Tharp's Log

Historical landmark · Tulare County

Tharp's Log

Historical landmark · Tulare County

1

Sequoia National Park, California 93262

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Tharp's Log by cynthiaphung (Atlas Obscura User)
Tharp's Log by cynthiaphung (Atlas Obscura User)
Tharp's Log by cynthiaphung (Atlas Obscura User)
Tharp's Log by cynthiaphung (Atlas Obscura User)
Tharp's Log by daveynin/cc by 2.0
Tharp's Log by cynthiaphung (Atlas Obscura User)
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null
Tharp's Log by null

Highlights

Historic cabin built inside a fallen giant sequoia tree  

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Sequoia National Park, California 93262 Get directions

nps.gov

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Sequoia National Park, California 93262 Get directions

nps.gov

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Last updated

Sep 3, 2025

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17 Wonders of America's National Parks

"This curious cabin is nestled along the Crescent Meadow Trail in Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest. Hale Dixon Tharp, who is considered to be the first non-Native American to enter the Giant Forest, built the structure. Yokut guides first led Tharp to the Giant Forest in 1858. He established a summer cattle ranch next to a nearby meadow. There, he also transformed a fallen Sequoia tree into a cabin. Fell used fire to hollow out 55 feet of the 70-f00t-long trunk. He built the front of the cabin into the log, and used the felled tree as part of the structure. The rustic abode even contains a fireplace, a door, and windows.  Tharp’s Log had been used as a shelter by many early pioneers, including John Muir, America’s most well-known conservationist, who called it a “noble den.” In 1875, Muir stayed at the cabin as he was exploring the forests in his early years. Today, hikers can take a short hike in Crescent Meadow to see this cabin, which still contains an old bed, table, and bench." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/hidden-wonders-national-parks
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Helen Marquis

Google
Cool part of history - a cabin built inside a fallen giant. Sadly a number of visitors have decided to carve their names into it, spoiling it somewhat. Still worth visiting, especially as it's on a great trail.

KICKING ROCKS CLUB

Google
It’s cool to check out if you’re doing the loop around here but I wouldn’t set out just to see this. We went from Eagle View Lookout, to Tharp’s Log, to Chimney Tree, and back.

Angel Calaguas

Google
Such an innovative cabin made from a fallen Sequoia tree! The walk through Crescent Meadows to get here was just beautiful. Only about 0.8 mile trail (one way) with a paved path. We went later in the afternoon on Labor Day and the trail was relatively quiet & peaceful. Note: We were not able to drive ourselves and had to take the shuttle to this area since the road to get here was very narrow and it was a busy day in the park.

Brendan Kiely

Google
A very cool historic landmark with some amazing near by scenery. Probably the best home location in the national park. This small home inside a large log is right next to another large open meadow with some great views. A very interesting site to see and well worth the mile hike.

Kevin Wang

Google
Really cool log that used to also be someone’s house. You can peek inside to view the interior and the log itself is still largely unchanged on the outside.

Ben Liao

Google
the well marked trail by Crescent Meadow to Tharp's Log is truly spectacular. the views of the serene meadow between towering trees is almost mystical and and if you like tiny homes like my daughter and I, this is the trail for you!

Andy Vogt

Google
Incredible history behind this landmark. The entire Crescent Meadow is beautiful. Come early in the morning to have a great chance at seeing bears.

Tyson Brown

Google
So rad! Such a cool story and awesome remnants from such a historic narrative. Easy less than one mile walk to get here.
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Michael B.

Yelp
This is a beautiful meadow accessible by car into a nearby parking lot but that has extremely few spaces. A vault restroom is available. Your best bet to get here is by taking the free park shuttle in the summer or by hiking here in winter when the parking lot and shuttle are closed. This is the perfect place to read a book or relax. You can finish the entire trail loop in an hour if you continuously walk. Just don't rush, it's a pretty place.
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Marisela V.

Yelp
It's a short walk to the Crescent Meadow viewpoint, and there was plenty of parking available during our visit. This is also a shuttle stop when the service is running, making it a convenient spot to explore.
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Tony H.

