In the heart of Cantabria, there is a corner that seems taken from a fairy tale. The Sequoia Forest, with its gigantic trees and magical atmosphere, is a place that moves me every time I visit. The first time I walked among these colossi, I felt a mixture of awe and peace that I will never forget. It was among these giants that I took my first walk hand-in-hand with my husband, a moment I have etched in my memory.
History and Origin
The Monte Corona, home to the impressive Sequoia Forest, has been the cradle of numerous species for centuries. Since the 16th century, forestry exploitation rules were established to be applied in the 17th and 18th centuries to meet the wood needs for shipbuilding, ironworks, and, above all, The Royal Artillery Factory of La Cavada.
The devastation caused by diseases and pests, which wiped out more than 5,000 oaks, prompted forestry planning with productivist criteria. Thus, species such as eucalyptus, red oak, Japanese chestnut, and Douglas firwere introduced, with most of the timber destined for the paper industry. The Sequoia Forest was created in the 1940s when sequoias brought from California were planted, a project by the Ministry of Agriculture to experiment with different tree species for reforestation.
Coastal sequoias, the tallest trees in the world, spread across the northern hemisphere during the age of the dinosaurs. However, climate changes confined them to the coastal mountains of California and Oregon, where the temperate climate, humidity, and fog favor their growth. How lucky we are that we also have that type of climate in Cantabria and can enjoy such a magnificent enclave! This favorable climate allows sequoias to grow here, filling the forest with a magical and overwhelming atmosphere.
Step into the majesty of Cantabria’s Sequoia Forest
Upon entering the Sequoia Forest, one cannot help but feel tiny before the majesty of these natural giants, which reach heights of up to 50 meters. The ground, covered with a soft carpet of leaves, crunches underfoot while the fresh air, impregnated with the scent of earth and wood, fills the lungs with a revitalizing sensation. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy of leaves, creating a hypnotic play of shadows and light that gives the environment a touch of magic. Ferns and mosses grow between the trunks, adding extra charm to the already enchanted atmosphere of the place.
The Sequoia Forest of Cantabria covers 2.5 hectares and houses about 850 specimens of sequoias, with an average height of 40 meters and trunks approximately 2 meters in perimeter. Although it is a forest of “baby sequoias” compared to their relatives in California, where they can exceed 1,000 years of age and reach staggering heights of up to 115 meters, like the famous Hyperion in Redwood National Park north of San Francisco, these Cantabrian sequoias never cease to impress us with their grandeur and beauty.
Exploring this forest is a unique experience that connects us with nature in a profound way. The giant trees remind us of the vastness and power of nature, while the tranquility and serenity of the forest envelop us, offering a perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Hiking trails in the Sequoia Forest of Cantabria
The Sequoia Forest of Cantabria offers several well-marked hiking trails around Monte Corona, allowing you to explore the diversity of trees that this magical place houses. A network of paths and itineraries invites you to take short walks, which together total just over 5 kilometers, ideal for admiring the spectacular natural environment.
For those with reduced mobility, the forest has an adapted route, ensuring that everyone, without exception, can enjoy this wonderful enclave. In addition, you will find an area set up for picnics, where you can relax and enjoy the impressive panoramic view of the forest.
With comfortable footwear, you will be ready to let yourself be enveloped by the magic of the Sequoia Forest. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture incredible images full of color and light, which enhance the natural beauty of the place.
This green lung in the heart of our community is the perfect refuge to fill yourself with peace and disconnect from the daily grind. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and majesty of the forest, and let nature renew and inspire you.
How to get to the Sequoia Forest of Cantabria
The best way to explore Cantabria is by car, as we have recommended on numerous occasions. The freedom this provides to reach magical enclaves like the Sequoia Forest is incomparable.
To get to the Sequoia Forest, first take the A-8 Cantabrian highway and continue to exit 249 towards Cabezón de la Sal. This charming forest is very close to this town. Once on the CA-135 road, continue for a few meters and you will find two parking areas perfectly marked where you can park your vehicle.
Getting around by car will allow you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and make stops at other places of interest you find along the way.
Before visiting the Sequoia Forest
🚗 As we always recommend, the best way to get around Cantabria is by car: compare rental options on Discover Cars.
🛡️ We never travel without IATI travel insurance, a must for any trip.
📶 And if you’re coming from outside Spain, a Holafly eSIM keeps you connected from the first minute for checking maps and schedules.
Where to eat Gluten-Free near the Sequoia Forest
If you are looking for gluten-free options near the Sequoia Forest, we recommend heading to Comillas. It is about 10 kilometers from the Sequoia Forest and is a destination you must visit if you are in our beautiful Cantabria.
