Winter storms topple iconic ‘Pioneer Cabin’ tree

High winds and winter storms in Northern California have toppled the iconic ‘Pioneer Cabin’ tunnel tree, one of the most famous “drive-through” trees in the state.

In the 1880s, the tree was hollowed out by a private land owner, so that tourists could pass through it. The tree was chosen in part because it bore a large forest fire scar.

Like Yosemite’s Wawona Tree, which it emulated, tunneling severely damaged it. For many years, automobiles drove through it as part of the “Big Trees Trail”.

Over the years, the tree became a popular tourist attraction among California’s “Big Trees” wilderness.

On January 8th, strong winter storms toppled the tree, shattering on impact.