The California Redwoods

By ( 121 )

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” 

~John Muir

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Redwood Cathedral

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

A Boy’s Life

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Peaceful Paths

 

“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It’s not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.”

~John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley : In Search of America

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Fallen

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Redwood Ride

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Beautiful Burl

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Old and New

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Nature Lover

 

The redwood is one of the few conifers that sprout from the stump and roots, and it declares itself willing to begin immediately to repair the damage of the lumberman and also that of the forest-burner.

~John Muir, “The American Forests,” August 1897

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Redwood Road

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Years and Years

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Renewal

 

Redwoods, California, Nature Photography, Fujifilm X-T2

Reaching

 

These Northern California images were made in Stout Grove, Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park and in Rockefeller Forest, Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

 

 

Categories: Flowers, Plants and Trees, Landscapes, Nature, Photography, TravelTags: , , , , , , , ,

121 comments ›

  1. Sartenada
    January 16, 2020 • 9:53 pm

    Stunning photos from the place where we have visited twice when on travel in California. Our visits happened, when digital photos were not yet invented. Thank you showing you beautiful photos.

    Liked by 2 people

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  2. James Burgess
    September 26, 2019 • 10:02 am

    A very beautiful place and excellent easy hiking.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. Marsi
    August 21, 2019 • 7:04 am

    Travels with Charley is my favorite book, yet I somehow had forgotten about Steinbeck’s writings about the Redwoods when I recently began my series of posts about our travels through the Redwoods parks. Your redwoods photographs put me right back in those wondrous forests. Beautiful!

    Liked by 4 people

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  4. Dsupp
    August 18, 2019 • 3:49 am

    These are on my ‘to see’ list one of these days – thanks for taking us along on your trip here meanwhile – gorgeous ! I love how you captured the sun peeking through –

    Liked by 4 people

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  5. LisaDay
    August 17, 2019 • 6:40 pm

    Wow. Imagine the stories those trees could tell.

    Liked by 4 people

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  6. dorisgmeinerphotography
    August 16, 2019 • 1:28 pm

    just stunning Jane !!! there is no nature like this in Germany !!

    Liked by 4 people

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  7. bluebrightly
    August 9, 2019 • 7:15 pm

    They’re not so easy to photograph, but you have had a little practice, I think, and you did them justice! I love “Fallen” and that burl is seriously cool, isn’t it? I’m impressed by the way you handled that bright light in some of these. I love the upward looks, too. Beautiful, Jane.

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 15, 2019 • 6:58 pm

      Hi Lynn, I’ve been off the grid lately….
      So glad you enjoyed these- I find them so challenging to photograph!
      Happy you enjoyed those in particular- the burl— I think of you when shooting other details like roots and bark – all right up your alley. 😉
      Thanks very much, friend. Will get over to see what you’ve been up to soon!

      Like

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  8. Charlotte Blom
    August 8, 2019 • 1:52 pm

    Absolutely delightful. What a dreamy, incredible feeling- even through the photos!!!

    Liked by 5 people

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  9. David
    August 6, 2019 • 10:23 am

    Gorgeous photos of the redwoods. My niece, when she had a bar association conference in SF a few years ago, one of the side trips was to visit one of the state parks with redwoods. She said the morning session was cut short so those on the side trip would have most of the day to walk among the giants. Those leading the morning sessions were signed up for the trip too. On the way back, she said they made a stop for some wine-tasting (Napa or Sonoma). Sounds like my kind of side trip. 🙂

    Also, recently saw an article indicating the redwood and sequoia forests, along with their ecosystems, are benefitting from the warming trends in CA. Couldn’t find the article I read, but found this one from UC Berkeley:

    https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/2010/07/scientists-study-global-warming-effects-redwoods-ca

    Though an older article, very little has changed over the 9-10 years since the original findings.

    Liked by 4 people

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  10. spanishwoods
    August 6, 2019 • 2:27 am

    Amazing shots, truly beautiful.

    Liked by 5 people

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  11. allentimphotos2
    August 5, 2019 • 10:22 pm

    A very difficult subject matter. You’ve done it well.

    Liked by 5 people

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  12. Dave Ply
    August 5, 2019 • 8:15 pm

    You do go to all the cool places. The coastal redwoods have a certain ambiance to them, I suppose it’s akin to being in nature’s cathedral. Beautifully captured.

    Liked by 5 people

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  13. Jeff Bell
    August 5, 2019 • 8:10 pm

    That boy in the 2nd photo really puts the size of the trees in perspective. I remember as I first drove into the park, I wasn’t sure what I was seeing until I saw a semi coming down the road and I said out loud, “Wow. Those are some big ass trees.”

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 6, 2019 • 7:59 am

      HI Jeff, Ha! What a fun memory- it is astounding once you get near them. I was happy there were some kids and families in the groves for some perspective. Sad how many were logged but glad we have these preserved. Thanks so much.

