Klamath Tour Thru Tree

The Klamath Tour Thru Tree is a Coastal Redwood tunnel tree located off California State Route 169 in Klamath Glen. This particular tree is 167.54 feet high which makes it far smaller than the more famous Chandlier Tree in Leggett. The Klamath Tour Thru Tree was carved during May 1976 which allows it to facilitate passage by larger vehicles than the Chandlier Tree. The Klamath Tour Thru Tree is one of the most popular tourism spots in Del Norte County and draws approximately 60,000 vehicles annually.

Part 1; the history of the Klamath Tour Thru Tree

The Klamath Tour Thru Tree is located off of California State Route 169 near the interchange with US Route 101 in Klamath Glen. The tree is a 167.54 foot high Coastal Redwood which was part of a grove spared when the area around Klamath Glen was logged in 1967. The Klamath Tour Thru Tree is thought to be approximately 750 years old.

In May 1976 retired Air Force Major and Del Notre County Supervisor Harold A. Del Ponte hired two of his nephews to carve a tunnel into what became the Klamath Tour Thru Tree. The tunnel was 7.33 feet wide by 9.50 feet high which made it large enough to accommodate most modern automobiles.

Del Ponte offered his nephews $600 in cash each or half the annual proceeds of Klamath Tour Thru Tree. The nephews took the cash offer given they did not see the tunnel becoming a major attraction like the Chandlier Tree to the south in Leggett. The Klamath Tour Thru Tree became a success nonetheless and sees approximately 60,000 visitors annually which made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Del Norte County.

Part 2; a visit to the Klamath Tour Thru Tree

At Post Mile DN R0.175 eastbound California State Route 169 passes by the entrance to Klamath Tour Thru Tree park.

The Klamath Tour Thru Tree can accommodate larger vehicles than the Chandlier Tree, especially in those which are taller. The approach drive is also paved which makes the attraction more reliable open to all-weather conditions throughout the year.

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