After a night in the Elk Prairie Campground and the Tall Trees Trail, I moved on further north via the Drury Scenic Parkway to Jedediah Smith State Park. This was one of my favorite experiences, parking alongside the Smith River beneath massive redwoods. I had walls of green with leaves touching the rig on all three sides. Good thing I had a rally in Oregon to go to, or the Winnie might be covered in moss by now. 😉
My second hike was the Stout Grove Loop Trail, which had come highly recommended by the park host back at Sycamore Grove in Red Bluff. She said not to miss it, as it was a little known gem that was rarely visited. However, I saw more “brown signs” for Stout Grove than any other place in the National Park. Even the campground had little printed slips with directions on how to get there. So much for “little known!”
Stout Grove was much more “park-like” in its setting, almost landscaped in nature. The trees were a bit larger here, and in better shape in that it appears some “grooming” has taken place to remove the dead wood…
But my third hike was my favorite of all….with a name that might not exactly beckon most travelers. “The Boy Scout Trail” was a 5.8 mile hike to Fern Falls, with an optional side trail to see the Boy Scout Tree. 
Adding size perspective…
This is much more of a “hike in the wild,” navigating downed branches, deep mud tracks, and even less crowds than the other two. I see only one other person along the trail, who happens to serendipitously walk up just as I am trying to wedge my camera into a nearby tree limb to take a “selfie” at the Boy Scout Tree. I love it when a solution walks up. 😉
The sign above says “Boy Scout Tree.”
Fern Falls, turnaround point for the Boy Scout Trail.
I am astounded to see the shallow root system of such massive trees. They rarely penetrate more than six feet into the ground. The bark on a redwood tree is a foot thick, making it near impervious to disease and insects. Sadly, their biggest threat is humans, as we abuse them by cutting holes through them that a car can drive through, or cutting out a chair as with the Boy Scout Tree. For this reason, the side path up to the Boy Scout Tree is unmarked, as are many of the more iconic trees in the park, such as the tallest, largest, oldest, etc. The Drury Scenic Parkway is now closed at night to try to curb poaching, as vandals cut off the burl wood in 10 foot swatches to make decorative furniture.
I enjoyed the scenic drives in the park just as much as I did the hikes. I drove both the Drury Scenic Parkway and the 10 mile scenic Howland Hill Road with the top down on the Tracker. What fun it was to drive with the roof off and the windows open, winding along tree-crowded curvy roads, admiring the rhodie blooms out the window in the shadow of the massive skyscraper redwoods overhead! I can’t think of a better way to feel so small!
Looking out the open rooftop of the Tracker on Howland Hill Road
If only the trees could talk and we could release their stored up knowledge. I’m sure the would learn a lot. Like mountains they can be very spiritual. Great shot looking up into the grove of trees..
Ah, now THAT’S a way to enjoy the Howland Hill drive! Looks like you had a magnificent time amidst the redwoods!
Now you know how ants must feel 🙂
Box Canyon Mark
Perfection! Those old redwood groves are enchanting!
Yummy! Did it feel like the groves soaked up sound? That’s how it felt to me. Anti-noise.
Oh I LOVE Jed Smith! I had friend years ago who was a park ranger there and lived in one of the (two) ranger cabins. During the winter the park was closed and he was the only one living there. When I’d visit I’d take walks at dawn on fresh snow – the only one in the park and the sound of snow crunching all I heard. Oh the beauty of it!
BTW I’ve not forgotten I promised you a list of favorite San Miguel restaurants. Will be forthcoming when I catch up to myself. : )
This is absolutely going WAY up on my list. What gorgeous pictures of what a fantastic place. I just can’t believe people would poach these ancient wonders. How selfish can we be. Anything for money is a sad statement about our society. Love that picture of you dwarfed by the giant. Nothing could make the point better.
All I can say is what a wonderful life you lead ( despite the crappy job ) and once again your photos are stunning as are your words.
Thanks!
Dave — I thought about that a lot as I was walking through those groves….what these trees had seen 2,000 years ago!
Lynne — Yes, I think that was my best “top down” experience ever!
BC Mark — It made me think of Steve Martin’s old routine, “Let’s Get Small.” 😉
Lisa — Yes, I kept using that same word, “enchanted.” I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience it before the summer crowds hit.
Roxi — I agree. I sat on the bench for a long while, contemplating the silence. No trees fell that I could hear. 😉
Barbara — That winter experience at Jed Smith sounded magical! How fortunate you were to get to experience that! I would love to see the park in the winter.
Sherry — I know, it is hard to conceive, isn’t it? It’s not like there aren’t other ways to make a living in such a heavily touristed area than carving up the attractions! Geesh!
Contessa — Gracias, and I will say again, “igualmente!” I am sure enjoying your scenes from your serene lakeside summer home!