Visiting Northern California’s fascinating albino redwoods

Nestled within the dense and towering redwood forests of Northern California are rare and mysterious albino redwoods.

These unusual “ghost trees,” with their snowy white needles, are a natural anomaly caused by a lack of chlorophyll. This pigment is crucial for photosynthesis, so albino redwoods rely entirely on their host trees for nutrients, connecting via shared root systems.

Albino redwoods are often stunted and appear more like bushes than full-sized trees. They are extremely rare, with only about 60 known specimens scattered across California and Oregon forests.

Where to find them

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, near Santa Cruz, is home to eight albino redwoods. One of the mysterious trees is located along the popular Redwood Grove Loop Trail. While the exact locations are generally kept secret to protect these fragile trees, guided tours or careful exploration sometimes reveal their locations.

Albino redwoods can also occasionally be found in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, famous for its scenic Avenue of the Giants. This 31-mile stretch showcases some of the world’s most magnificent redwoods and may surprise visitors with a rare albino hidden among the giants.

Where to stay

For RVers, there are several excellent camping options:

• Redwood Meadows RV Resort: Located near Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this spot offers full hookups and close access to the Avenue of the Giants.
• Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort: Just outside Henry Cowell Redwoods, this campground offers shaded spots along the San Lorenzo River with modern amenities.
• Hidden Springs Campground: A rustic option within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, great for tent camping or smaller RVs.

More to do

When visiting the redwood parks, there’s plenty more to do:

• Hiking: Both Henry Cowell and Humboldt Redwoods offer numerous trails winding through ancient forests. Don’t miss the Cathedral Tree Trail or the Bull Creek Flats Trail for stunning views.
• Avenue of the Giants scenic drive: This drive is a must, with plenty of pull-offs to explore the towering redwoods. (Nanci Dixon and her husband did this drive last year; read about it here.)
• Roaring Camp Railroads: Near Santa Cruz, this historic steam train takes visitors on a journey through the redwoods and is a favorite family activity.

Tips for visitors

Here’s how you can help preserve the albino redwood trees and make the most of your special visit:

• Respect the fragile ghost trees: Avoid touching or removing needles as souvenirs. These trees are already stressed due to their lack of chlorophyll.
• Bring a guidebook: Local guides often have insider knowledge about finding and appreciating these unique trees.
• Visit in the off-season: The parks are less crowded, making exploration more peaceful and rewarding.

Plan to visit

The albino redwoods stand ready to give visitors a rare glimpse into one of nature’s many quirks. The surrounding areas offer unforgettable adventures, as well. Whether you’re marveling at ghostly white trees or enjoying a scenic drive, the redwood forests deliver awe-inspiring beauty around every turn in the road.

Have you ever seen an albino redwood?

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