The Chandelier Tree, a coast redwood in Northern California, is one of the most popular roadside attractions in the United States. Located in a private park along the Redwood Highway, this landmark draws millions of visitors hoping to capture a unique photo driving directly through its massive trunk. Public interest often raises questions about its present state. This article confirms the current status of the Chandelier Tree and provides practical details for visiting.
The Current Status of the Chandelier Tree
The Chandelier Tree is still standing, healthy, and fully operational as a drive-thru tourist attraction in Leggett, California. Despite the physical alteration to its base, the tree continues to thrive. The persistent question about its survival is largely due to confusion involving another famous tunnel tree.
In January 2017, the Pioneer Cabin Tree in Calaveras Big Trees State Park fell during a severe winter storm. This incident led to confusion, as many feared similar redwood attractions might have been lost, but the Chandelier Tree was unaffected. The private park remains open year-round, and the tree’s health is monitored.
The History Behind the Drive-Thru Redwood
The Chandelier Tree is a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), a species renowned for its height and longevity. This specific specimen stands approximately 276 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of about 16 feet. Its nickname comes from its enormous limbs, which emerge about 100 feet up the trunk, resembling a large, branching light fixture.
The tunnel was carved into the redwood in 1937 by the Underwood family, who owned the grove. This was an intentional effort to create a unique roadside attraction for automobile tourists. Creating “tunnel trees” was a popular, though environmentally questionable, trend in the early 20th century before conservation ethics were established.
The opening was cut to measure around 6 feet wide and 6 feet 9 inches high, designed to accommodate the narrower vehicles of the era. The Chandelier Tree replaced the Coolidge Tree, a previous tunnel tree that deteriorated after its tunnel was enlarged in 1925. It has survived decades with a hollowed core due to its intact cambium layer and robust root system.
Planning Your Visit
The Chandelier Tree is situated in the private Drive-Thru Tree Park in Leggett, California, just off U.S. Highway 101. This location is accessible for travelers driving the Redwood Highway through Mendocino County. The park is generally open every day from 8:30 a.m. until dusk, closing only for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
There is an admission fee to enter the park, typically charged per vehicle. The cost is approximately $15 per standard vehicle, with a lower rate for motorcycles, bicycles, or walk-in visitors. This fee grants access to the famous tree and surrounding park amenities, including picnic areas and hiking trails.
Prospective visitors should note the precise dimensions of the carved opening before attempting the drive-through. The tunnel measures about 6 feet wide and 6 feet 9 inches high, meaning most modern trucks, SUVs, and large recreational vehicles will not fit. The park provides a bypass route and parking for oversized vehicles, allowing all guests to still walk through the historic opening and take photographs.