Trees of Mystery Celebrates Over 75 Enchanting Years & New Attractions in Del Norte County, California

Updated December 2022

2021 marked the 75th anniversary of the Trees of Mystery, California’s original redwood forest attraction. Though this 120-acre slice of giant fun has been welcoming visitors since 1946, the stars of the show are thousands of years old.

Wander under ancient history, gab with the famous Paul Bunyan or soar through a lush redwood tree canopy for breathtaking vistas. The Trees of Mystery is a destination for kiddos, doggos, brides and grooms, the curious and daredevils.

STROLL THE SKY (UP TO 100 FEET! )ALONG THE REDWOOD CANOPY TRAIL

Trees of Mystery’s Redwood Canopy Trail first ascended in the summer of 2020. Meander mid-canopy on aerial suspension bridges. Sturdy platforms along the way allow you to savor the old-growth redwood landscape. Staircases spiral 50 to 100 feet above the forest floor. This safe yet exhilarating adventure is suitable for most of the family as long as they can stroll on their own two feet and are at least 36 inches tall. For those with four-legged family members, someone will happily watch your pup while you enjoy the trail. (Dogs are permitted in all other areas at Trees of Mystery, so read on for more fun with Fido!)

The Redwood Canopy Trail is one of only two redwood forest canopy walks in the U.S. and both are located in Northern California along the North Coast. The Redwood Sky Walk at the Sequoia Park Zoo is nearby (only 69 miles away!) so plan to visit both of these amazing wonders. 

HIKING THROUGH THE REDWOODS

If you prefer solid ground, Trees of Mystery has you covered. There are several miles of accessible trails ranging from a ½ mile to one mile that wind around interpretive signs and spectacular tree formations. Dogs are welcome on all trails. For a challenge, tackle the trail-less-traveled: the Wilderness Trail is fit for those who may want a more adventurous way down from Ted’s Ridge, located at the top of the SkyTrail ride. The hiking terrain is steep and slippery in areas and can be difficult. There are ropes to hang onto if needed. 

INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Dig a little deeper into the rich landscape of the redwoods at the Trees of Mystery Interpretive Center. In honor of the 75th anniversary, owner Debbie Thompson dedicated years to documenting all the flora and fauna over the park’s 120 acres. From tiny frogs to towering trees, you’ll encounter an array of life through Debbie’s meticulous work. You can also watch the video at the Interpretive Center, which documents the measuring of the 297-foot tall Brotherhood Tree.

MORE REDWOOD TREES, PLEASE

Many of the redwood trees in the park are more than 2,000 years old. Their ancestors could be found all over the world, but these souring sequoias are now kept to the foggy Northern California coast. This species will actually grow in many climates, but it’s the fog that makes them reach towering heights by feeding their top needles extra moisture. The coastal climate also keeps the redwoods’ rivals at bay, stunting trees like the pine.

One particular ancient arbor is the Brotherhood Tree; with a diameter of 19 feet and soaring to almost 300 feet, it’s one of the largest living things on Earth. The Candelabra Tree has smaller redwoods sprouting from a fallen trunk forming curious candlesticks. Nine beautiful trees entwine with each other to create an alluring wonder known as the Cathedral Tree. 

Trees of Mystery is also a unique wedding and elopement destination. The lush grounds and entangled burls provide a fairytale backdrop while keeping plans simple and the vibe relaxed. Intimate outdoor elopements are a major trend right now, and Del Norte County has lots of wow wedding options.

GLIDE IN A GONDOLA: THE SKYTRAIL TAKES YOU 1,500 FEET UP IN THE AIR

Take a ten-minute blissful journey up and then down a redwood tree-covered mountain on the Trees of Mystery’s SkyTrail ride. The observation deck at the top reveals ocean vista and sprawling wilderness. And don’t forget to bring the pup. This is your chance to glide 1,500 feet up with your fur friend in tow! Explorers can also take the one-mile Wilderness Trail down to admire foliage up close.

SLEEP, EAT & MEET (PAUL BUNYAN)

The Trees of Mystery has been a family destination over the last 75 years. The owners also run the Motel Trees and the Forest Café just across the way. Curl up with your pup at the Motel Trees for a cozy “roadside lodge” experience. After you sleep like a log, eat like a lumberjack at the Forest Café. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox would be proud – and may tell you themselves. The fabled lumberjack towers almost 50 feet high and always has something fun to say. Paul’s trusty ox Blue stands by his side, weighing in at a lean 30,000 lbs. The pair adds a quirky nostalgia that leaves a lasting memory of your visit.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Del Norte County (@visitdelnortecounty)

END OF TRAIL COLLECTION – ONE OF THE LARGEST PRIVATE COLLECTIONS OF NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS

After the trails and bridges and gondola ride, take a break to walk through history. The End of Trail Collection is a free collection of artifacts and photographs that tell stories of the first Americans. In operation since 1968, the museum showcases a mixture of tribes. Wander through geographic areas beyond California including the Southwest, Northwest, the Plains, and the Great Basin. Soak up the tribal culture and learn more about their tools, clothing and shelter.

The collection of Edward Sheriff Curtis “Gold Tone” photographs are a unique piece of history themselves. Curtis was wildly committed to detailing the first Americans before white expansion and government regulations dismantled their ways of life. His volumes of photographs and documents remain a tribute to the lives and culture of native people.

Stop by the Trees of Mystery gift shop for a souvenir of your adventure or a snack. Snack on homemade fudge or ice cream cones and then shop! Collect a few postcards and take home a redwood seedling to plant. And someone in your life probably needs Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox cross stitch kit or a super-sized coffee mug fit for Bunyan himself. You can even bring your pooch in the gift shop as you browse.

Wander with Us to Earn Your Patch

Share your photo with us to earn your Del Norte County Patch (it’s a sticker, too!) #VisitDelNorte @VisitDelNorteCounty. Learn more here.