Yelp
Probably the most laid back hike in sequoia. The shuttle bus 2 goes around to where this hike is, most people only take that shuttle up to Moro Rock so this area is fairly quiet and not crowded. Our shuttle drive mentioned there are usually Bear sightings along this area (we happened to see one and it's cub while we were here). There are a couple different loops you can do around the meadow or to Tharp's cabin that range from 2-3 miles. Some of the other trails in the park connect up here as well. Either way if you're looking for a nice peaceful place in the park, this is the spot.
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Alex D.

Yelp
There are two paths to get to this meadow....you can park in the parking lot directly outside this meadow and walk a tiny distance, less than half a mile, to see it, or you can take the long pathway there, starting at The Congress trail, which connects to the Crescent Meadow trail. In the second case, with the longer trail, you NEED to start in the morning because you will end up hiking a total of like 25-30 miles. It is a beautiful meadow, but it is full of mosquitoes that will eat you alive. Also, this is one of the top places in all of the park that people encounter bears, so be aware and prepared. Know what to do if you see a bear. Research ahead of time. Bear spray is illegal in California, so that's not an option here. You might also see deer here. I saw deer. I wish I had brought mosquito spray, though.
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Jacqueline T.

Yelp
This was probably my favorite hike we did at Sequoia. It's very secluded. While there were a decent number of cars in the parking lot, we only saw two other people on the trail. I loved the combination of the meadow with huge trees in the forest. We hiked the crescent meadow trail then went off on the log meadow spur to Tharp's Log and Chimney Tree before heading back to the parking lot. It was maybe a 2 mile hike. The trail was pretty flat and easy. I would definitely recommend stopping here in Sequoia.
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sherry u.

Yelp
What an awesome experience. My daughter said I found Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood... well, not quite but what a treat! Great easy hike. Gorgeous trees, interesting history, and a bear sighting- what a great experience. Loved everything about it. How cool to actually stand inside a tree ( chimney ) and to see how the first euro American built a home from a log (Tharp's log) such fun.
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Charlene M.

Yelp
This is an easy hike/walk with a beautiful payout. I don't know if it's because of all the rain we had this year in Cali, but the meadow was insanely GREEN and lush. Worth a venture 'round the meadow. Tharp's log is cool too. We hiked all the way around the loop and it was perfect
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Xiaoting X.

Yelp
To get better view and see the deers you would need to get on high sierra trail that's next to the crescent meadow. About another 1mile more but totally worth it and the eagles view is also just a few steps away.
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Don P.

Yelp
Holy cow this place was pretty. It takes a little driving up a windy narrow (common fare at Sequoia Natl. Forrest) and the parking lot is kind of small. If you can, take the free shuttle. Anyways I went to both Crescent Meadow and Tharps Log and it was well worth the walk. We experienced critters, bugs, trees, plants, and plenty of fresh air. It's not too hilly and the paths are well marked. Don't go off trail as that isn't cool. The only critter we didn't see were bear, however, we've heard some can be spotted in the meadow. Highly recommended in my book.
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Shopno P.

Yelp
This is a beautiful house. I do not think that someone dislikes. We were for all this rain because this year was still, but Medo was a great green. One was very quiet and perfect around one.
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Vanessa R.

Yelp
This was by far the easiest hike in the park. It stays pretty flat and there is a lot of shade from the trees. If you want an easy trail for the first day, check this one out.
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Tiffany V.

Yelp
Beautiful, easy walk. My boyfriend and I moseyed along enjoying eachothers company. We saw tons of wildlife along the way, and after reaching the log we continued on to Chimney Tree. We didnt see anyone the entire time, which made the hike even more relaxing.
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Chris K.

Yelp
Beautiful trail. Our 3.5 walked it by herself no problem. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery including some very big trees, small streams and the meadow itself.
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Matthew J.

Yelp
This is one of the best easy hikes in Sequoia. A wonderful level path around a beautiful meadow that ends at a fallen sequoia tree that doubled as a home for Hale Tharp, a rancher that lived there in the summer from 1861 until the National Park was formed. Keep a keen eye out for deer and sometimes bears.