Trees of Mystery is an amusement park with a difference located alongside the famous coastal road of US Highway 101 on California’s northern Pacific Coast. The nearest town is Klamath.
The amusement park gets its name from the unique number of different tree formations which are to be found in the Redwood National and State Parks which gives you an opportunity for peaceful and quiet contemplation and, for those who are not local to this part of the world, you’ll be able to marvel at the giant Redwood trees – the tallest trees on earth - in the amusement park as you walk along the trail. It has been an amusement attraction for over 50 years.
You cannot miss the entrance to this amusement park as at its gates, you are welcomed by two giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe, his blue ox. The statue of Paul at the amusement park stands at just over 49 feet with Babe almost as big at 35 feet. Combined, these statues weigh over 860,000.
Paul Bunyon is a mythological figure of U.S folklore who was believed to be a giant lumberjack. Given that the amusement park focuses on the tallest trees in the world therefore, it is appropriate that a statue of a giant lumberjack amidst a setting of mighty trees adorns the entrance. A section of the amusement park called ‘the Trail of Tall Trees’ is devoted to Paul and Babe.
The amusement park has a serene air about it as well as religious overtones. There is a quiet glade which features a pond and a statue of St. Francis of Assisi and also a unique chapel which was created out of nine giant Redwood trees which originally came from one single tree. Another popular attraction at the amusement park is the candelabra tree which has several trees shooting upwards from the trunk of another single tree which had fallen many years ago.
To truly appreciate the magnificence and to get a general perspective of the scale of this fascinating amusement park, you should take a ride on the Sky Trail, a tram ride lasting 9 minutes which takes you over the top of the trees to an observation deck from where you’ll witness stunning views over the trees within the amusement park and the forest beyond and also the Pacific Ocean.
The amusement park also has its End of the Trail Museum which opened in 1968. This museum is dedicated to the history of the various Native American tribes both in the area and beyond and new artefacts are added to it all of the time. There is also a gift shop at the amusement park.
See also:
Amusement Parks: The Santa Cruz Beach Broadwalk - a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Wild Rivers - a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Raging Waters San Dimas - a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Pixieland Park - a Potted History