Another early start Monday, as we were heading out to the coast to experience the Jedidiah Smith Redwoods. Five of us from Ashland would meet five more in Stout Grove to begin our hike.

It was a mild, blue sky day, and we made it down to the Redwoods in two and a half hours. Parking was a bit of a challenge in the lot, but eventually all four of our cars found a space.

The early arrivers gathered in the lot and listened to Linda recount their recent boat trip to Wizard Island.

After a while, we took the path down to Stout Grove. Like adventurous children, we climbed on the massive fallen Redwood and had photos taken from 20+ feet above the ground. When we were all back down, the final three of our group met up with us, and we were ready to move on to the Grove of the Titans.

From Stout Grove, a short trail goes down to the rocky beach at the Smith River, then a seasonal bridge takes you across Mill Creek.

The Mill Creek Trail opened in 2022 to give visitors a chance to view some of the oldest trees on the coast. There are many roots to step over on the Trail, as Redwoods have a shallow root system. But, as you near the Grove of the Titans, a steel grid infrastructure lifts hikers above the ground to protect the roots of the ancient trees.

We arrived at the Titans just before lunch and had our group photo taken with Doug, our volunteer Docent, who informed us about the Big Trees. The tree in the group shot is over 1,500 years old and more than 300 feet high,