You can drive through a tunnel carved into a living coast redwood at two locations in Northern California, both on US Highway 101

The two drive-through redwoods are Chandelier Tree in Leggett (Humboldt County) and Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat (Humboldt County). Both trees are still alive, both charge a small fee to drive through, and both sit directly on or within a few miles of Highway 101. Chandelier Tree is the more famous of the two and receives more visitors. Neither tunnel damages the tree — the tunnels were cut decades ago and the trees have compartmentalized the wounds.

The tunnels are wide enough for standard passenger cars and small trucks, but oversized vehicles, RVs, and trailers cannot fit. If you are towing or driving a vehicle wider than about 10 feet, you will need to skip the tunnel and view the tree from outside.

Key Takeaways

  • Chandelier Tree in Leggett charges a fee and is located directly on Highway 101, making it the easiest stop on a northbound or southbound drive.
  • Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat is about 5 miles inland from Highway 101 and charges a separate fee; it is less crowded than Chandelier Tree.
  • Both tunnels are approximately 6 to 7 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet tall, so standard cars fit easily but RVs, trailers, and wide vehicles do not.
  • The tunnels were carved in the 1930s and 1950s; the trees have survived and continue to grow around the cuts.
  • Both sites operate year-round, but roads can close during heavy winter storms in Northern California.

Chandelier Tree in Leggett: The Main Highway Stop

Chandelier Tree sits on the west side of Highway 101 in Leggett, about 200 miles north of San Francisco and roughly 60 miles south of Eureka. The tree is a coast redwood approximately 2,400 years old and 315 feet tall. The tunnel was cut in 1937. A small gift shop and parking area sit beside the highway, and the fee is collected at a booth before you enter the tunnel.

The tunnel is the main attraction, but the site also has a small museum, picnic area, and restrooms. Because it sits directly on Highway 101, Chandelier Tree is the most convenient stop if you are driving the Redwood Coast and want to experience a drive-through redwood without leaving the main route. Traffic is steady, especially during summer and on weekends.

The parking lot can fill during peak season (June through September). Arrive early in the day if you are visiting during summer. Winter weather can occasionally close Highway 101 in this area, so check road conditions before you travel.

Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat: The Quieter Alternative

Drive-Thru Tree is located in Myers Flat, about 5 miles east of Highway 101 (take the Myers Flat exit). The tree is also a coast redwood, and the tunnel was cut in 1953. The site is smaller than Chandelier Tree — it has a parking area, a small shop, and restrooms, but less commercial development overall.

Because it requires leaving the highway and driving inland, Drive-Thru Tree receives fewer visitors than Chandelier Tree. If you prefer a quieter experience and do not mind the short detour, this is a good option. The fee is separate from Chandelier Tree, so visiting both will cost you two separate payments.

The road to Myers Flat is paved and well-maintained, but it is narrower than Highway 101. In winter, this inland road can be affected by snow or ice before the highway itself closes, so check local conditions if you are traveling between November and March.

What Vehicles Can Fit Through the Tunnels

Both tunnels are approximately 6 to 7 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet tall. A standard passenger car, sedan, or small SUV will fit comfortably. Pickup trucks with standard beds also fit. The tunnels have a slight curve, so the driver needs to stay centered, but the passage is straightforward.

Vehicles that do not fit include most RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and vehicles wider than about 10 feet. Some full-size pickup trucks with extended cabs or wide aftermarket bumpers may be too wide. If you are unsure about your vehicle, measure the width and height before you arrive, or call the site ahead of time to ask.

If your vehicle cannot fit, you can still view the trees from the parking areas and take photographs from outside the tunnels. The trees are impressive from any angle.

Fees, Hours, and What to Expect

Both sites charge a small fee per vehicle to drive through the tunnel. The exact amount changes periodically, so call ahead or check the site's current information before you visit. Hours are generally dawn to dusk year-round, though hours may be shortened in winter. Both sites accept cash and cards, though it is wise to have cash as a backup.

The drive-through itself takes less than a minute. You pay at the booth, drive slowly through the tunnel, and exit on the other side. The experience is brief but memorable. Many visitors also spend time in the gift shops, picnic areas, or walking around the base of the trees.

Restrooms are available at both sites. There are no food vendors, so bring snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns. Leggett has a few small restaurants and gas stations. Myers Flat is more remote, so stock up before you arrive if you are stopping there.

Getting There from Highway 101

Chandelier Tree: It is directly on Highway 101. If you are driving north, look for signs on the west side of the highway about 15 miles north of Fort Bragg. If you are driving south from Eureka, it is about 60 miles south. There is a large parking area and the entrance is obvious from the road.

Drive-Thru Tree: Take the Myers Flat exit off Highway 101 (the exit is marked). Follow the signs east into Myers Flat. The drive from the highway to the tree is about 5 miles on a paved road. The site is well-marked with signs along the route.

Both locations are accessible year-round, but winter storms can close Highway 101 or the inland road to Myers Flat. Check Caltrans road conditions (caltrans.ca.gov) before you travel between November and March. Summer traffic on Highway 101 can be heavy, especially on weekends, so plan for slower travel times.

Other Redwood Experiences Nearby

If you are visiting the drive-through redwoods, you are already in the heart of California's redwood region. Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park are all within an hour's drive. These parks offer hiking trails through old-growth redwood groves, which provide a different experience from the quick drive-through tunnel.

Avenue of the Giants (in Humboldt Lagoons State Park) is a scenic drive through a tunnel of redwoods without cutting through a tree — it is a free alternative if you want to see redwoods without paying a fee. The Founders Grove Trail and Tall Trees Grove are popular short hikes in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive through both redwood tunnels in one day?

Yes. Chandelier Tree and Drive-Thru Tree are about 20 to 30 minutes apart by car. You can visit both in a few hours if you are just driving through the tunnels. If you want to hike, picnic, or explore the gift shops, plan for a longer day.

Is the tunnel safe for my car?

Yes. The tunnels are stable and have been in place for decades. The trees have compartmentalized the cuts and continue to grow. Drive slowly and stay centered, but there is no structural risk to your vehicle or safety risk to you.

What if my RV or trailer cannot fit?

You can view the trees from the parking areas and take photographs from outside. The trees are massive and impressive from any distance. Some visitors choose to unhitch a trailer and drive the car through alone, then return to pick up the trailer, but this requires extra time and planning.

Are there other drive-through trees in California?

No. Chandelier Tree and Drive-Thru Tree are the only two living redwoods in California that you can drive through. There are other famous redwoods in the region, but these two are the only ones with tunnels carved through them.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best weather and clearest roads. Summer is the busiest season. Winter is quieter but roads can close due to storms. Spring and fall offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.