If you’re planning a trip up the Redwood Coast, chances are Trees of Mystery is already on your list, and it should be. This roadside attraction just north of Klamath has been drawing curious travelers off Highway 101 for decades, thanks to a towering Paul Bunyan statue, a gondola ride through the canopy of old-growth trees, and hiking trails that wind through ancient redwoods.
The Redwoods region stretches for miles along the Humboldt Bay coastline, giving you access to old-growth groves, dramatic river canyons, and beaches. You can spend a morning on the water with a Humboldt Bay harbor cruise, an afternoon wandering Fern Canyon, and an evening back in Old Town Eureka. The drive between attractions is breathtaking
None of that matters much if you don’t have a comfortable place to land at the end of the day, and that’s where Carter House Inns comes in. Set in a collection of restored Victorian buildings in the heart of Old Town Eureka, our hotel near the Trees of Mystery gives you a home base that’s close to downtown shopping and dining and an easy drive to the redwoods. Personal touches, like a glass of wine waiting for you in the evening, make it one of the best places to stay in Humboldt County. Book your stay today!
How Long Has Trees of Mystery Been Around?
Trees of Mystery has been welcoming visitors since 1946, making it one of the longest-running attractions along the entire Redwood Coast. That kind of staying power says something. It’s a piece of Northern California travel history that generations of families have been stopping at for road-trip photos and forest walks alike.
What Does Admission to the Trees of Mystery Include?
A single admission ticket covers everything: the SkyTrail gondola, the Redwood Canopy Trail, the walking trails, the Trail of Tall Tales, and the museum at the end. You’re not nickel-and-dimed for each attraction separately, so once you’re in, you’re free to see it all at your own pace.
What Are the Trails Like at Trees of Mystery?
This is worth knowing before you go. The trails here are dirt, uneven in places, and fairly narrow, with sections of stairs mixed in throughout. It’s not a paved, wheelchair-friendly stroll, so wear real shoes and expect some elevation changes. If walking the full loop isn’t in the cards for anyone in your group, there’s a shuttle available for guests who can’t manage the trail to the Skytrail gondola on foot, keeping the visit accessible for grandparents or anyone with mobility concerns.
Meet Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
You’ll spot them before you even park. A 49-foot-tall Paul Bunyan and his 35-foot Babe the Blue Ox stand out front waving to visitors. It’s a fun, larger-than-life welcome, and a photo with the two of them is a rite of passage for anyone driving Highway 101. When you’re ready for a bite, the Blue Ox Cafe sits right on site, so you don’t have to leave the property to grab lunch before or after your walk.
What Is the SkyTrail Gondola Ride Like?
The SkyTrail is a third of a mile long, carrying you through the redwood treetops on an 8- to 10-minute gondola ride with views that stretch all the way to the ocean on a clear day. Once you disembark at the top, you have the option to walk the wilderness trail back down through the grove.
What Is the Redwood Canopy Trail?
If you want an even more immersive view of the forest, the Redwood Canopy Trail uses a series of aerial net suspensions to put you 50 to 100 feet up in the trees themselves. The route includes 10 platforms, two of which are connected by a spiral staircase, plus eight suspension bridges strung between the canopy. One thing to plan for: there are no exits once you start, so you’re committed to finishing the full route. It’s an adventure, but it’s not for anyone who’s uneasy with heights.
The Ancient Trees You Have to See
A handful of individual trees here have earned their own names. The Cathedral Tree is actually nine trees that grew together into an interconnected semi-circle, a formation that took centuries to develop. The Candelabra Tree and the Elephant Tree each have their own distinct, almost sculptural shapes that make them easy to pick out along the trail.
The one that tends to stop people in their tracks is the Brotherhood Tree, one of the largest living redwoods anywhere. It’s about 2,000 years old, 19 feet in diameter, 60 feet around, and 297 feet tall. When this whole area was logged in the 1950s, this particular tree was spared.
The Trail of Tall Tales
The first trail visitors come across is the whimsical Trail of Tall Tales. Featuring carved wooden figures depicting the legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the easy walk follows Bunyan’s exploits through humorous storytelling.
What’s Inside the End of the Trail Museum?
At the end of your walk, you’ll find a museum housing a privately owned collection of Native American art and artifacts, one of the more extensive collections on the West Coast. It’s a thoughtful way to close out the visit and a good reminder that this stretch of California holds a lot of history beyond its trees.
Is Trees of Mystery Dog Friendly?
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout most of the property, so your pup can join you for the walking trails and the grounds around Paul Bunyan and Babe. The one exception is the Redwood Canopy Trail, where dogs aren’t permitted on the aerial suspension walkway. If you’re traveling with a dog and staying in one of our pet-friendly rooms, plan to split the day so one person can walk the canopy trail while the other keeps your dog company on solid ground.
Looking for Hotels Near the Trees of Mystery?
After exploring the Redwood Coast, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to come back to, and that’s exactly what our Hotel offers. The Victorian architecture and antique furnishings give the property a sense of history you won’t find at a standard hotel, while offering modern upscale comforts, from Jacuzzi tubs to in-room fireplaces. Another highlight of our property is our on-site casual fine dining. Restaurant 301 offers an award-winning wine list and a menu featuring seasonal, local California cuisine. Reserve your room now!