THEN AND NOW

The Club House at Cowell's Big Trees - Author's Personal Collection

The Club House at Cowell's Big Trees was built by Milo Hopkins in 1902. Hopkins became the main competition for the Welch family who owned the neighboring Big Trees Grove since 1867.

San Francisco Chronicle, May 21, 1911

Hopkins did not charge an entrance fee. Initially he made money selling meals, souvenirs and postcards. He soon built a set of popular rustic bungalow rentals.

The resort at Cowell's Big Trees was closed by the end of World War II. It is not known when the Club House and the bungalows were removed but there is some evidence that the abandoned buildings were still standing and fenced off at least as late as 1959. If anyone knows when these buildings were demolished, please let me know. Thank you.

The location today of the Cowell's Big Trees Club House - Author's Personal Collection

No trace of the Club House remains today except this large, barren spot on the trail between the Redwood Loop Trail and the Pipeline Trail. Note the worn paths leading up to the railroad tracks. Once a set of wooden steps led visitors down from Big Tree Station to the back porch of the Club House. The bungalows were situated across from the Club House in what today is a wooded area popular for wedding parties.*

* A reservation must be made with park staff to use this area for a wedding.