With gas prices in flux and air travel a headache of delays and layovers, more Southern Oregon residents are choosing to vacation closer to home. For those in Grants Pass, one of the most rewarding—and underrated—summer getaways lies just two hours away down Highway 199: the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, California.
Tucked into the towering embrace of the Northern California redwoods, the Trees of Mystery is a destination that has captivated generations of visitors with its blend of folklore, towering natural wonders, and outdoor adventure. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip. Winding through lush river valleys, rugged canyons, and forested hills, the route to Klamath offers a peaceful prelude to the magic waiting at the destination.
The first thing visitors see as they approach the Trees of Mystery is hard to miss: a 49-foot statue of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan waving cheerfully beside his equally massive blue ox, Babe. These statues, standing as roadside sentinels since the mid-20th century, mark the entrance to a forest filled with both wonder and whimsy.
Inside the park, towering redwoods dominate the landscape, many of them hundreds, even thousands, of years old. The park’s namesake trees are more than just giant trunks and lofty branches. They include uniquely shaped and named specimens like the Cathedral Tree, which forms a natural amphitheater, and the Brotherhood Tree, one of the largest living things on Earth, once measuring nearly 20 feet in diameter and almost 300 feet tall. Walking the main trail through this forest is both humbling and exhilarating, offering a momentary retreat from the rush of daily life.
One of the most popular attractions at Trees of Mystery is the SkyTrail, a gondola-style tramway that lifts visitors high above the forest canopy. The ride is serene and surreal, floating through the treetops to a mountaintop observation deck where sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding wilderness await.
For those with a head for heights, the newly added Redwood Canopy Trail provides a more hands-on experience. Elevated suspension bridges and platforms allow visitors to walk among the giants, suspended 50 to 100 feet above the forest floor. It’s part hiking trail, part jungle gym, and all thrill.
Not all the magic is found outdoors. The on-site End of the Trail Museum houses one of the most comprehensive private collections of Native American artifacts in the country. Its exhibits offer a meaningful glimpse into the culture, history, and craftsmanship of North America’s Indigenous peoples, providing an unexpected and thought-provoking layer to the Trees of Mystery experience.
Whether you’re a local history buff, a tree lover, a thrill-seeker, or a family looking for something new to do over a weekend, Trees of Mystery has something to offer. The park is open year-round, with peak visitor traffic in the summer months. Comfortable lodging is available nearby, and the neighboring redwood parks offer even more opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
This summer, instead of jetting off to crowded cities or overpriced theme parks, consider embracing the adventure in your own backyard. Pack the car, bring your curiosity, and take a staycation to the Trees of Mystery. You might just find that the most awe-inspiring getaway was only a short drive away all along.