A Tunnel Through Time
In Leggett, California, an ancient coast redwood stands with a twist—it has a hole carved through its trunk large enough for a car to pass. Known as the Chandelier Tree, this 276-foot-tall giant has attracted curious travelers since the 1930s, when a tunnel was cut through its base.
From Forest to Freeway Attraction
Charles and Hazel Underwood purchased the grove in 1921. By the late 1930s, they created a drive-through experience to draw motorists from the Redwood Highway. With a 6-by-6.75-foot opening, the tree became a roadside landmark.
An Evergreen Landmark
The Chandelier Tree is named for its massive limbs, 100 feet up, which stretch outward like chandelier arms. Measuring 16 feet in diameter and estimated at 2,400 years old, it has withstood centuries of natural forces and human curiosity alike.
Still Standing, Still Drawing Crowds
Today, visitors pay a small fee to walk or drive through the tree, explore the surrounding park, and browse a gift shop. In 2022, the tree was honored with a Traveler’s Choice Award, solidifying its status as a lasting curiosity in California’s redwood country.
Deep in Leggett, California, an ancient redwood tree has something unexpected—a tunnel big enough to drive through.
Known as the Chandelier Tree, this massive coast redwood stands 276 feet tall and has been drawing visitors since a tunnel was cut through it in the 1930s…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/pCvPXjGo3L
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 16, 2025