In Comillas, we can recommend a couple of restaurants with gluten-free options that will allow you to enjoy a delicious and safe meal: El Carel or Quo Vadis. They do not belong to ACECAN, the Cantabrian Celiac Association, so they cannot guarantee against cross-contamination, but they do offer allergen menus and have very conscious and friendly service.
In Cabezón de la Sal itself, right by the forest, Restaurante La Retama has several reviews from celiac diners on Tripadvisor confirming that, if you ask, staff will clearly tell you which dishes contain gluten and which don’t, and that gluten-free bread is available on request. It doesn’t belong to ACECAN, so as always we recommend confirming their cross-contamination protocol on site before ordering.
Read more: Cantabria and Gastronomy: a tour of the best dishes and products
What to visit in the Sequoia Forest area
Do you want to see the Best Monument in the World? Yes, it is in Cantabria. Our community is infinite, not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its world-renowned monuments. Comillas was named the World Tourism Benchmark in 2023, and for good reason. This charming town is a mandatory stop if you make it to the Sequoia Forest.
If you’d like to see it in full detail, you can book your entrance ticket to El Capricho de Gaudí and discover its artificial grottoes and minaret-like tower.
Comillas is not the only jewel in the area. The location of Monte Corona also allows you to visit other fascinating destinations such as Bárcena Mayor, San Vicente de la Barquera, and the cave of El Soplao. Each of these places has its own charm and offers unique experiences that will complement your visit to the forest.
Plan an itinerary that includes these destinations and get ready to enjoy some of the most spectacular places in Cantabria. From the architecture and history of Comillas to the natural beauty of Bárcena Mayor and San Vicente de la Barquera, and the underground wonders of El Soplao, the region offers a wealth of experiences that will make your trip an unforgettable adventure.
👉 If you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else, there’s also a guided day tour that includes the Sequoia Forest itself, El Capricho de Gaudí, Comillas and Santillana del Mar, departing from Santander.
Read more: What to see in Santillana del Mar
The importance of respecting nature in the Sequoia Forest
As I mentioned at the beginning, the Sequoia Forest is a place that holds special meaning for me for personal reasons. I recommend that you don’t miss this corner of reflection and peace.
Every time we visit the Sequoia Forest, I feel an indescribable peace. It is the ideal place to reconnect with nature. I love sitting under the gigantic trees and simply listening to the overwhelming silence. However, sadly, the forest is becoming trendy because some people do not respect nature, damaging these precious colossi with their relentless hugging and taking pieces of bark as souvenirs.
It is crucial that all visitors understand the importance of preserving this unique environment, so that future generations can also enjoy its magic. In the parking area, there is a stand where you can have a coffee or an ice cream and buy souvenirs. From here, I appeal to everyone's conscience to keep this precious place intact.Conclusion
If you ever find yourself in Cantabria, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this magical corner. The Sequoia Forest awaits you with open arms, ready to show you the majesty of nature. You won’t regret dedicating a day to exploring this unique place, where every tree tells a story of decades of growth and perseverance.
If you visit the Sequoia Forest, don’t hesitate and share your experience with the entire Glutendtrotters community! We love it when you tell us your impressions of the visits we suggest.
Together, we can promote responsible and conscious tourism that respects and preserves the beauty of our natural treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the Cantabria Sequoia Forest created?
It was created in the 1940s, when the Ministry of Agriculture planted sequoias brought from California on Monte Corona as part of a project to experiment with tree species for reforestation.
How big is the Sequoia Forest and how many trees does it have?
The forest covers 2.5 hectares and is home to around 850 sequoia specimens, with an average height of 40 meters (some reach 50) and trunks about 2 meters in perimeter.
Is it accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Yes, in addition to the regular network of trails (just over 5 kilometers in total), the forest has an adapted route and a designated picnic area.
How do you get to the Cantabria Sequoia Forest?
By car, taking the A-8 Cantabrian highway to exit 249 towards Cabezón de la Sal and continuing on the CA-135 road, where there are two signposted parking areas right next to the forest.
Where can you eat gluten-free near the Sequoia Forest?
In Comillas (about 10 km away) there are options like El Carel or Quo Vadis, which offer allergen menus. In Cabezón de la Sal itself, Restaurante La Retama has verified reviews from celiac diners confirming gluten-free bread and dishes on request. Neither belongs to ACECAN, so it’s worth confirming their cross-contamination protocol on site.
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