Bohemian Grove is a lovely section of John Muir woods that provides opportunities to learn more about the health and ecology of the redwoods. You can see burned redwoods that survived a long-ago fire, redwood burls and a nurse log,
Cathedral Grove is a silent preserve and home to the tallest, oldest redwoods at Muir Woods. Consider quiet contemplation as you make your way through this part of the woods.
In the 1930s, the Great Depression loomed over America. In 1933, recently elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt created several new agencies, including the most successful, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Across the country, this program employed tens of thousands of unemployed and unskilled young men from various backgrounds, including: the Junior Enrollees, (young men ages 18 - 26), Reservation Native Americans, local men with forestry experience, and over 25,000 ol
This redwood fell naturally and has begun decaying on the forest floor. This is an example of what's known as a "nurse log," providing nutrients and shelter to seedlings. When logging occurs and the trees are removed, this cycle is disrupted. Since trees have never been logged at Muir Woods, the natural ecological process goes uninterrupted.
Fern Creek is the first section of a loop around the Alice Eastwood campground and an access point to Mount Tamalpais State Park. This area, like much of Muir Woods, is home to many animal friends. Despite living in all areas of the woods, from the forest floor to high up in the canopy, most inhabitants are hard to spot, so keep your peepers peeled!
This redwood grove includes some of the woods' biggest trees, including the Pinchot tree. The health of the towering redwoods depends on the complex soils of the forest floor, a product of fungal decay and recycling of low greenery, understory trees and the redwoods themselves.
Muir Woods' main trail begins at the visitor center and follows Redwood Creek on both sides of the stream. Large redwood trees line this trail from the very beginning. Though a level, easy stroll, the walk can be shortened by crossing at the second or third bridge to return. The path consists of firm surfaces, a mixture of wooden boardwalk, asphalt paving, and packed native soil.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VEHICLES AND SHUTTLE RIDERS For parking and shuttle information and reservations go to GoMuirWoods.com or call 1-800-410-2419. The new reservation system will improve visitor experience and enhance habitat protection. Learn more about the new reservation system.
Redwood Creek Trail is the main drag through Muir Woods, and connects to a host of other trails leading up the flanks of Mount Tamalpais. From here, you can link up with the Canopy View Trail, Hillside Trail, Fern Creek Trail, the Plevin Cut or the Ben Johnson Trail, and access state park, Marin County Park and Marin Municipal Water District open spaces.
When this tree fell in 1930, this cross-section was put on display. The concentric rings of the tree reveal that it lived 1,021 years. Some redwoods live more than 2,000 years.
