Ancient trees that have survived for over two millennia don’t usually come with a gondola ride — but that’s exactly what makes this Northern California gem unlike anything else on the Pacific Coast Highway. Trees of Mystery has been a family-owned and operated business since 1946, and in the decades since, it has grown into one of the most distinctive roadside attractions on the West Coast. Sitting right along iconic U.S. Route 101 near the coastal town of Klamath, it’s a frequent and enthusiastic stop for road-trippers making their way between California and Oregon.
Trees of Mystery provides a memorable and engaging experience, balancing natural redwood scenery with enjoyable attractions and amenities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a folklore fan, or just someone who appreciates genuinely one-of-a-kind places, this attraction delivers something you won’t easily forget.
What to See & Do
The park is best known for its 49-foot statue of Paul Bunyan and 35-foot statue of his companion Babe the Blue Ox, visible from US 101. These towering icons have greeted visitors for generations — constructed largely of wooden beams, chicken wire, and stucco, the current Babe was built in 1950 and the current Bunyan in 1961, with the original Bunyan having been built in 1946 but destroyed by rain that winter. They’re the perfect photo op before you even set foot inside.
The park features interpretive trails through Giant Redwoods and a number of unusual tree formations, many of which can be seen from its Trail of Mysterious Trees. Among the most remarkable is the Brotherhood Tree, with a diameter of 19 feet and soaring to almost 300 feet, making it one of the largest living things on Earth. Other jaw-dropping formations include the Cathedral Tree, consisting of nine trees growing in a semicircle out of one root structure — often used as a site for weddings — as well as the Candelabra Tree, which has smaller redwoods sprouting from a fallen trunk forming curious candlesticks, and the Cathedral Tree, where nine beautiful trees entwine to create an alluring natural wonder.
One of the highlights is the Trail of Tall Tales, which features around 50 chainsaw sculptures and carvings illustrating the stories of the legendary logger Paul Bunyan and his crew, providing a unique and engaging way to learn about local folklore and history. The craftsmanship put into these carvings is genuinely impressive — the carved artwork in redwood is painstakingly rendered with affection.
In 2001, Trees of Mystery added the Skytrail, an aerial tramway that takes guests on a roughly one-third-mile ride through the forest, offering a unique perspective of the park — and from it, visitors can see parts of the attraction that may not be visible from the ground. The views from the observation deck are stunning — on one side you see trees and the coast, and on the other side just miles and miles of trees. For the especially adventurous, Trees of Mystery’s Redwood Canopy Trail first ascended in the summer of 2020. The Redwood Canopy Trail is one of only two redwood forest canopy walks in the U.S., and both are located in Northern California along the North Coast.
Inside, there’s an interesting and informative Native American museum featuring artifacts of various cultures native to the Northwest U.S. The collection spans geographic areas beyond California, including the Southwest, Northwest, the Plains, and the Great Basin, where you can soak up tribal culture and learn more about tools, clothing, and shelter — including the collection of Edward Sheriff Curtis “Gold Tone” photographs, which are a unique piece of history in their own right. This museum is frequently cited as an unexpected highlight that adds real depth to the visit.
Atmosphere & Setting
Many of the redwood trees in the park are more than 2,000 years old, and their ancestors could be found all over the world — but these soaring sequoias thrive along the foggy Northern California coast, where the moisture feeds their top needles and allows them to reach towering heights. Walking among them carries an almost otherworldly feeling. It is almost a spiritual feeling being among these magnificent trees, and the information boards help with understanding and appreciation.
The combination of natural beauty, historical information, and whimsical elements like the Paul Bunyan and Babe statues contributes to the park’s charm and makes for fun photo opportunities. The trails themselves are well-shaded and immersive, lined with massive ancient trees and punctuated by the surprising chainsaw art displays. Visitors generally find Trees of Mystery to be a fun and well-maintained attraction, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and quirky roadside Americana.
Other Considerations
How much does it cost to get in? As of 2024, adults are $30 and kids ages 3–12 are $15, with children 3 and under admitted free. Admission is all-inclusive — you pay one entrance fee and have access to all the trails, the sky canopy, and the gondola for as long as you like. While some visitors find the admission price a bit high, most agree that the unique perspective on the redwoods and the well-maintained trails make it worthwhile.
Is parking easy? Parking at Trees of Mystery is free, with a large lot adjacent to the Forest Cafe, gift shop, museum, and ticket counter. There is also free RV parking across the street next to the Forest Cafe.
Can I bring my kids? Absolutely. Kids have the time of their life here — climbing, hiking, the gondola, and the sky walk make it a paradise for children and parents alike. Children age 5 and under have free admission. Just keep in mind that the Redwood Canopy Trail has a minimum height requirement of 36 inches and the platforms and bridges are 50–100 feet in the air, so if heights are an issue, it’s best to skip the canopy trail.
Can I bring my dog? Yes — dogs are allowed even on the sky lift. For those with four-legged family members, someone will happily watch your pup while you enjoy the Redwood Canopy Trail, which is the one area where dogs are not permitted.
When is the best time to visit? Visiting early on a weekday is the best way to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the towering redwoods, as weekends and peak season can mean longer waits for the Sky Trail gondola. The official website recommends planning to spend at least half a day.
Is there food on-site? There are picnic tables near the bathrooms at Trees of Mystery if you want to bring your own food, or you can try the on-site Forest Cafe. You can also snack on homemade fudge or ice cream cones in the gift shop, and even take home a redwood seedling to plant. The gift shop and on-site restaurant receive mixed reviews, with some finding them a bit pricey — so packing your own snacks is a smart move.
Trees of Mystery
📍 15500 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548
Website: https://treesofmystery.net
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