California's Drive-Through Trees: What You Need to Know
California has exactly three drive-through trees you can still pilot a car through, and all are coastal redwoods, not giant sequoias. The Chandelier Tree in Leggett, the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat, and the Tour-Thru Tree in Klamath each offer this quirky roadside adventure. Each tunnel is wide enough for most passenger vehicles, though the opening is narrow—typically around 6 feet—so you'll want to check your mirrors.
1. Chandelier Tree
Located in Leggett, the Chandelier Tree stands in the Drive-Thru Tree Park. This 276-foot-tall coastal redwood has a 6-foot-wide tunnel carved through its base. Named for its branches that resemble a chandelier, the park also offers picnicking and a gift shop.
Related travel guides: Wall Drug - South Dakota's Top Roadside Attraction and The Hidden Secrets Of Felicity The Center Of The World.
2. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree
In Myers Flat, the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree offers another chance to drive through a living coastal redwood. Located near Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this tree features a natural tunnel created by fire. Despite the damage, the tree continues to thrive. It's privately operated, so expect a small fee per vehicle.
3. Tour-Thru Tree
Klamath's Tour-Thru Tree has a tunnel carved in the 1960s. The surrounding area offers views of the Klamath River, making it a perfect spot for photos. It's the northernmost of the three, and the tunnel is similarly sized to the others.
4. Tunnel Log
Sequoia National Park is home to the Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia with a tunnel cut through its trunk that is 17 feet wide and 8 feet high. This tree fell in 1937 due to natural causes, and the tunnel was created the following year. Note that it's a fallen log, not a living tree, and the opening is much larger than the coastal redwood tunnels.
5. Pioneer Cabin Tree
Though it no longer stands, the Pioneer Cabin Tree in Calaveras Big Trees State Park deserves mention. Carved in the 1880s, it fell during a storm in 2017. You can still see its stump and read interpretive signs at the park.
6. Dead Giant Tunnel Tree
Yosemite National Park's Dead Giant Tunnel Tree was carved in 1878 and was one of the first to allow cars to pass through. Although it no longer stands, its story remains a testament to the early days of tourism in California's forests. The fallen trunk is visible near the Tuolumne Grove trailhead.
7. Wawona Tree
Another fallen giant, the Wawona Tree in Yosemite National Park, was a famous drive-through tree until it fell in 1969. Carved in 1881, visitors can still see the fallen trunk. It's a short walk from the Mariposa Grove parking area.
8. Tunnel Tree
Located in Mariposa Grove, the fallen Wawona Tree is another iconic sequoia. Though it no longer allows cars to pass through, visitors can walk through the tunnel. The Mariposa Grove is accessible via shuttle from Yosemite's Welcome Plaza.
Experience the Magic of California's Drive-Through Trees
Driving through a coastal redwood in California is a unique adventure. The Chandelier Tree in Leggett and the Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park are must-see spots. These trees have a rich history and are symbols of nature's resilience.
Plan your visit to these iconic trees. Bring a camera, as the photo opportunities are endless. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a cool road trip stop, these drive-through trees won't disappoint.
Don't miss out on this incredible experience. It's a chance to connect with nature in a way that's both fun and awe-inspiring. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and make some unforgettable memories.
