Escaping OC: The Carbon Canyon Redwood Grove

The feeling induced by the Coastal Redwood is one of great humility; the dwarfing magnificence of the colossal forest dweller, the tallest of which is just short of 380 feet, is truly a sight to behold.

The drawback to the experience however, is the drive time; at 12 hours away, Redwood National Forest cannot be considered much of a Friday getaway.

Fortunately, Orange County has a little known patch of Redwoods hidden near its northern border, a miniature grove, tucked within the 124 acres of Carbon Canyon Regional Park. The trees are accessed via a one-mile nature hike that is both tranquil and fascinating; through an ever-changing landscape that provides a meditative glimpse into the workings of a well preserved canyon, despite the closeness of humanity.

The trail is a dry, all but deserted scene during the warm months, as the plant life struggles to survive the drought of summer and rattlesnakes retreat to the nearest available shade. Some say with rain comes beauty. This causes late winter and early spring to be a different story for the walk altogether.

Wildflowers can be seen, scattered all across the hillsides during this time, buds of sagebrush, fiddlenecks, hemlock, castor bean, white, and black sage, can all be found thriving in the sunlight. Monterey Pines, Walnut Trees and Elderberry trees, all forms of local vegetation, grow naturally along the path as well, the latter most famous for its branches which, when dried thoroughly, can be hollowed and carved into flutes--a Native American tradition that gave the Elderberry its alias "Tree of Music."

But, Orange County commoners are not the nature sought-after here, just past the Carbon Canyon Dam, a landmark seemingly out of place, worthy of its own exploration, lays the Redwood grove.

Immediately following entry, an abrupt change of climate is noted, as the parched heat of California summer is replaced by dewy moisture--the 80 woodland giants that comprise the grove create an impenetrable barrier, which the morning water has no chance of escape.

The trees here are just over 33 years old, donated to the park in 1975; but already, the surrounding ground is thick with Redwood mulch and glimpses of off-shooting saplings, developing under the shadow of their predecessors.

Quail, bobcats and coyotes have been known to frequent the grove on occasion, perhaps taking in the unfamiliar surroundings alongside park visitors.

Though the canopy of the 10 acre patch of forest is still developing, it too overflows with vibrant life.

The branches of the Redwoods are filled with the varying songs of more than 15 different species of birds including: two types of finches, orioles, jays, bluebirds, Red Tailed Hawks and even the occasional woodpecker.

The overall feeling is one of unruffled calm, a welcoming location for self-reflection in an otherwise hectic locale.

The Redwood grove is the perfect setting for an escape from any day, to enjoy the gifts of nature that are otherwise foreign to Orange County or simply to take peace in some place new, with the distinct advantage of being only minutes from home, just in the city of Brea.