Introduction:
What? :
I love trees
and when traveling I try to visit as many unique trees as I can.
In California I
visit the Oldest (Great Basin Bristlecone Pine), Largest (Sequoia) and Tallest
(Coastal Redwood) trees on earth but probably the most “magical” trees are the
one hidden deep in the North'n California lost coast.
The huge old redwood
trees in this grove has unique candelabra resemble shape that craft around them
magical enchanted atmosphere. Seeing the trees in close up give you the feeling
that you are inside a fantasy movie.
Additional nearby locations blogs:
- Highway 1, San Francisco to Fort Bragg – A Trip Planner
- Fort Bragg and Mendocino, CA - 3 Days Visit Planning
- Van Damme State Park
- Mendocino town and Headlands State Park
- Russian Gulch State Park
- Russian Gulch State Park – Fern Waterfall Hike
- Russian Gulch State Park – Devil’s Punchbowl Hike
- Point Cabrillo Light Station
- Fort Bragg - Pudding Creek Trestle and Beach
- Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
- MacKerricher State Park
- Inglenook Fen & 10 Miles Dune
- Usal Beach - Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, CA (4x4 drive)
Where? :
The magical
trees are located on a specific mountain slope redwood grove near Usal Beach at
north California, north of Fort Bragg.
To reach to this grove, you need to drive from Fort Bragg 28.8 miles north on highway 1.
From
highway 1 you need to take gravel forest road for 6 miles. For this road you
will need high-clearance car, four-wheel drive is recommended.
For detailed description on the drive see my Usal Beach blog.
The hiking trailhead
is located near Usal Beach campground, on the right side of the road, just
before the road is crossing the bridge over Usual Creek.
I visit here
the second time late December 2023, on a nice clear day after few rainy days.
The forest road at the mountain section was wet but except few places it was not
to muddy.
The last road section,
just before you reach the bridge crossing, is muddy with large deep puddles that
cover the road. You must have high clearance 4x4 cars to cross this section up
to the bridge.
If you prefer
not to try to cross the puddles with your car you can park it just before the
first puddles, on the large grass opening and campsite on the left side of the
road.
Trailhead - Google Map Link
When? :
The forest road
from highway 1 is open year-round but after rain it can be challenging to drive,
under heavy rain also 4x4 cars may find it challenging in some sections.
The forest road
north of Usual Creek to the direction of Shelter Cove can be close during
winter months.
Due note 1: Usal Beach is
not an OHV park. Street legal vehicles are allowed on designated and maintained
roads.
Due note 2: Although not
mandatory, four-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles are recommended. This
is not a recommended road for low clearance car.
Due note 3: When wet, the
park’s dirt roads are impassable for passenger cars, under heavy rain also 4x4
cars may find it challenging.
Due note 4: Near Usal river
opening there are primitive campgrounds in the forest.

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