The redwood tree is probably Northern California’s most iconic image. Our region is full of these towering trees, some of which are so huge you can drive a car through them. Every Northern Californian has made a special trip to see these magnificent trees in person. However, there’s a redwood forest in Sonoma County that may surprise you when you see it. Here, redwood trees are fully mature…but they stand just a few feet tall. If you decide to visit this pygmy forest, you’ll probably find yourself standing taller than a redwood! Find out why these redwoods are so small below.
Salt Point State Park on the Sonoma Coast is most well-known for its bizarre coastal formations and jaw dropping views of the ocean. Looking like something straight off of a postcard, the setting is absolutely magical. However, the lesser known portion of the park is the Pygmy Forest.
The Pygmy Forest is a grove of fully mature redwood trees. However, they definitely aren't the kinds of redwood trees that you're used to. To see them, you'll embark on the Pygmy Forest Trail which is an approximately four and a half mile loop trail.
You can expect an uphill grade as you trek towards the Pygmy Forest. However, the trail is very well-maintained making it suitable for hikers of most skill levels. The bizarre forest is definitely worth the moderate hike.
As you continue down the trail, you'll come across a fork. To find the Pygmy Forest, you'll want to stick to the left portion of the trail. In no time, you'll find yourself in the middle of one of the strangest forests you've seen.
The sight of the fully grown redwoods is baffling, considering we're used to them being huge and looming in stature. Some of these trees are over a century old, even. Yet they only stand a few feet tall. It certainly makes you feel like a giant in comparison.
The redwood's stunted growth is the result of highly acidic soil which lacks the proper nutrients to let the redwoods grow to their full size. The soil also prevents the trees from setting full roots. Therefore, the redwoods are forced to sit in a frozen state of pre-maturity.
This spot is also a well-known mushroom picking spot, since it's one of the few places that allows people to pick mushrooms without paying a fee. The forest is home to many varieties of mushrooms. Be sure to keep an eye out!
There's something incredibly enchanting about this place. The area is bursting with different types of wildflowers and trees. The Pygmy Forest is truly like something out of a storybook.
Wind down on the beach at Salt Point State Park after you're done exploring the forest. It's places like this that remind us we live in one of the most gorgeous places in the world.
