You know how I’m always hunting for those super tall tree spots? Well last month I heard rumors about some absolute giants deep in the Humboldt forests up north. Figured it was time to pack the gear – the serious measuring stuff, not just a phone app – and see for myself if they were anywhere near the tallest folks claim.
The Ridiculously Long Drive
Man, that drive up to Humboldt Redwoods State Park felt like forever. Woke up way before dawn, tossed my gear in the truck:
- That heavy laser rangefinder
- The super bendy measuring poles
- Enough batteries to power a small town
- Plus way too many protein bars
Hitting the road solo, coffee in hand. Hours later, surrounded by trees so tall they blocked the sun? Pure magic just driving through Avenue of the Giants. You feel tiny.
Getting Lost (Obviously)
First rule of big tree hunting: expect to get turned around. Maps only get you so close. Parked near Founders Grove, lugged the gear uphill, hit countless dead ends. Saw some big redwoods – really big – but nothing that screamed “record breaker.” Got that sinking feeling I’d wasted the trip until this park ranger named Brenda saw my gear and raised an eyebrow. “Looking for Hyperion’s cousins? You’re in the wrong spot, pal.”
The “Holy Moly” Moment
Brenda sketched crude directions to this unmarked trail near Redwood Creek. Swore me to secrecy (seriously, those trees get stressed by crowds). Hike involved scrambling over muddy slopes and dodging giant ferns. Then, out of nowhere, I turn a corner. My neck literally hurt looking up. These things made the Founders Grove trees look like teenagers. Hyperion? Forget about it. The sheer scale is nuts. I wasn’t even sure my laser could reach the top branches from that close.
Measuring Monster Trees
Okay, reality check. Measuring these beasts isn’t easy. Found a semi-flat spot near Helios (one of the monsters) and set up the gear. Used the pole to mark exact spots on the ground, fiddled with the rangefinder’s tilt settings for what felt like hours. Distance, angles, more angles… my notebook filled up fast. Did the math right there, twice to be sure. Helios clocked in way over 370 feet. Yeah, taller than anything officially listed anywhere else easily. Felt unreal seeing those numbers on my pad.
The real kicker? You could feel the age. These weren’t just tall; they were ancient sentinels. Touching the bark felt like touching deep time. Packed out extra carefully, even my footprints felt too loud. Places like that? You gotta leave them wild. Best trip ever, even with the mud and sketchy directions. Proof the biggest giants are still out there hiding.
