Auto Log — Attraction in Exeter

Crescent Meadow Loop is popular road (and hike) in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. It is open to vehicles during the warmer months of the year. However, you can hake the loop year round. One of interesting attractions to see along this route is Auto Log, a giant sequoia that fell in 1917 and served as an early tourist attraction for tourists who visited during the following decades.

After this monarch sequoia fell, an earth mound was built up and along its side to make a ramp for vehicles. The top was also gouged out, creating a flat surface for which cars could be driven upon the top of the tree for tourist photos. You can see old black and white pictures online of early 19th century vehicles atop Auto Log.

These days, Auto Log off limits to such activity. Mind you, it is rather doubtful it could withstand the weight of modern era vehicles. You can pull your vehicle off Crescent Meadow Road, park and have a look. Similarly, if hiking the loop, just stop for a couple minutes to see and learn about Auto Log before continuing onward to the famous Tunnel Log, Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow further...

You can no longer drive on the tree, but it's a great tree to climb up on just off the road. Most park on the road, but there is a small lot located at the level where you...

Another novelty from when people were allowed to drive on top of felled trees. You can't do that now but it is an interesting historical artifact...