I love to visit the Redwood National & State Parks during my winter break. Even though I have visited these parks multiple times, the feeling I get while walking under these immensely tall trees never ceases to amaze me. My husband and I walk the trails, take photos, and quietly feel the forest. Today I want to share some of my photos, sketches, and the recent notebooks I made from one of the drawings I did there.
Reaching toward the sky
The 300 miles on Hwy 101 to the Redwood Parks is one of the loveliest drives. On that stretch, it often rains during winter months. I LOVE driving there in the rain while listening to a favorite audio book. This national park is actually a collection of California state parks set along highway 101. Each park is beautiful and different in its own way. There are trails that go off to the beach too, but we always stay on the forest side.
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
In the shelter of the large ones
The forest is full of other wonders as well. Sometimes small shrubs grow high up on old redwood trees. One time I found this one tree “curled up” on a shelf created by a large forked redwood tree. Ferns and lichen grow on maple, and clovers and other small trees grow on and around fallen trees. Milkmaids are usually the first wildflowers to bloom in the woods.
After a storm
Passing rainstorms often turn the forest into a magical place. This was one of those fleeting moments when the clouds and the sun were in just the right places.
I was really sick when we visited last time. I was not allowed to do any hiking; only short, safe walks. On one of those trails, I found this little fungus. I decided to come back the next morning with my tripod to take a photo before driving back home. However, next day there was a downpour. As there was no unsettling wind, we bundled up in our rain-clothes, took my huge umbrella which has weathered many a storm (for the camera, not for us), and headed up the trail. It was even darker in the forest that day than the previous day. My husband held the umbrella over our heads while I set up the camera. I may have been sick, but I got my photo.
This is an extremely narrow and twisty road that goes through one of the parks. We always pack up some tea and snacks, and spend a late afternoon there until nightfall. It gets eerily quiet as the looming darkness envelopes the forest, and the towering trees start to look even taller. I love to play around outside. However, during that late twilight-to-dark hour, I am always glad to have the shelter of our car. My husband reads, and I draw the redwoods if I am not also reading.
I finished this drawing during one of those afternoons. I am very shy about drawing with people around. However, when I am on my own, I rather enjoy drawing what I see in front of me. Once I finished the preliminary drawing with pencil, I inked it with a Fude fountain pen.
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
I started making a series of notebooks & sketchbooks of National Parks with my drawings of not-so-iconic views on the cover. I chose this drawing for the Redwood Trail book. I am now making the books with ultra thick and smooth paper. They are great for writing and artwork with any dry media like ink and marker.
The books are fastidiously handmade by me. They are all hand-stitched and hardcover with french fold. The cover board wraps over the edge into the inside of the books making them look stylish and elegant. You can purchase the notebooks from my shop.
I am using one of those books for my art journal. A couple of years ago on our anniversary, my husband and I walked on a 7-mile redwood forest trail that is closer to our home. Later on, I filled in the empty space on this page with the drawing of this tree. Please excuse the slanted lines, that’s my attempt at obscuring my scribbles. Joining Art Journal this month.
A few more trees and a pair of boot prints.
Read Yosemite in Winter – Photos and Notebooks
Redwood Trail has now joined the Yosemite in Winter notebooks. You can purchase the notebooks from my shop in different colors. I can’t wait to start on the next one. Trying to decide between Arches and Yellowstone. Any thoughts?
I hope you enjoy the photos and the artwork that are inspired by this very special place.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Hosts of linky parties – please grab a photo of you choice for your party. Thank you for hosting!
29 thoughts on “On The Redwood Trail”
Linda April 21, 2026 at 16:00
Gorgeous photos and beautiful art!
Debbie April 21, 2026 at 15:33
when i find a place i love, forest or park, i keep going back. i find i do better in areas that are familiar to me. the images you captured are really so pretty…so magical!! you have a gift, you are an amazing artist. i am a maker, and need peace and quiet when i create or knit!! i adore my knitting group of friends but i get very little knitting done when we knit together!! your books are beautiful!!
Jennifer Wise April 21, 2026 at 14:07
You’re a trooper for doing that while sick, but what gorgeous photos!! WOW!! I have been to many forests and national parks along the west coast, but I have yet to go to Redwood National Park, and it’s on my list. So, so beautiful. Visiting from the Wednesdays in the Studio linkup.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) April 21, 2026 at 09:30
When I first heard about the Scandanavian custom called Forest Bathing, the redwood trail was the first place I thought of. We walk in forests pretty often (or sort-of jungly places, here in Florida) but usually on Boardwalks nowadays — the Redwoods when we walked and drove there was special.
