The Tunnel Log is a passageway carved into a giant redwood that lies across a road in Sequoia National Park. Seeming to defy logic, the tunnel fulfils the classic childhood dream of being able to actually drive through a tree. Bring your kids along this part of the road to make the journey truly memorable for them.
When a large sequoia tree fell across the road in the late 1930s, rather than expend energy clearing the wooden behemoth, a rectangular hole was cut into the bark to form a tunnel and a visitor attraction.
Snap photos of your friends standing beside the sleeping giant for a sense of its size. While standing, the 2,000-year-old tree was 275 feet (84 meters) tall, with a base diameter of 21 feet (6.4 meters).
Stand in the middle of the tunnel and enjoy the unusual experience of being inside a tree. Take more photos, this time of the forest outside from within the cave-like dwelling.
Drive slowly through the tree, making sure to be aware of other oncoming vehicles and pedestrians around this busy landmark. The hole is 17 feet (5.2 meters) wide and 8 feet (5.2 meters) high, meaning larger vehicles must take the bypass a short distance away.
Speak with nearby rangers about the history and intrigue of the tunnel, which was carved in 1938 using cutting tools and torches. The Tunnel Log often draws comparisons to the iconic Wawona Tree in Yosemite National Park. That tree had a tunnel carved into its base, but fell down in 1969.
The Tunnel Log stands in the Giant Forest part of Sequoia National Park. It intercepts Crescent Meadow Road beside the crossing of Crescent Creek.
Explore the surrounding area for some of the park’s other highlights, including the Moro Rock Trail, the Bear Hill Trail and the Hanging Rock.