QuikTrip: Trillium Falls Trail

Our first Thursday in McKinleyville, California we headed a half hour away to hike the Trillium Falls Trail. It was the perfect choice for our first deep dive into a Redwood Forest. Not only was it extremely beautiful, it was easy to access and had plenty of parking (which is unusual).

The trail loops through a remnant strip of old-growth redwoods that are surrounded by ferns, moss and other foliage that gives it a primeval feel. There was even a beautiful little stream with a waterfall and bridge.

Fun Facts:

• The name of the trail comes from Western trillium, one of the preeminent wildflowers of the North Coast.
• Due to logging, only 5 percent of the original old-growth coast redwood forest remains.
• Coast redwoods are among the oldest living organisms in the world. They can live for more than 2,000 years.
• The tallest Redwood is named of Hyperion, and stands at 380.1 feet (taller than Statue of Liberty!). It is located near us but it is difficult to get a permit to see it.
• Mats of soil on the upper branches of the canopy support other plants and whole communities of worms, insects, salamanders, and mammals.
• Forty percent of the moisture they receive comes from fog.
• Their bark can be 12 inches thick.
• Redwoods can only be found on the Pacific Coast. They used to be in coastal Asia and Europe, but not any more.