Chandelier Tree: 2017 Redwood Drive-Through
A 2017 road trip saw a friend drive an Acura Legend 3,495 miles, visiting one of California's three remaining drive-through redwood trees, the Chandelier Tree.
In 2017, a friend drove a borrowed Acura Legend on a 3,495-mile road trip from Phoenix to the Pacific Northwest, with a key stop at the Chandelier Tree, one of only three such drive-through redwood tourist attractions remaining in California. You can find more about unique travel destinations in our fixtures section.
According to the trip account, the friend, Alex, attended the National Acura Legend Meet in Sacramento before heading north. His journey included stops along the Pacific coast, through Oregon, Idaho, and the Nevada desert. The drive-through tree was a notable highlight on this extensive route.
The Remaining Drive-Through Trees
All three of Northern California's surviving drive-through redwoods are located on private property. The source identifies them as the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, the Shine Tree in Myers Flat, and the Tour-Thru Tree in Klamath. These trees have become famous roadside attractions for motorists.
The Chandelier Tree's History and Specs
The most detailed information concerns the Chandelier Tree in Underwood Park, Leggett. It was named for its distinctive limbs and serves as a memorial to Charlie and Hazel Underwood, who owned the grove from 1922. The tree's opening was carved in 1937 specifically to draw tourists traveling through the area.
The source provides specific figures for this ancient redwood. It stands 276 feet tall and is 16 feet in diameter at chest height. The tree is estimated to be 2,400 years old. An original sign reportedly claimed a height of 315 feet, but modern measurements have corrected this. It is unclear if the tree lost height over the past 90 years. For detailed figures on other attractions, check our stats page.
| Measurement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 276 feet |
| Diameter at chest height | 16 feet |
| Age | 2,400 years |
| Width of base opening | 6 feet |
| Year opening was cut | 1937 |
Driving Through Today
The man-made opening at the tree's base is six feet wide. The source notes that many modern vehicles are too large to fit, leading some visitors to opt for a walk-through ticket instead. The park charges different rates for admission.
| Vehicle Type | Admission Price |
|---|---|
| Auto | $20 |
| Motorcycle, Bicycle, or Walk-In | $15 |
A historical photo from Underwood Park was labeled as showing the "first car through the tree." The trip account includes contemporary photos from the 2017 journey, described as taking place on a drizzly Pacific Northwest day. Other destinations on Alex's trip included Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway near Area 51. The final mileage tally of 3,495 miles was reportedly sent via text message at the journey's end. For more on road trip planning, see our standings of top routes.
