Along the Avenue of the Giants off Hwy 101 stands one of the most durable trees in history. Called the Immortal Tree, it is over 950 years old and has experienced more trials and tribulations than any single tree should ever have to. It has been a victim of lightning strikes, fires, floods and the logger's ax, yet it still stands and continues to grow heartily. Look up and you'll see a wooden fish attached to the trunk where the color of the bark changes. This indicates the high water mark when the area flooded in 1964. There's also part of an ax left stuck in the tree where loggers tried to cut it down, but eventually gave up when the tree would not give way. Several times the Immortal Tree has been hit by lightning. The evidence of these strikes is on its scarred trunk. During its lifetime, through many forest fires, somehow this magical tree never burned down. This landmark makes for a wonderful photo opportunity and is a perfect spot for a picnic.
Ample parking is available by the spacious Burl n' Drift Redwood Souvenir gift shop. Family owned and operated since 1967, it offers high quality, locally produced redwood items. They also feature a 49-space, state-of-the-art RV Park.
WHERE: 1 mile north of Redcrest on the Avenue of the Giants.
MORE INFO: 707-722-4396, AncientRedwoods.net
