Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, CA
Away from traffic noise and any signs of development, the Boy Scout Tree Trail offers a moderately long, out and back hike through some of the very best old-growth redwoods. Winding its way through huge trees, even the drive to the trailhead on the dirt, single lane Howland Hill Road is an adventure and sets the tone for an emergence into this awe inspiring forest. The Boy Scout Tree, located a short distance off the main trail, is a fused, double-stem coastal redwood over 238 feet tall and 23 feet wide. Fern Falls, the termination of the trail, and the Boy Scout Tree are part of the Jesse H. Metcalf Grove, which was donated to the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in 1939. The remainder of the trail is part of the National Tribute Grove, which was dedicated in 1949. The trail to the tree was built in the 1930’s by Del Norte County Boy Scout troop 10. The Boy Scout Tree is approximately 2.3 miles from the trail head, and Fern Falls is about half a mile further.
