I decided to check off “Trees of Mystery” from my list of places I wanted to see before I left Oregon. I’ve passed this place multiple times back in 2013 when I stayed in Brookings, Oregon and always thought it looked too much like a tourist trap to bother with.
Well, it turns out that it IS a tourist trap… but it was also kind of cool.
The Trees of Mystery is located in the heart of the Redwood National and State Parks. They have a groomed interpretive trail that winds around some pretty impressively sized trees. There’s also the Sky Trail gondola ride which travels about 1/3 of a mile over the tree tops to an observation deck.
I’d have to say that one of the best parts was that Teddy was allowed everywhere including the gondola ride! That’s not to say he was overly happy to travel in the gondola. As a matter of fact, I walked down the 1 mile long Wilderness Trail rather than put him through the ride down. lol
Their website states: “The Wilderness Trail is an optional way down the mountain for experienced hikers with proper footwear.” It was pretty steep and slippery for the first 1/2 mile but they have a rope you can grab on to so you don’t slip.
On the “Trails of Tall Tales” they have various wood carvings depicting the lore surrounding Paul Bunyan… and it may be my imagination but I think “Paul’s Girlfriend” looks exactly like Willem Defoe.
I’m also including some photos of the surrounding beaches and Teddy’s first encounter with a porcupine! He saw it in the middle of the trail before I did and just barked at it. Luckily he listens really well and didn’t venture too close.
