR

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 39 photos

My mom and kids at the Mother of the Forest

Daughter age 2.5 waiting to feed the deer

In April 1966, my parents and my children and I went from Monterey to visit San Francisco and Yosemite. On the way to San Francisco, we stopped in Big Basin to see the Coastal Redwoods. We took the Redwood Loop which is a trail of about a half a mile. Above is the Chimney Tree. The tree's heartwood was consumed by fire, leaving a hollow but healthy tree in its wake. The outer layers of sapwood and bark are slowly fusing back together. My mom and dad were going to a scientific meeting and are wearing the type of clothes they considered appropriate for that kind of traveling in 1966. My dad almost always wore a business suit and a white shirt and tie. (When we visited Yosemite, he did wear a flannel shirt and left off the tie and coat.)

Daughters and the Animal Tree

The "Animal" or "Zoo" tree has been a favorite of children and adults alike for over 100 years. The "animals" are in fact the amazing burl system. This tree is another one on the Redwood Loop Trail.

In 1966, there were deer to feed along the trail, and you could buy food in little paper bags. My daughter has one of the bags in the photo above. All these photos are slides that have been made digital.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Big, Big Tall Trees

Last visit to Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Apr 1966
Intro Updated Aug 23, 2007
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Reviews (5)

Jay on a Redwood - Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Bird Watching Things to Do (4)

We didn't go to Big Basin for the bird watching, but I did take this picture which I think is one of the ever-present... more travel advice

Deer in enclosure - Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Don't Feed the Deer Warnings and Dangers (1)

When we visited the park in the mid 60s, there were warning signs, but you could still buy paper bags with deer food to... more travel advice

Mom, dad and oldest daughter at the Chimney Tree - Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Redwood Loop Trail Things to Do (4)

The Redwood Loop Trail has the Redwood ring, the Mother of the Forest (second photo), the Father of the Forest, the... more travel advice

My dad and my daughters & the Father of the Forest - Big Basin Redwoods State Park

The Redwoods at Big Basin Things to Do (4)

These trees are not the same as the redwoods at the national parks like Yosemite or Kings Canyon sequoias. The trees are... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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ATXtraveler May 2, 2007 at 8:25 PM

I love the older pictures of the time when people dressed up to travel!
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margaretvn Jan 30, 2005 at 1:11 AM

good tips. Koos does not even wear a tie or suit to work let alone on holiday!!
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truus_s Jun 7, 2003 at 11:19 AM

Nice page!!Great photos..from your dad en mam...and childeren..lovely!