Tall Trees Walking Tour Stop 9

Looking up into the kaleidoscopic canopies of bay trees and maples can be dizzying.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

41.20971573990, -124.01363450900

A Canopy Through Time

You are now entering the kaleidoscopic canopy realm of the large-leaf maple! California bay laurels, tanoaks and red alders complement these moss-covered sculptures, adding texture and color to the canvas of this grove. Stop for a moment. Close your eyes and smell the air. Can you smell the bay leaves?  Imagine fish slowly being smoked over a small fire.

Less than 150 years ago this area was inhabited by the Chilula people, a highly developed culture which lived sustainably using the resources provided by this habitat. Acorns were leached of their tannins and ground into flour for bread. Bay nuts were roasted on the fire. There were plenty of salmon and trout to smoke. There was abundance.

While the richness of this habitat remains, the abundance of some of its residents has declined. The Chilula no longer live here, although this area remains sacred to many of their descendants. Most of the fish in this creek are threatened or endangered. Invasive pathogens imperil our native oak trees and amphibians. Park resource managers intervene where possible, but sometimes only nature and the wheels of time can tell how things will unfold.