Who knew there were redwood trees in southern California?
The northern coast is known for its groves of gigantic redwoods. Its home to the iconic trees that tower over 300 ft high and 20 ft around. Until I get the chance to see them in person, I've found a little piece of that nestled right here in Brea.This grove was planted in the park in 1975, so the trees are relatively young and small, around 100 ft tall. The dry heat of the climate doesn't provide them the ideal environment to grow, but the grove is still beautiful nonetheless. Its cool and shady beneath the redwood canopy and the ground is carpeted with a soft layer of fallen needles and mulch. Ferns spring up through the carpet and circle the tree trunks. It looks quite different here from the native plants beyond the grove.
The leisurely trail is about 2.5 miles round trip. It takes you through a riparian area dotted with California walnut trees that thrive along the perennial creek bed, as they're much better suited to the southern environment. And along the way, helpful signs point the way to the 10-acre grove of coastal redwoods, the largest south of Monterey County.
There's something very peaceful about being in a place like this. It has made me want to see the real deal much more. Maybe I should plan a trip with my Sim to see them this year.
I highly recommend visiting this park if you like the outdoors. Of course you aren't going to be lost in a vast wilderness here; its Brea. But I think Sim and I will return soon, this time to have a barbecue at one of the grills with friends out by the pond in the park.
