Updated May 9, 2025 || Original Post October 8, 2016
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 2025: cost is now $15 per car; $10 for bicycles, motorcylces, and walk-ins), 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: $15 per vehicle; $10 for motorcycles, bikes, or walk-ins
**If you are not able to drive your car through, you have the option to pay $10 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 in Northern California. These are the last three remaining drive-thru trees left in Northern 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!
My Favorite Travel Sites
FYI: Find My Favorite Travel Sites Below for Your Trip Planning
I’m attaching some of my favorite travel sites I use to book my trips below! If you use the links below, you’ll be supporting Hello Graciemo’s travel blog at no extra cost to you. I hope you find these helpful for your trip planning! Thank you for your support and Happy Planning!
Flights
I use both SkyScanner and Google Flights to track the best rates for flights. It searches for the best rates from hundreds of airlines to ensure you don’t miss the best deals. You can have SkyScanner and Google Flights send you notifications when flight prices have changed for the specific dates you want to fly.
Accommodations
I love using Booking.com to find our accommodations. You can filter out to your needs
and narrow down the best rates. Plus reviews are helpful when deciding which
accommodations are right for you and your family. Additionally, once you become a
Genius Level Member (based on the level and amount of times you book with
Booking.com), you can receive special discounts.
Airbnb is another favorite for booking our AccommodationS! I stick to places that have
good reviews.
Experiences and Tours
My favorite site to book tours and experiences are with GetYourGuide or Viator. They both have a range of tours and experiences on their website. However, check both sites as one may be sold out and the other may not be.
Rental Cars
I book directly towards the company’s sites to ensure I have the best deals. I compare between Booking.com’s rates and the company’s main sites.
Another option is to also check the rates from your credit card company if they offer travel rewards specials. We like to look at our Chase Sapphire and American Express travel offers as they may offer the best deals and even include insurance as part of the incentive, just double check with them and also the rental car agency if they honor this.
Transfers | Airport Pickups
For Airport Pickups, we have relied on Welcome Pickups for transfers. The drivers are reliable and it’s easy to use the Welcome Pickup Apps to reserve your transfers. Book and find more information here!
Priority Pass
Take advantage of your credit card incentives for travel. Our American Express and
Chase Sapphire offer Priority Pass. From research Platinum Card® from American
Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit
Card allow cardholders to register for Priority Pass Select membership and enjoy access
to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide that participate in Priority Pass.
Hopefully this will help alleviate some of your travel planning! Thanks for reading this! Happy Travels!
– Mo
