Hike To One Of The Tallest Trees In Redwood National Park On This Trail

California's Redwood National Park is known for its outsized trees, which spread across 40,000 acres of old-growth forest. Many individual trees have been named and have gained celebrity-like status. In what is aptly named Tall Tree Grove reside several of the tallest trees on Earth, including the world's tallest tree, Hyperion. However, it's not just height that's on display here. Tall Trees Grove is also home to Melkor, the largest tree in Redwood National Park and fifth largest coast redwood tree in the world.

While the difference between largest and tallest may seem like simple semantics, there is actually a distinct difference between them. Tallest simply refers to the height of the tree from ground to tip. Largest, also sometimes referred to as biggest, accounts for the volume of wood within the main stem, or trunk, of the tree. This measurement considers the height and functional diameter of the main trunk. A quick comparison puts Hyperion at a height of 380.81 feet, width of 15.20 feet, and a volume of 18,783 cubic feet. Melkor, although shorter at 348.60 feet, making it the eighth tallest in Tall Trees Grove, has a width of 22.40 feet, and a volume of 33,500 cubic feet.

Any way you measure them, these are incredibly impressive trees. Hiking here is an almost surreal experience, making it feel like you're on another continent. While there are 38 hiking trails within Redwood National Park, each of which are worth attempting, Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail is the path you want to take if you hope to see Melkor in the park up close.

Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail is a little over four and a half miles long. It is considered a moderate to challenging hike. The biggest challenge comes on the return, as you have to hike up a steep incline after descending over 800 feet into Tall Trees Grove to start the hike. It typically takes around four hours to complete. Of course, the completion time is dependent on how much time you take looking at the towering trees along the trail.

No pets are allowed on Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail and you do need a hiking permit to access the trail. Permits are issued online through the Redwood Parks Conservancy. It should also be noted that the trailhead is about a one hour drive from the closest park visitor center and the parking lot does not allow vehicles towing trailers or RVs exceeding 21-feet in length. If you hope to overnight, you will also need a backcountry camping permit. You should also be aware that while Melkor is along the Tall Trees Trail, Hyperion is not. Although the trail gets you close, hiking to this massive tree is illegal. The volume of foot traffic that once trampled the surrounding vegetation has made this area off-limits.

Given the strenuous nature of hiking the Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail, which has a 1,600-foot elevation change, as well as the amount of time it takes to reach the trailhead and complete the hike, visitors are urged to come prepared. Failing to bring water, snacks, or other essentials is a huge hiking mistake to avoid. Additionally, since this is bear territory, it is a good idea to carry a canister of bear spray, such as SABRE Frontiersman, when exploring anywhere in Redwood National Park.