Ben’s Cross-Country Trek to the California Redwoods

Recently, Penny Mustard co-founder Ben Huth embarked on a bucket-list cross-country trip to witness some of the world’s most remarkable natural landmarks. Here's Ben, in his own words:

A Journey from Montana to the Redwoods

Every year, my wife, Holly, and I travel to Montana to visit friends who own a ranch. Their ranch, nestled in the rugged, open landscapes of Montana, is home to around 1,150 cows, which they calve each spring. Montana, known for its sprawling prairies and towering mountain ranges, is a place where you can still see the old west come to life—big skies, untouched wilderness, and a way of life centered on agriculture.

Spring is a busy time on the ranch, and Holly and I enjoy spending about a week there each year to help out during peak calving season. Montana's weather can be unpredictable in the spring, with lingering snow and cold temperatures, making ranch life even more demanding. This year, we helped deliver the biggest calf I’ve ever seen—162 pounds! The average calf weighs about 90 pounds, so it was an impressive birth.

Through the Pacific Northwest

After leaving the ranch, we embarked on the next leg of our trip, driving west through Idaho and Washington. These two states offer incredible contrasts—Idaho, known for its vast farmlands and rugged wilderness, and Washington, where the lush greenery of the Cascades meets the sweeping fields of the Columbia River Plateau. As we crossed the Columbia River into Oregon, we marveled at the scenic beauty of this region, with its rolling hills and miles of wheat fields.

Rufus, Oregon, where we stayed for a night, is a small town along the Columbia River Gorge. This area is renowned for its strong winds, making it a hub for wind energy. From our vantage point, we could see hundreds of wind turbines stretching across the landscape. The towering turbines stood in stark contrast to the quiet, rural setting, a symbol of modern energy solutions meeting nature’s untamed beauty.

Exploring the Redwood Forest

Our next destination was Crescent City, California—a coastal town that serves as a gateway to the magnificent Redwood National and State Parks. The redwoods are legendary for their size and age, and seeing them in person was an unforgettable experience. These trees, some of which have been growing for over 2,000 years, stand nearly 400 feet tall. The parks offer visitors a unique glimpse into a prehistoric world, where these giants have stood witness to centuries of history.

Walking through the dense, misty forests, Holly and I couldn’t believe how vast and serene the Redwood groves were. With trees of all ages filling the forest, from young saplings to ancient giants, it felt like we were stepping into a natural cathedral. We also encountered wildlife, including elk, blacktail deer, and even banana slugs—a local icon that has become a quirky symbol of the region.

A Rustic Adventure in the Wilds of Northern California

The Redwoods, with their sheer majesty, were more accessible than we expected. Unlike many national parks, the Redwoods don’t require an entrance fee or parking pass. You simply pull in, park, and start hiking through a landscape that feels both ancient and untouched. The trails were well-maintained but challenging, winding through the steep and lush terrain. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the remoteness, made it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of adventure and serenity.

Missing Yosemite—But for Good Reason

Our plan had included a trip to Yosemite National Park, known for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Yosemite, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. But when we checked the weather forecast, we saw that the park was still covered in snow, which would have made it difficult to experience the park’s full beauty. Winter storms had left much of Yosemite buried, breaking snowfall records and delaying the arrival of its famous spring greenery.

Rather than brave the cold, we decided to skip Yosemite and head home, satisfied with the incredible experiences we’d had in the Redwoods and beyond. Even though we missed Yosemite, our trip still felt complete.

The Biggest Calf and the Biggest Trees

In just two weeks, I witnessed both the largest calf I’d ever seen and the world’s tallest trees. It’s hard to compare the two, but they both left me with a sense of awe at the natural world. These experiences remind me that no matter how much you think you’ve seen, there’s always something new out there waiting to surprise you.

Ben’s story captures the magic of the California Redwoods and the joy of exploration, whether it's helping friends on a ranch in Montana or standing in awe beneath ancient trees. For anyone considering a trip to these natural wonders, it’s worth the drive—and the memories will last a lifetime.