If coastal redwood trees are left undisturbed, they become the tallest living things on earth. The bad news is that years ago loggers wiped out nearly all these long-limbed beauties in the Bay Area. The good news is that today you can walk among their offspring—second growth redwoods—in the East Bay's best patch of redwoods at Redwood Regional Park. With miles of trails spilling up and down the shady canyon, there's plenty to explore—but relatively few people exploring. Park at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area and hike the mostly flat Stream Trail that parallels Redwood Creek and runs right into the heart of the canyon's redwood re-growth. There are plenty of benches for stopping and savoring the next generation of forest giants.

Directions to the Canyon Meadow Staging Area: From I-580 eastbound in Oakland, take the 35th Ave. exit,; go left and follow 35th Ave. east. This becomes Redwood Rd. Continue 4.5 miles, cross Skyline Blvd., and look for the signs to the park. Pick up a map at the entrance. If inclined, take a side trip up the Fern Trail to the sunny West Ridge Trail. More info here.