Big Tree Wayside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Stand beneath a ~1,500-year-old redwood, one of Earth's tallest trees, on an easily accessible path in Prairie Creek Redwoods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serenity
Big Tree Wayside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serenity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand beneath a ~1,500-year-old redwood, one of Earth's tallest trees, on an easily accessible path in Prairie Creek Redwoods.
"To see these trees in person is absolutely breathtaking. The trails themselves are fairly easy."
Explore Beyond the Loop
Don't just stick to the main loop; venture onto other trails for more serene, less crowded redwood experiences. :hiking_boot:
Short Walk, Big Impact
The main tree is just a minute's walk, perfect for a quick, breathtaking stop. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Tree
Big Tree Wayside
Stand in awe of a ~1,500-year-old redwood, over 300 ft. tall and 68 ft. around. A truly ancient giant.
Fern-Lined Paths
Trail to Big Tree
The short walk to the Big Tree is enveloped in lush ferns, creating a magical, ancient forest atmosphere.
Serene Forest Trails
Surrounding trails (e.g., Karl Knap Trail)
Explore quieter paths for a more peaceful redwood experience, often with streams and abundant wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Access to Giants
Beyond the Big Tree
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore Beyond the Loop
Don't just stick to the main loop; venture onto other trails for more serene, less crowded redwood experiences. :hiking_boot:
Short Walk, Big Impact
The main tree is just a minute's walk, perfect for a quick, breathtaking stop. :camerawithflash:
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for birds and squirrels; some visitors even spot elk in nearby meadows. :deer:
Accessible Path
The main trail is paved and easy to navigate, even with mobility scooters. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore Beyond the Loop
Don't just stick to the main loop; venture onto other trails for more serene, less crowded redwood experiences. :hiking_boot:
Short Walk, Big Impact
The main tree is just a minute's walk, perfect for a quick, breathtaking stop. :camerawithflash:
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for birds and squirrels; some visitors even spot elk in nearby meadows. :deer:
Accessible Path
The main trail is paved and easy to navigate, even with mobility scooters. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer size and age of the Big Tree, calling it a 'breathtaking' bucket-list experience. Many appreciate the easy accessibility and the serene beauty of the surrounding fern-lined paths. While the main attraction is impressive, some suggest exploring the less crowded, longer trails for a more immersive and peaceful encounter with the ancient redwood forest.
"The tree takes 1-2 minutes to walk to but there is a small loop .03 mile that you can do by the tree and it was the best part. It was a leisurely walk that took 10 minutes and although the big tree is cool there were much prettier trees without a bunch of people around. Just drove by decided to stop and I wish I had more time to do the longer trails it was so pretty."
Megan Ulch
"I had an incredible experience here. To see these trees in person is absolutely breathtaking. The trails themselves are fairly easy with little in terms of elevation changes. I'm proud to have checked this area off my bucket list. I hope to visit again someday."
Alex Mendoza
"I CAME ALL THE WAY FROM FLORIDA FOR THESE GARGANTUANS!!
And let me tell ya....they didn't disappoint Jack(or Jill[or Jack/Jill]).
The good thing about this stop is you get a few different trails and they aren't too long and straight to the point. AND within a few hundred feet you dint hear cars and can even find some streams. So much serenity everywhere.
Make sure you walk all the trails and not just the loops.
The thing that kept getting me was wondering what was around the corner.
And guess what??
Yep. ...There's always more of God's beautiful canvas to see. Have fun and let me know if my review helped you on your travels 😊"
Michael Sheppard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Tree Wayside is conveniently located right off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It's a short, easy walk from the parking area. Many visitors find it a perfect stop while driving the scenic route.
Yes, there is a parking area directly accessible from Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It can get busy, especially on weekends, but it's designed for easy access to the main attraction.
Yes, you can take trails like the Karl Knap Trail from the visitor center area to reach Big Tree Wayside. This offers a longer, more immersive forest walk compared to the direct path from the parking lot.
The Newton B. Drury Parkway is a stunning 10-mile scenic drive through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, offering access to many trailheads and viewpoints, including Big Tree Wayside. It's a must-drive for experiencing the redwoods.
