Old growth forests, redwoods in particular, help keep our air clean, remove carbon dioxide and store 5 times more carbon above ground than any other type of forest on the planet. To the casual visitor – oh my gosh! These trees are massive. Unfortunately only about 5% of the old-growth redwoods remain today. The 14 mile scenic drive through the forest is beautiful. A separate section of the park, Coastal Drive Loop, is a 9 mile unpaved road along the Pacific Ocean. Beware, potholes are massive particularly after a rain. A hike up Fern Canyon shows the exquisite beauty of a natural garden. As human encroachment on this pristine environment continues the coordination of conservation, preservation and restoration groups must work together to keep this beautiful park from further dissemination.