Trees of Mystery

Don't let the Paul Bunyan statue fool you. The Trees of Mystery attraction may be rich in kitsch, but that's only part of the experience. Sure, some of the trees have been christened with cheesy names like "The Family Tree." And the narrative voiceovers along the trail seem lifted straight out a 1970s children's show, hokey music and all. Of course, everyone knows there are no gondolas in nature. But when you step off that gondola, 742 feet above sea level, do yourself a favor. Don't ride back down. Walk. Only then, when you're wandering alone through the rustling heart of the forest, when the only sound you hear is the crunching of leaves underfoot, when the only company you have are the giant redwoods all around you, will you you realize: These trees can speak for themselves.

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You can’t miss Trees of Mystery, what with the 50-foot wooden sculpture of Paul Bunyan and his gigantic sky-blue anatomically incorrect ox, Babe. At this, the cheesiest roadside attraction on the Redwood Highway, kids get a kick out of the gondola ride through the first-generation coastal redwood trees, the old school trompe l’oeil mystery spot, and the acres of tacky souvenirs in the gift shop. Grown-ups can turn left at the Build-a-Bear cart and wander into the surprising and wonderful little Native American museum beside the gift shop.

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