Ruth April 20, 2026 at 17:55
Your photos are beautiful. I would love to visit the redwood parks someday, even though they are so far away. Never say never, right? #mmbc
Erika N April 20, 2026 at 14:52
What a fabulous post. I not only love you journal cover (nicely done!), but you also have some fantastic photos. I’ve visited the redwoods a couple of times and you are right about how amazing they are. That after the storm photo is just magical. Thanks for joining Gillena at AJJ, and have a super new week too. hugs-Erika
Carol on the Lake April 20, 2026 at 05:56
I love all of your art, but your inspiration today is one of my most favorite natural locations I’ve visited. The giant redwoods seemed so ancient and wise and I felt like a speck next to them. Lovely post. #MMBC
Lisa | Handmade in Israel April 20, 2026 at 01:34
Your notebooks are adorable, and the photo of the little fungus is incredible. Thank you for sharing the story behind it.
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs April 19, 2026 at 11:18
I always love reading about your redwood adventures, Soma. You have captured so many beautiful snippets of nature.
Have a lovely week. xx
Amy Johnson April 18, 2026 at 04:11
I would love to visit the Redwood Forest, it’s just so far away for me. Your photos and illustrations are gorgeous.
Eileen April 18, 2026 at 01:50
Hello,
I loved visiting the Redwoods Nat’l Park, the trees are beautiful.
I loved all your sketches, well done!
Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
Conniecrafter April 17, 2026 at 18:35
I would love to see the Redwood forest, maybe some day. Your pictures are wonderful. Your adventures in getting that photo reminds me of my husband wanting to get a particular picture :) Your notebook covers look wonderful!
an artist reflects April 17, 2026 at 14:37
Beautiful photography and awesome notebooks ~ Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects
Dixie April 17, 2026 at 07:26
A wonderful adventure into the majestic redwood forest…
Amazing little fungus.
I agree. It’s not easy to bring out art supplies with people about.
Such a beautiful notebook drawing, Soma.
Kim Carberry April 17, 2026 at 07:16
What wonderful photos! You caught nature at it’s best! The fungus is stunning and what an ordeal to get the photo.
Gillena Cox April 17, 2026 at 04:32
Gorgeous tree photos and drawings
Happy Friday
Thank. you for linking to AFFF
much love
Christine April 17, 2026 at 03:17
Lovely work
Photo Cache April 16, 2026 at 19:42
I love these tall trees, how peaceful it feels walking under them.
Jim, Sydney, Australia April 16, 2026 at 14:13
Great shots.
Mary April 16, 2026 at 13:01
You have captured the area so beautifully. Your persistence to get the fungus photo paid off. That is so detailed and glorious. Your redwood sketches turned out so well too.
Joanne April 16, 2026 at 11:52
Your photos are stunning!
Pat April 16, 2026 at 11:35
The redwood trees are spectacular! How fortunate you are to ve able to visit them often. Your sketcbooks are lovely. I will keep them in mind when I need a gift.
Peter B. April 16, 2026 at 11:17
Gorgeous photos. It’s like walking amongst giants!
Karen Goad April 16, 2026 at 11:12
beautiful – do you always go on new to you hikes or do you have a favorite you like to do more than once.
Kim April 16, 2026 at 08:33
You obviously have a deep love and reverence for the redwoods, and it comes through in how you capture and record your experiences. I was fortunate enough to visit the redwoods outside San Francisco ~20+ years ago now, and I still remember the awe I felt. But also their quiet solidity. Magical.
Nicole/DVArtist April 16, 2026 at 07:16
I have been to the redwoods many many times and your photos and art capture the beauty and mystery of the area. Thank you for sharing it all. Have a very nice day.
Debra She Who Seeks April 16, 2026 at 06:11
Your Redwood Trail drawing is exquisite, as is your photo of that stunning fungus!
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal April 16, 2026 at 04:48
Soma your photos are breathtaking! How nice that you live within driving distance to those magnificent forests. I don’t like creating in front of people either, I get too distracted and don’t like explaining myself – lol! I can’t remember – have the girl and her cat seen the Redwoods? I haven’t been to either Yellowstone or Arches, both are beautiful. But there is something ancient and mysterious about the canyons and mesas and cliffs of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and I’m drawn to those areas.
Cat April 16, 2026 at 00:58
Such beautiful pictures (I’m convinced that’s a dinosaur in one ;-))!
It must be great for the soul to visit there.