World's Largest Western Red Cedar

Why go

This is the park’s easiest big-tree win: a colossal, centuries-old western red cedar just a short stroll from the car. Even split from a 2014 storm, the girth and presence are outrageous, and it’s a great snapshot of coastal rainforest life (and afterlife).

What you’ll see

• A hulking cedar that was once among the species’ largest, estimated around 1,000 years old and originally over 175 feet tall with nearly a 20-foot diameter.
• The tree now functions as a nurse log—new plants sprouting from the fallen wood—so you get a front-row look at forest succession.
• A small grove of other ancient red cedars and classic moss-draped understory.

Getting there & the walk

Look for the brown “Big Cedar Tree” sign off US-101 between Ruby Beach and Beach 4 near Kalaloch. A short spur leads to a small parking area, and from there it’s only a few hundred feet on a simple path to the tree. Plan this as a quick stop paired with nearby beaches.

Expectation check

Despite the nickname, this is not the current world-record living red cedar—that title sits elsewhere on the peninsula. Still, it’s one of the park’s most accessible giants and remains wildly photogenic, even in its storm-split state.

Practicalities

• The path can be muddy and rooty after rain—waterproof shoes help.
• There are no services at the parking area (no restrooms, water, or trash cans).
• A wide-angle lens makes photos easier; it’s tough to fit the whole trunk otherwise.

Wildlife

No spot-specific sightings are typical in reports, but these forests commonly host birds, deer, and small mammals—keep your eyes and ears open along the short path.

Best time to visit

• Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer folks.
• It’s generally less crowded than the park’s headliner stops, but summer weekends see more drop-ins.
• Year-round is fine; expect wetter, muddier conditions in fall and winter.