Elusive creature went unseen for decades in CA woods — then emerges to ‘bask’ in sun

Thirty years ago, the turtle sightings at Muir Woods National Monument in California suddenly stopped.

Then, on a sunny day in July 2024, a volunteer with Golden Gate National Park Service spotted one that officials said had endured a grueling journey.

“The first turtle documented in Muir Woods in three decades!” GGNPS said in a post on Instagram.

The elusive reptile appeared to be relaxing, enjoying the warmth of the spot he’d chosen.

“Sunlight, beaming down through the tree canopy and seeping into Redwood Creek, drew him out to bask on a logjam,” GGNPS said.

According to GGNPS, there are only two remaining native freshwater turtle species left in California. This one is a Northwestern Pond Turtle , a species found throughout California and the Pacific Northwest that can live up to 50 years.

According to SF Gate, this particular turtle had been seen before, but far away from Muir Woods . He was rescued as a hatchling by a wildlife hospital when his mom was hit by a car.

His sudden appearance in Muir Woods this July is a sign of two exciting things, experts say.

First, it means that this turtle braved a “herculean” voyage five miles upstream over a period of two months, GGNPS explained in their announcement. With two-inch legs, this is quite a feat.

Second, it means the years of restoration efforts both upstream and downstream along Redwood Creek have been successful.

If this turtle could speak, he “would have stories to tell about the restoration of Redwood Creek in Muir Woods,” GGNPS said.

Muir Woods National Monument is in Mill Valley, about a 15-mile drive northwest from San Francisco.

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