      Like

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  14. plaidcamper
    August 5, 2019 • 4:53 pm

    The Steinbeck lines are great – but I think you’ve come close here! Loved these images, and the words chosen to go with them. Really wonderful – thanks, Jane!

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 6, 2019 • 7:43 am

      Thank you, Adam. I loved that Steinbeck quote since it feels so true when I am wandering in the groves. How to convey the beauty and immensity of the redwoods is a creative puzzle. I’m glad you feel I made a good effort. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts. 🌲

      Like

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  15. pattimoed
    August 5, 2019 • 2:02 pm

    Gorgeous images, Jane, which convey the majesty and grandeur of these amazing forest “creatures.” Lovely. I’d love to explore these sites at some point.

    Liked by 5 people

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  16. Alison and Don
    August 5, 2019 • 9:49 am

    Such beautiful photographs Jane. I especially love the 2nd and 3rd – almost feel as if I’m there.
    Alison

    Liked by 5 people

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  17. Richard Stenger
    August 5, 2019 • 9:11 am

    Opps. Sorry, Jane, I meant you, note Mike! I’d fix if I could. : )

    Liked by 3 people

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  18. Richard Stenger
    August 5, 2019 • 9:07 am

    Hi Mike, Great write up and images. If you ever come back, here’s a great site about Redwood National Park with more inspiration: http://redwoodcoastparks.com

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 5, 2019 • 9:13 am

      Hi Richard, It’s Jane….happy you enjoyed this post–it is a spectacular park. Thanks for providing this link. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit at least once in their lives! Thanks very much for your visit.

      Like

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  19. Suzanne et Pierre
    August 5, 2019 • 5:12 am

    Such beautiful pictures for these beautiful trees. (Suzanne)

    Liked by 5 people

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  20. Linda Wyatt
    August 5, 2019 • 3:53 am

    Truly magnificent…. subject, quotes, photos! Superb

    Liked by 5 people

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  22. anotherday2paradise
    August 4, 2019 • 5:58 pm

    Wonderful shots of these magnificent redwoods, Jane.

    Liked by 4 people

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  24. Amy
    August 4, 2019 • 4:40 pm

    Magnificent shots of these majestic tree. Love the angles you took. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

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  25. Steve Gingold
    August 4, 2019 • 3:58 pm

    Such awesome trees. We have nothing close to comparable here. Originally, when first settled, there were very large pines, in particular, but these were pretty much all taken for the masts of the British ships. We now have just pockets of old growth that are fortunately situated where no building is likely to happen.

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 5, 2019 • 9:26 am

      How interesting, Steve. I’m thankful that some redwood groves were spared and preserved. It’s sad how many were cut down. They are amazing to see and their size is difficult to convey….but I tried. Thanks so much for your visit and I’m pleased you enjoyed these. 🙂 🌲

      Like

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  26. Ellen Jennings
    August 4, 2019 • 2:16 pm

    A beautiful collection, Jane. I love the different perspectives showing the size. How wonderful to spend time with these magnificent trees.

    Liked by 4 people

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  27. Murtagh's Meadow
    August 4, 2019 • 12:54 pm

    What stunning giants, beautifully captured

    Liked by 4 people

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  28. aakanewicloudcom
    August 4, 2019 • 8:52 am

    BOY…one could certainly get LOST amongst these trees!! Love this post…gorgeous!!

    Liked by 4 people

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  29. Steve Schwartzman
    August 4, 2019 • 6:55 am

    You’re fortunate to have so many redwood sites close at hand in addition to the ones farther north. Of the 3 or 4 we visited in the San Francisco area three years ago, none are duplicated here.

    Liked by 4 people

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  30. Tina Schell
    August 4, 2019 • 5:21 am

    One of my favorite trips ever Jane. There simply are no words to describe the feeling of being among these incredible beings. Beautifully captured

    Liked by 4 people

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  32. Fotohabitate
    August 4, 2019 • 2:25 am

    One of these wonder I want to see with my own eyes!

    Liked by 4 people

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  33. Michael Scandling
    August 3, 2019 • 11:01 pm

    You have magnificently conveyed the scale and the light. Makes me almost homesick. But it’s hard to be homesick in Switzerland. Stay tuned.

    Liked by 4 people

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  34. enmanscamera
    August 3, 2019 • 9:31 pm

    Great photos Jane. Its been years since I have visited the redwoods. Maybe I should be thinking about returning.

    Liked by 4 people

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  35. de Wets Wild
    August 3, 2019 • 7:48 pm

    Beautifully captured, Jane, showing the Redwoods for the magnificent living monuments they are!

    Liked by 5 people

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  36. Robert Baum
    August 3, 2019 • 6:26 pm

    TImeless images save for the fashions on the humans!

    Liked by 4 people

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  38. Michael Lovette
    August 3, 2019 • 5:32 pm

    These are breathtaking photos! Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day.

