The Redwoods of Humboldt County are a sight to behold: majestic, beautiful, rock-solid, and most importantly, massive. These trees live up to their reputation and certainly don't mess around when it comes to size.
You could fit just about anything in the ginormousness of one of these trees, which got one genius thinking: "Hmm, what about a car?" That's exactly what happened here, giving rise to the very popular roadside attraction known as the World Famous Chandelier Tree.
Now one of the most recognizable landmarks in California, the Chandelier Tree isn't actually adorned with chandeliers hanging above (it earned its name due to the shape of its branches). Instead, it serves as a fun tunnel where you can fulfill that childhood dream you've had since you were 10 years old: driving your car through the base of a Redwood.
That's right, folks. If you've ever wanted to drive your car straight through a tree—albeit with far less damage than hitting a regular tree—this is the place you've been clamoring to visit.
The journey to the famed tree is an adventure in itself. Picture a winding, off-the-beaten-path road that takes you through a twisted wonderland of shady redwoods—a drive almost as thrilling as the destination. Just when you think you're lost in a forest straight out of a fairy tale, you stumble upon a nice fellow collecting $10 per car. It's a shrewd business move, but hey, they've earned my money fair and square for this experience.
And there it is, emerging in the distance like a beacon of quirky roadside greatness: the Tree! Glorious! It stands proudly, its massive trunk beckoning like the entrance to a secret world where cars casually cruise through trees.
As you slowly creep your way toward it, your heart begins to pound and the adrenaline starts to flow. Panic sets in and that feeling of "What if I crash into the tree?" or "Can my car fit?" or "Why am I doing this?" kicks in. However, just stay focused, keep your cool, and ride on into the sunset.
Once it's your turn to conquer the tree, flip those mirrors to the side and let the good times roll. Creep through slowly—it's actually a bit nerve-wracking to see how close you are to the walls—and enjoy the bark buffet displayed right in front of your eyes. It's like a close encounter with nature's car wash, except instead of brushes, you've got towering redwood walls giving your vehicle a gentle scrub.
That's some good looking tree guts!
The whole experience shouldn't take more than 5 seconds, but damn it feels good when you see that light again. You've officially survived Humboldt County's most harrowing Redwood experience!
Now reward yourself with a trip to the gift shop, where chandelier tree key chains, T-shirts, postcards and mugs await your purchase.
