About
Standing in the shadow of something that’s been around for over 1,500 years is a very humbling, very memorable experience. That’s precisely what you get at Big Tree Wayside, where one of the most famous coast redwoods in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park stands over 300 feet above the forest floor.
Big Tree is a long-lived specimen with a trunk over 68 feet in circumference. It's been a feature of the park since the beginning and remains one of its most popular trees for hikers, photographers, and families. It's so well known that it has its own parking area and accessible trail!
Most Interpretive programs and guided walks typically start here. Learning interesting facts about the redwoods and their place in the ecosystem is the best start to any hike!
Big Tree Wayside: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Big Tree is thought to be about 1,500 years old, so it was well on the way to becoming a giant long before Europeans even arrived in North America. It's massive, with over 23 feet in diameter at the base. A wooden viewing platform encircles the tree, letting you get close while also protecting the roots.
Big Tree Wayside is the entry point to a network of old-growth trails running through the redwoods and ferns. The light can be quite good at times, with sunbeams filtering right through the canopy.
There are interpretive signs along the trail which tell you all about the ecology of the area and the redwoods themselves. Roosevelt elk will be out grazing at times, and the birdsong is very much a feature.
The paved, level path at Big Tree Wayside makes it very easy for families and all sorts of visitors to get right up close to the redwoods. The sheer size and longevity of the trees is a very calming experience and makes it one of the highlights of any Redwood Coast trip.
Big Tree has survived some pretty nasty coastal storms over the years and has also withstood a fair bit of human interest and curiosity, and it’s still in good health and in strong shape. It has a massive canopy that creates a distinct microclimate, cool and misty conditions the redwoods are perfectly adapted to.
The area is famous for the 'cathedral' effect where the light goes through the trees in those incredible shafts of light, ideal for photography or just sitting back and having a quiet moment. Experience this phenomenon on the Cathedral Trees Trail and the Prairie Creek Trail, which take you farther into the redwood forest.
A stop at Big Tree Wayside is an easy, rewarding way to connect with the Redwood Coast. You’ll leave feeling awed and with a camera full of memories.
Local Tips
- Arrive in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer people.
- Wear layers as it can be quite cool and damp even on a sunny day.
- Take a stroll on the Cathedral Trees Trail for some more beautiful scenery.
- The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, making it easy to get out and about.