    Liked by 4 people

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  39. Hannah Keene
    August 3, 2019 • 5:06 pm

    Jane, these photos are absolutely amazing. I hope to go up to John Muir Woods this week. It’s been decades since I have spent time among the giants. I’m so glad you posted these photos – they truly give the viewer a feel as to just how majestic these trees are. Thank you!

    Liked by 4 people

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  40. C.S. Young Jr.
    August 3, 2019 • 5:04 pm

    On my bucket list! I suspect even with the people in the composition for scale, one cannot really appreciate the scale of these magnificent trees. For me, your b&w compositions best captured the sense of awe!

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 3, 2019 • 6:27 pm

      Thank you, Sam. You are right about the people– shows the huge trunks but not those soaring heights! I am not surprised you are drawn to the B&Ws- me too. 🙂 Will work on some more… Hope you get to Northern CA to see them sometime soon.

      Like

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  41. ecopoet
    August 3, 2019 • 2:50 pm

    These photos are truly alive – beautiful
    Eco 🍃

    Liked by 4 people

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  42. happyface313
    August 3, 2019 • 2:35 pm

    🙂 Wow! So impressive!
    It’s been ages, since I’ve been there.
    Have a very HAPPY weekend!
    Claudia 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

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  43. Allan G. Smorra
    August 3, 2019 • 2:25 pm

    I love looking up at the Redwoods and see them slowly swaying in an unseen breeze. Your photos have evoked that feeling today.
    Thanks,
    Ω

    Liked by 5 people

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  44. YellowCable
    August 3, 2019 • 1:37 pm

    They are amazing. With people in the pictures, they give you a feel about how big the red wood trees are. Nice pictures of the trees you captured.

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 3, 2019 • 2:26 pm

      Thanks very much, YC. I was happy to run into a few people for some perspective (my husband included). It certainly helps the viewer to grasp how enormous they are. Glad you enjoyed this series. 🙂

      Like

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  46. camerapacker
    August 3, 2019 • 12:17 pm

    Forests are a wonderful place and you captured this one perfectly.

    Liked by 5 people

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  47. Kazi Mustakim
    August 3, 2019 • 12:03 pm

    Truly these photographs are magnificent… Magical…!!

    Liked by 5 people

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  48. Michael Doran
    August 3, 2019 • 12:01 pm

    Jane, fantastic photographs of these majestic trees. As usual, your quotations are ripe with substance. I have seen the redwoods and the sequoias. Please run up state and do a photo shoot of California’s other amazing tree. I love trees !

    Liked by 6 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 3, 2019 • 2:15 pm

      Hi Michael, I love trees, too! So glad you enjoyed the photos and quotes and that you’ve seen these giants. I have only seen Sequoias at Yosemite and will get to the National Park someday. It’s all so magnificent and peaceful, isn’t it? Thanks very much for your visit here. 🙂

      Like

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  49. Eliza Waters
    August 3, 2019 • 11:49 am

    I have such a deep and abiding love of redwoods, their magnificence is so moving. Steinbeck sums it up well… their influence upon us is indescribable. Your photos do a great job of capturing their spirit, Jane. <3!

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 3, 2019 • 2:17 pm

      Hi Eliza, I feel the same way about these incredible trees and the experience of walking among them is superb. I am always a little sad thinking about how many were cut down but thankful that these are preserved. Pleased these photos took you on a little journey– thanks so much.

      Liked by 1 person

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  50. Alittlebitoutoffocus
    August 3, 2019 • 11:16 am

    If “No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree” then you have made a fabulous attempt with all of these photographs. It just makes me want to be there! And maybe one day I will be. Thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 3, 2019 • 2:20 pm

      HI Mike, I loved that quote because I do feel that the redwoods are particularly difficult to convey in photographs. I’m pleased you enjoyed what I captured– thank you so much. I do hope you walk among these giants one day. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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  51. Göran Pehrson
    August 3, 2019 • 11:16 am

    “No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a Redwood tree”. I think you did. Beautiful images. Especially “Redwood Road”. There’s something about winding roads, catching your attention and feeding your imagination.

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Jane Lurie
      August 3, 2019 • 2:23 pm

      Thank you so much, Göran. I love that Steinbeck quote since I feel there immensity is so difficult to convey in photographs. I’m happy you feel I did. 🙂 I love winding roads, too, and was lucky to catch a few on the way in and out of the groves. Where will they lead? Hope all is well with you.

      Liked by 1 person

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  53. John
    August 3, 2019 • 10:55 am

    Such beautiful photos Jane, the trees are magnificent! 😎🙏🏻❤️

    Liked by 5 people

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  54. restlessjo
    August 3, 2019 • 10:51 am

    The light through the trees is glorious, isn’t it, Jane? Beautifully captured. 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

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  55. Mark Tulin
    August 3, 2019 • 10:39 am

    Love the Redwoods. I also visited Muir Woods. What a paradise.

    Liked by 5 people

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  56. greenswardphotos
    August 3, 2019 • 10:21 am

    Jane, you have done it again! A masterful set of images. I really like the one “Years and Years.” Is there a face in there?

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply ↓

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