You Drove through a What…!

Today we were in Leggett, California, and we decided to stop at the famous Chandelier Tree. This iconic redwood gets its name from its unusual limbs, which begin about 100 feet up the trunk and spread out like a chandelier. The limbs themselves are massive—between 4 and 7 feet in diameter. The tree has a hollow hole in the middle.

Charles and Hazel Underwood purchased the land in 1921, and by 1930, they had opened a tunnel through the tree so that cars could drive right through it. Today, they charge $15 per car, or $10 if you’re walking or riding a bike. It’s a popular spot, drawing around 500 visitors a day.

Along the path to the tree, there are tons of creative and whimsical wood carvings, including Bigfoot, bears, a turtle, and even a fun “Exit” sign carved from wood. It’s a really unique experience, and if you’re anywhere near the area, it’s absolutely worth the stop.

There is a ply area where you can climb on or sit in the trees.What makes it even more special is that the property is still owned and operated by the Underwood family, more than a century after they first bought the land.