Notes: Paul Zahl, also known as Twin Tower, is the world's 17th tallest tree, the 6th tallest tree in Redwood National Park, and the 2nd tallest tree in Tall Trees Grove. The tree was named to honor National Geographic Society senior scientist Paul A. Zahl who, in 1963, discovered Howard Libbey, then the world's tallest tree, in Tall Trees Grove. Zahl's discovery, featured on the cover of the July 1964 issue of National Geographic magazine and in an article in the same issue entitled Finding the Mt. Everest of All Living Things, led to the creation of Redwood National Park in 1968.

Drive: Paul Zahl is 252 mi (406 km) north of San Francisco near the community of Orick.

From U.S. Highway 101 just north of Orick, turn onto Bald Hills Road and drive 7.0 mi (11.3 km) to the Tall Trees Grove Access Road (locked gate: reservation required). Turn right onto Tall Trees Grove Access Road, unlock the gate using the combination code provided in your reservation confirmation email, and drive south 5.2 mi (8.4 km) on the unpaved road to the Tall Trees trailhead parking lot.

Hike: From the trailhead, hike west/downhill 1.4 mi (2.3 km) on the Tall Trees Trail to Tall Trees Grove. Paul Zahl stands just north of a bench near the creek.

View Paul Zahl Tree location in Google Maps

Panorama: Click panorama to take a virtual tour of Paul Zahl Tree

Photos: Pictures of Paul Zahl Tree taken from different sides