NEWS
Driving Through California's Famous Tour-Thru Tree
Northern California's Redwood Coast is home to some of the most remarkable trees on Earth. Towering coast redwoods, many hundreds of years old and reaching heights well over 300 feet, create a landscape unlike anywhere else in North America. Among the region's most memorable attractions is the famous Tour-Thru Tree in Klamath, California, where visitors can experience the rare opportunity to drive through a living redwood.
Located along scenic U.S. Highway 101, the Tour-Thru Tree has become a popular stop for travelers exploring California's Redwood Coast and nearby national and state parks.
A Redwood That Continues to Grow
The Tour-Thru Tree is estimated to be more than 700 years old and remains alive today. A carefully carved tunnel through its base allows visitors to drive smaller vehicles through the tree while preserving the living giant itself.
For many travelers, passing beneath the massive trunk provides a unique perspective on the scale and longevity of California's coast redwoods. Standing beside the tree is often just as impressive as driving through it, as visitors gain a greater appreciation for the size of these ancient forests.
The Redwood Coast Experience
The Tour-Thru Tree is only one stop along one of America's most scenic driving routes. The Redwood Coast stretches through a region known for old-growth forests, rugged Pacific coastline, wildlife viewing opportunities, and quiet coastal communities.
Many travelers combine a visit to the Tour-Thru Tree with nearby attractions such as Redwood National and State Parks, the Klamath River, and scenic coastal overlooks that provide spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The area offers an experience that combines natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a sense of scale that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
The Klamath area provides easy access to several of Northern California's most popular destinations. Trees of Mystery offers forest trails and educational exhibits focused on the region's redwoods. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park protects miles of forest and coastline, while Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is known for its old-growth groves, Roosevelt elk, and scenic hiking trails.
The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is another highlight. Often considered one of the most beautiful drives in the redwood region, the route winds through towering forests that create a truly unforgettable driving experience.
Camping Among the Redwoods
Camping is one of the best ways to experience California's Redwood Coast. Nearby campgrounds such as Elk Prairie Campground within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park allow visitors to spend the night beneath some of the tallest trees in the world.
The sounds of the forest, cool coastal air, and easy access to trails make this region especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Reservations are often recommended during peak travel seasons, particularly during summer months when visitation is highest.
Why the Redwood Coast Works Well for Campervan Travel
The Redwood Coast is particularly well suited for campervan travel. Scenic roads, smaller campgrounds, coastal viewpoints, and numerous day-trip destinations make it easy to explore the region at a relaxed pace.
A compact campervan allows travelers to move comfortably between forests, beaches, small towns, and campgrounds without the challenges often associated with larger RVs. This flexibility makes spontaneous stops at scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and roadside attractions like the Tour-Thru Tree especially enjoyable.
One of California's Most Memorable Road Trips
Driving through the Tour-Thru Tree is a fun and memorable experience, but it represents only a small part of what makes the Redwood Coast so special. Ancient forests, scenic drives, coastal vistas, wildlife, and world-class camping opportunities combine to create one of the most rewarding road trip destinations in the United States.
Whether you're traveling the entire Redwood Highway or simply making a stop along the way, the Tour-Thru Tree offers a unique reminder of the natural wonders that continue to make Northern California a favorite destination for travelers from around the world.
Happy Camping!
A Mini-T Campervan exploring the scenic roads of the American West, where unforgettable destinations often begin with the journey itself.
DLM-Distribution / Campervans is a licensed manufacturer and dealer located in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, serving clients around the country.
Contact Dave: 651-285-7089 or Candy: 507-382-9446 today!