United States travel destinations like Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument provides a unique sanctuary of pristine nature. Just 12 miles north of San Francisco, this old-growth Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest covers 240 acres (97 ha). Today, there are just 72 Redwood groves worldwide, existing only in northern California and southern Oregon. Muir Woods is the ideal day trip from San Francisco, to genuinely connect with the trees and forest-bathing. First, I will explain the ecology and importance of this delicate ecosystem for these forest giants. Then I will tell about my walk into its splendor.
The Coast Redwoods are the tallest living beings on Mother Earth. The world’s tallest tree, “Hyperion” stands at 379 feet in Redwoods National Park. Due to the coastal micro-climate, a marine fog often shrouds the forests, supporting a damp environment for prolific plant growth. Because of this, their roots are relatively shallow. A slow growing evergreen tree, they grow to great heights and age, living over 2000 years. Think about that, 2 millenniums! Their thick, tannin rich-red bark protects them from insects and forest fires.
Besides Muir Woods in California, there are the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP). This comprises Redwood National Park and California’s Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. The combined RNSP contains 139,000 acres, protecting 45% of all remaining coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) old-growth forests.