Ninety minutes north of San Francisco in western Sonoma County, you can get a different kind of look at the state’s famous coastal redwoods: from the canopy as you whiz through a scenic grove.
Sonoma Zipline Adventures, located in rural Occidental, offers two eco-tour options. Admire the massive redwood trees from below, then climb up the spiral staircase through the branches and zip among some of the tallest trees on earth. Each tour is a little over two hours and includes seven ziplines, two sky bridges between the trees, and a rappel back down to the forest floor. The classic tour (called the Forest Flight Tour) is a bit lower to the ground and offers shorter ziplines, while the Tree Tops Tour sits above it, at 250 feet up, with longer and faster ziplines (1,500 feet long and speeds up to 40 mph). You can also opt for the smaller Forest Flight Tour at sunset or at night—when the view will be more about the stars than the trees.
Once you arrive at Sonoma Zipline Adventures, you’ll be shuttled up to the center to get fitted into your harness and meet your two guides, who will share info about the unique redwood ecosystem before your tour begins.
If you want to extend the experience and sleep among the trees, book a Sonoma Treehouse Adventure. This truly immersive experience—a must for redwood aficionados—begins with an afternoon Forest Flight Tour followed by a guided nature hike to your treehouse (where your bags will meet you). A gourmet dinner and breakfast—both delivered to your door—are included and can be enjoyed on the deck surrounded by trees. The five wooden yurts are perched high above the ground, connected by suspension bridges and wooden walkways. (Don’t worry, there are barriers and fences for privacy, too.) Each treehouse yurt can fit a maximum of four guests. While there is no WiFi or showers, there is a compost toilet and a kitchenette. In the morning, you’ll zipline and rappel your way back out with your guides.
The zipline adventure is the only public activity on the grounds, in partnership with the Alliance Redwoods. Reservations are required. Kids must be over 10 years old and at least 70 pounds.
After your tour of the treetops, try five fun things to do in Occidental and then check out other nearby Sonoma County towns, such as Sebastopol, Bodega Bay, and Santa Rosa. And while you’re in the heart of wine country, consider discovering these Sonoma County Hidden Gems, checking into a nearby luxury resort, going on a unique tour, or exploring more of the area on a road trip.
