Updated January 2022
Day two of our Northern California getaway. After leaving Fort Bragg, we drove along Highway 1 to 101, admiring the many views and not missing a beat to anything remotely unique I’d see along the way. I won’t lie, this road was winding with lots of curves along the way. But, that didn’t stop me from getting giddy and excited about our next stop, making our way to the Redwoods towards the Chandelier Drive-Thru Redwood tree in Leggett, California.
One of the many reasons for planning this trip was this Drive-Thru Tree. It was on the way to our next destination of the Avenue of the Giants and I couldn’t, not make this a pit stop. Having read many reviews, I just had to see for myself if this was a real drive-thru tree. Additionally, I thought this would be a fun stop for the girls to see.
Fun Facts
The Drive-Thru tree park is family-owned that has been run by the same family since 1922. Around the late 1930s, the tree was carved to make it a drive-thru for cars. It is roughly 2,400 years old and 315 feet tall and is still a thriving tree as a whole and a unique treat for visitors to make a pit stop. The tree gets its name from the enormous, higher branches that extend out on either side of the trunks, resembling a chandelier.
When we arrived before 10:00 a.m. and paid our $5 (update 2022: cost is now $10 per car), there was a small line of cars, but it wasn’t too bad. When it was finally our turn, we drove through (our side view mirrors down) and made our way into this tree. It was a tight fit for our mid-sized SUV, but we were able to drive through it. See photos below.
Afterwards, we had some time to browse the gift shop and make a bathroom stop. We brought a small picnic and had lunch while enjoying our surroundings before heading on to our next adventure.
Practical Information
You can’t miss driving through one of California’s icons. It’s only 3 hours north of the San Francisco Bay area. Below, you’ll find some practical information.
Location: 67402 Drive Thru Tree Rd, Leggett, CA 95585, USA
Website: http://www.drivethrutree.com/
Hours: Open Daily 9:00 A.M.- 5:30 P.M. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Cost: $10 per vehicle; $5 for motorcycles, bikes, or walk-ins
**If you are not able to drive your car through, you have the option to pay $5 and park your car in the designated parking area and still admire the tree and take photos.
Amenities: Gift shop, Restrooms, Pond, Picnic area
Pets are allowed
Other Drive-Thru Trees
In addition to the Chandelier Drive-thru tree, there are also two other Redwood Trees that are drive-thru. These are the last three remaining drive-thru trees left in California. Here is a list of the other two:
1.) Shrine Drive-Thru Tree:
Website: https://www.visitredwoods.com/listing/shrine-drive-thru-tree/185/
Address: 13708 Ave of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA 95554
PHONE: (707) 943-1975
2.) Klamath Tour Thru-Tree
Address: 430 CA-169, Klamath, CA 95548, United States
Website: https://visitdelnortecounty.com/attractions/klamath-tour-thru-tree/
Reading from reviews, it looks like it’s an honor pay system and is open 24/7
Final Thoughts
California is known for its iconic Redwood trees, so why not make the stop to drive into one of the three remaining drive-thru trees in Northern California? The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett, California is one not to be missed. And, make sure you take a ton of photos! Until our next adventure!
