Visit the Redwood National Park System

CJMathis, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 18, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

How about a trip through some of the largest and oldest trees in the world today the Oregon traveler doesn't have to go far to walk among these giants a short distance from Cave Junction Oregon is the beginning of the Redwood National Forest. If you follow hwy 199 south across the California/Oregon boarder it is just a jump into the world of these ancient trees. You will not have to follow 199 too far into California just a few miles and it will connect with Hwy 101 and the Oregon Resident or Traveler can head north again along the Oregon coast. Our visit to this beautiful sight made us feel closer to the heavens.

However while raveling through this magnificent forest from thousands of years past stop along the side of the highway to take a walk along the Simpson-Red Grove Trail. These towering giants provide a canopy over a mixture of hardwood trees, ferns, shrubs and a small but lush soft flowing stream. The steam is home for fish and insects in the forest.

View the fallen giants in their last day on earth as they begin the cycle of life by supporting the re-growth of new trees, ferns and trees. See the hemlocks and huckleberries that are finding new life among these dead and dying giants.

Wildlife abounds here in this home of the ancients; if you walk softly you may just spy a newt along the waters edge or a red-legged frog. Along the Simpson-Reed Trail you can take a side trip along the Peterson memorial Trail. Cross man made bridges and view first hand how if a forest fire starts in the Redwood forest the trees will not burn easily because their bark is so thick.

Take a side trip to Arch Rock Viewpoint for another view of this gift from Mother Nature. The trails are rough in this area of the Redwood National Forest but those with disabilities easily travel many areas along the route or even hikers and bicyclists have trails to meet their desires.

The Redwood National Forest was first home to the American Indians and evidence of this can be found along the route in the numerous reservations. In the 1800 Gold was found in the Redwood Forest and outsiders moved in to take their part of the riches. In 1910 the Save-the-Redwoods League was born and succeeded in establishing the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. In the 1950's since logging continued till then almost 90% of the original Gentle Giants had been logged away. In 1968 the Redwood National Park was established and this secured the remaining giant Redwoods to a protected life that we now enjoy.

Published by CJMathis

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