As you enter the serene and majestic Muir Woods National Monument, you might be tempted to reach for your camera to capture every detail of this breathtaking redwood forest. But before you do, take a moment to put the camera down and look up, smell the air, and listen to the sounds of the forest.
As you lift your gaze to the tops of these towering trees, you'll discover a world of wonder that simply can't be captured by a camera. The highest of these giants rise over 300 feet into the sky, and their branches stretch across the forest canopy in a network of intricate patterns.
Don’t forget to look up and enjoy an environment that no photograph could ever do justice to.
The light that filters through these trees is truly breathtaking, creating a soft, ethereal glow that you have to see to believe. As sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, it illuminates the forest floor with a dappled warmth that will leave you feeling awe-struck.
Muir Woods is a grove of Coastal Redwoods. These are very different trees from the Giant Sequoias that are found in the Sierra Nevadas. The Sequoias are brittle wood that really does not have commercial value, unlike the Costal Redwoods which are in demand as decks and other outdoor products. We can all thank John Muir for having the foresight to protect this amazing grove so that it would not end up as construction material. I remember being on a tour of San Francisco in the late nineties that discussed the construction of all of the homes in the city. They are almost all framed with redwood. The idea that thousands of these majestic giants were destroyed just to build up city blocks is painful to think about.
And let's not forget about the wildlife! The canopy of the forest is home to a wide variety of creatures, from songbirds to nesting owls. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might even spot a family of squirrels or raccoons making their way across the treetops.
Sometimes the best way to capture a larger than life environment would be to focus on the smaller scenes.
So, when visiting Muir Woods, don't forget to put down the camera and look up. The beauty of this ancient forest is something that simply can't be captured on film - it must be experienced firsthand. Come discover the wonders of the redwoods and lose yourself in their grandeur.