The parking area is generally accessible for most vehicles, including RVs, as it's a roadside stop. However, always be mindful of other visitors and park regulations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Big Tree Wayside is located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, which is part of the larger Redwood National and State Parks system. While there isn't a specific entrance fee for Big Tree Wayside itself, there may be day-use fees for parking or for the state park system, depending on the entrance you use. Check the official Redwood National and State Parks website for current fee information.
Big Tree Wayside is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours for the trail itself.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, like other units of Redwood National and State Parks, may have day-use fees. These fees often cover parking and access to various facilities and trailheads within the park. It's best to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
Since Big Tree Wayside is a natural attraction with open access, there's no need to book tickets in advance. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Yes, various passes like the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass may cover entrance fees for the National and State Parks in the Redwood region. Check the pass details to confirm coverage for Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The walk to the Big Tree itself is very short, often just 1-2 minutes from the parking area. However, many visitors enjoy the small loop trail around the tree and exploring nearby paths, which can take about 10-15 minutes or longer.
The main trail to the Big Tree is paved and very easy, making it accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility scooters. Surrounding trails can be natural forest paths.
Absolutely! Visitors highly recommend exploring trails like the Karl Knap Trail or venturing further into the park for a more immersive redwood experience. These trails offer more serenity and beautiful scenery. +1
Big Tree Wayside can be popular and get crowded, especially during peak season and on weekends. Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can offer a more peaceful experience.
The main attraction is a massive Coast Redwood, estimated to be around 1,500 years old. The surrounding forest also features other impressive old-growth redwoods and lush undergrowth like ferns.
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the Big Tree offers a dramatic perspective, but try framing shots from different angles to capture its immense scale. The fern-lined paths also make for beautiful, atmospheric photos.
Yes, the paved path and viewing platform make it easy to get close and capture the tree. However, due to crowds, you might need to be patient for a clear shot.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden light filtering through the redwood canopy, creating a magical atmosphere for photography. Early mornings can also be less crowded and offer soft light.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National and State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific park regulations before flying a drone.
For redwoods, consider a wider aperture to capture the scale, and be mindful of the dynamic range between the bright canopy and darker forest floor. A polarizing filter can help manage light and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main tree, encourage kids to explore the immediate loop and look for small creatures like squirrels or birds. If your family enjoys a bit more walking, consider the Karl Knap Trail for a gentle, shaded path through the redwoods that feels like an adventure without being too strenuous. Pack snacks and water, and let them marvel at the sheer size of these ancient trees!
🚶♀️ Mobility-Impaired Visitors
While the immediate area around the Big Tree is well-maintained, be aware that some of the more extensive trails in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park may have natural surfaces and varying terrain. However, Big Tree Wayside itself provides an excellent opportunity for an inclusive and breathtaking encounter with the redwoods.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the golden hour – late afternoon – when sunlight filters through the canopy, creating ethereal light beams. The lush fern undergrowth also provides excellent foreground interest. While the main tree can attract crowds, venturing onto nearby trails can offer more secluded shots with the same majestic redwood backdrop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Coast Redwoods
These trees thrive in the foggy coastal environment of Northern California, benefiting from the moisture and mild temperatures. The understory is often lush with ferns, mosses, and other shade-loving plants, creating a vibrant, green ecosystem. The air is typically cool and damp, carrying the distinct scent of redwood and damp earth, contributing to the immersive forest experience.
Visitors often describe the feeling of being in the presence of these ancient trees as profound and awe-inspiring. It's a reminder of nature's resilience and grandeur. Many travelers, like those from Florida, have made long journeys specifically to witness these 'gargantuans,' finding the experience well worth the trip.
Exploring Beyond the Main Attraction
These secondary trails often lead to hidden streams, more diverse flora, and a deeper sense of quiet contemplation. The feeling of discovery, wondering what beauty lies around the next bend, is a common sentiment among those who venture off the beaten path. It's in these quieter moments that the true magic of the redwood forest can be fully appreciated.
For those with more time, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers numerous longer hikes that delve deeper into old-growth forests, meadows frequented by elk, and even the famous Fern Canyon. Big Tree Wayside serves as an excellent introduction, but the park's true treasures often lie in its less-trafficked areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit