A tunnel tree is a large, living tree through the trunk of which a passageway has been carved, typically wide enough for automobiles or pedestrians to pass. These trees, predominantly giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) found in California, were created primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as tourist attractions.
History and Creation
The practice of carving tunnels through living trees emerged during a period of burgeoning tourism and a widespread fascination with the colossal size of California's redwood and giant sequoia forests. The primary aim was to create unique roadside attractions that would draw visitors to specific parks and private groves, offering a novel experience of driving or walking directly through the trunk of an ancient tree. While initially popular, the creation of new tunnel trees largely ceased by the mid-20th century due to growing conservation awareness and concerns about the long-term health and structural integrity of the trees. Carving a tunnel through a tree's trunk, even a very large one, inflicts significant damage to its vascular system, makes it more susceptible to disease and insect infestations, and weakens its overall structure, particularly increasing its vulnerability during storms.Notable Examples
Several tunnel trees became famous landmarks, though some no longer stand:- Wawona Tree (Giant Sequoia): Located in Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park, the Wawona Tree was arguably the most iconic tunnel tree. Carved in 1881, it famously allowed horse-drawn carriages and later automobiles to pass through. It fell during a severe winter storm in January 2017, estimated to be between 1,700 and 2,270 years old. Its collapse was attributed to a combination of heavy snow loads, saturated soil, and the long-term structural weakening caused by the tunnel.
- Pioneer Cabin Tree (Giant Sequoia): Also known as the "Drive-Thru Tree," this sequoia in Calaveras Big Trees State Park was carved in the 1880s. Like the Wawona Tree, it fell in January 2017 during severe weather, likely due to similar factors of age, damage from the tunnel, and saturated soil.
- Chandelier Tree (Coast Redwood): Located in Drive-Thru Tree Park in Leggett, California, this coast redwood was carved in 1937. It stands approximately 315 feet (96 m) tall, and its tunnel measures 6 feet (1.8 m) wide and 9 feet (2.7 m) high. It remains a popular private tourist attraction.
- Shrine Drive-Thru Tree (Coast Redwood): Situated in Myers Flat, California, this tree was carved in the early 1900s. It is also privately owned and continues to be a drive-through attraction.
- Klamath Tour-Thru Tree (Coast Redwood): Located near Klamath, California, this tree was carved in 1976 and is one of the more recently created tunnel trees. It is privately owned and operated.