Trip Report: Muir Woods🌲🥾🌞
Experience the magic of Muir Woods and the ancient redwoods.
Hello, nature lovers, outdoor explorers, and readers,
Before we hike over to Muir Woods, who wants a free book?
Today, I’m offering early access to my first mystery-thriller Do Not Die Today, set in Joshua Tree National Park. Plus, My Journey with Bernie. Both are free for a limited time only!
Click the Do Not Die Today signup form to become an early-release eBook reader.
Click here on @Smashwords to get your free copy of My Journey with Bernie. Use the code SW100 at checkout for 100% off. Offer valid through January 1, 2025
I remember visiting Muir Woods as a ten-year-old when my family moved to California in the early seventies.
I loved running among the giant Redwoods, splashing in the creek, and listening to the sounds of birds and nature all around me. It felt like I was in another world, a magical forest just waiting to be explored. As I dashed through the trees, I imagined I was racing the Dipsea and diving headfirst into the Pacific Ocean.
Exploring Muir Woods
Over the years, I have returned to Muir Woods many times with friends and family. Last weekend, I had a chance to return for a special hike with my son.
We started our day early, with hot coffee in hand, and I made a quick stop at the park's shop near the iconic Muir Woods arch. There, I chatted with the rangers, gathered some tips, and felt ready to take on the trails.
We began our hike on the Main Trail, which starts at the entrance plaza and follows Redwood Creek. This trail is perfect for everyone, being stroller and wheelchair accessible. The 0.5-mile loop took us about half an hour, offering nice views of the old-growth redwood forest.
Wanting to escape the crowds, we veered off on the Canopy View Loop. This more challenging 3-mile trail climbs over nearly 1000 feet before descending into the deep forests of Douglas fir and redwoods and back to the main trail, completing our hike.
Our hike through Muir Woods was perfect—not quite the intense Dipsea race experience. Dipsea was first run in 1905 and is the oldest trail race in America. The 7.4-mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is known for its beauty and challenge, with steep trails and stairs that test even the fittest runners.
The Tallest Trees in the World
The redwoods are truly the stars of Muir Woods, and every time I see them, I’m in awe. These ancient giants, some soaring over 250 feet into the sky, are the tallest living things on Earth. It’s incredible to think that despite their incredible height, they have surprisingly shallow root systems, extending only 6 to 12 feet deep. Instead of digging deep, their roots spread wide, intertwining with those of neighboring trees. This creates a supportive network that helps them stand strong against fierce winds and floods. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of resilience and the interconnectedness in nature.
Muir Woods National Monument
Many of these old redwood trees were chopped down for lumber, but thankfully some of them have been preserved through conservation, including the ones at Muir Woods, many are over 600 years old.
Muir Woods became a National Monument on January 9, 1908, when President Theodore Roosevelt signed a law to protect these old-growth coast redwoods. Walking through the flat, easy trails, you'll see a variety of plants like red alders, California big-leaf maples, tanoaks, and Douglas firs. The forest floor is covered with redwood sorrel, ferns, fungi, duff, and debris. Several bridges cross Redwood Creek, which flows through the park year-round, home to wildlife like endangered coho salmon fingerlings, Pacific wrens, woodpeckers, owls, deer, chipmunks, skunks, river otters, and squirrels.
Muir Woods has also been a place for important historical events. In 1945, delegates from the United Nations held a ceremony here to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This peaceful forest was the perfect place for such a tribute, symbolizing peace and the importance of conservation.
Call to Action
Let's continue to explore and appreciate places like Muir Woods while remembering the importance of protecting these natural treasures. Support conservation initiatives, participate in local clean-up events, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure future generations can enjoy these magnificent forests. Together, we can protect and preserve the natural world that brings us inspiration.