Hidden Inside Redwood National Park Is The Coastal Tree Grove That Looks Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

Catching a glimpse of the world's tallest trees, towering over 300 feet and living for hundreds of years, is what draws most people to the sprawling Redwood National Park. This parkland hosts the largest surviving blocks of coast redwood trees, thriving in the moist, temperate climate of Northern California's fog-blanketed forests. The lush groves provide plenty of space for visitors who want to drive, walk, or camp in the company of these botanical wonders. This is also precisely where you'll find Lady Bird Johnson Grove – an upland forest of old-growth coast redwoods with a lush understory that, as one visitor who hiked the grove says, makes you feel "like you're walking on a forest cushion."

Perhaps what sets this redwood grove apart from others is its high elevation. Sitting atop an open ridge at 1,200 feet, this area receives more rain, fog, and wind than many other groves — atmospheric conditions that support a variety of understory plants alongside the skyscraper giants. This dense cover of Douglas-firs, rhododendrons, tanoaks, salal, evergreen huckleberry, and delicate ferns growing between the colossal redwoods gives this coastal tree grove a uniquely lush appearance. Add to that the beautiful mist shrouding the needle-like canopies, and you've a fairytale-like setting unfolding right before you. "Beautiful! Go in the morning, 9:30-10, for fog and sunbeams bursting through," writes one past Google visitor.

The grove is named after first lady Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson, an environmental activist and wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. When the national park was designated in 1968, this ancient forest narrowly escaped logging, allowing you today to walk through a pristine ecosystem that has possibly existed for millions of years.

Sometimes the best things in life come in small packages, as evidenced by the quick and easy 1.5-mile loop hike that offers abundant redwood views at Lady Bird Johnson Grove. With gently undulating terrain, hikers of all experience levels can take in the surrounding beauty. The trailhead is also easy to find and is located right off Highway 101 and only a few miles from Orick (a coastal town with uncrowded views and rustic charm). Some reviewers do mention that the road from the highway to the trailhead is narrow and steep; one past visitor wrote, "very windy steep road going up and down, make sure you have decent brakes."

The walk begins with a wooden bridge (pictured above) that leads you to the trail beneath these beautiful giants — setting the scene for your enchanting adventure. As you move along, the fresh, sweet scent of coast redwoods will fill your nose, while the towering redwoods will make you look up in awe. There are 13 stops along the way (which you can interpret using the NPS app) that are great for learning about the redwoods and their history. Plus, there are benches scattered alongside the lush path for when you want to sit and soak in these iconic views. While you'd complete the trail within an hour, it's still best to read up on these ranger-backed tips to stay safe while hiking.

The best time to plan your trip is in the spring – from May to mid-June — when colorful wildflowers bloom, creating beautiful contrast against a canvas of green. Do arrive early to secure a parking space and leave your pups at home, as pets aren't allowed in this delicate environment. For more trails in the area, try this secret yet gorgeous California redwood hike with only 50 permits issued per day.