A scenic centerpiece of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Founders’ Grove is the most popular redwood stand in the park and easily explored on a well-trodden ½-mile loop trail. The most famous attraction is, of course, the 364-foot Founders’ Tree, which was once thought to be the tallest tree in the world. Another titanic tree is the Dyerville Giant, a 362-foot mammoth until it fell in March 1991. And there are plenty of others, with each bend of the short walk bringing a new and intriguing view. Plan to visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds. Pick up a trail guide at the start (suggested donation: $1).

The hike

Founders’ Grove is situated just off Dyerville Road, a minutes’ drive from Highway 101. There is relatively ample parking and lots of restrooms at the trailhead; to access the hike, cross Dyerville Road and head south into the shady forest. Take an immediate right on the wide dirt track, passing a bench on the left.

It is steps from here to the famed Founders’ Tree, named for the founders of the Save the Redwoods League and (while not the world’s tallest) still one of the most prominent trees in the region. A wooden boardwalk leads to the base of the mighty sentinel, which towers sky high, well above even the others in the grove.

When ready, return to the main trail and bear right (or left if facing Founders’ Tree), beginning a clockwise circuit around the grove. There is a hollowed-out tree ahead, as well as an unmarked fork, where visitors should bear right, coming to post #2 (if following along with the trail guide).

It’s a short walk from here to post #3 and another hollow trunk, with old growth redwoods all around. Then the trail weaves through a neatly-cut fallen giant with a 7-8 foot diameter. Pass posts 4-6 in quick succession, soon passing a series of uprooted trunks with the root structure showing.

The largest of the fallen logs is the Dyerville Giant, a truly massive specimen that fell relatively recently (in 1991). The wing-shaped root structure is a popular photo spot, as is the trail proceeding to the right, paralleling the massive fallen trunk.

Pass through another cut, surrounded by additional mature redwoods. Rounding another big, exposed root system on the left, the trail finally comes back around to Founders’ Tree and the end of the loop. Bear left here and follow the path for 100 yards to return to the trailhead.