The Redwood National and State Parks are truly one of the most unique places in the United States. Hugging Route 101 on the Northern most coastline of California, the park gets its name from the Redwood, the tallest trees in the world which can reach unthinkable heights of over 360ft and weigh more than 500 tons.
Jim and Will Pattiz, the filmmaking brothers behind ‘More Than Just Parks’ spent several weeks exploring the gigantic trees, which live in a unique ecosystem that backs up to the rugged California coastline. The park is also home to the largest herd of Roosevelt elk on the planet. So obviously, the filmmakers had plenty of vibrant green landscapes to play with, as apparent on their filming locations map.
I sat down with Jim to discuss the film and what makes Redwood National Park so special.
What sets Redwood National Park apart from the other west coast National Parks?
That’s easy! Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world. Period. There is nothing else like it on the planet.
What does it feel like the first time you turn your head skyward to look up at those massive Redwood Trees?
It’s a sight every American deserves to see at least once. They are the tallest living things on earth. Magnificent ancient trees, soaring into the sky, it strains the neck to try and gain an appreciation for them. Set against a forest of deep greens and little red pathways, these giants can make for a truly magical national park experience.
Many of your shots have beautiful sun flare and light. What do you think is the best time to photograph in the Redwood Forests in the park?
In my experience, the best time is most definitely sunset. Strolling through a grove of those giants in the last hours of daylight presents incredible photo opportunities nearly everywhere you look. It’s really cool when you can get rays of golden light streaming in through the canopy and bathing the sides of the huge trees in gold and red before reaching the deep green forest floor.
The Redwoods are a unique part of the California coast, and as‘More Than Just Parks’ shows us, the perfect place to simply wander and get lost.
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