Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - California

Address:101 North Big Trees Park Road
Felton, California
Tel: (831) 335-4598

Located around Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, this State Park is a National Natural Landmark and Lake Tahoe's most photographed natural wonder. The Bay itself is named for its shape and magnificent colors and in 1994, Emerald Bay was designated an underwater State Park. The park contains the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island, which houses the remains of the "Tea House," a building built by the owner of Vikingsholm; a 38-room castle, open for visitors to tour. Aside from amazing views and an intriguing history, Emerald Bay offers a full-service campground and scuba diving as well, where divers can get up close and personal with turn-of-the-century boats, launches and barges. If traveling in the area, don't miss this beautiful and nature-filled gem of a State Park.

This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found shelter, water, and game. The park is the home of the Redwood Grove, with a self-guided nature path, and Douglas fir, madrone, oak, and the most unusual feature of the park, a stand of Ponderosa pine. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter. The park has a nature center and bookstore. The main park area contains the large, old-growth redwoods, while the northern area (Fall Creek) has about 20 miles of hiking trails. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1,400 to 1,800 years old.