A Hidden Chapter of Benbow: The Julia Morgan Redwood Grove & the Lake That Once Was
There’s something quietly magical about standing amongst the towering redwoods at the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove. The filtered light, the hush of the forest, the sense that time moves differently here—it all invites you to slow down and look a little closer. But what many visitors don’t realize is that this peaceful grove was once part of a much livelier scene.
Long before the landscape settled into its current tranquil rhythm, this area overlooked what was known as Benbow Lake.
Benbow Lake view from the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove East Lawn (pre-dam removal)
When There Was a Lake
Benbow Lake was once a defining feature of the property, stretching out below the grove and reflecting the surrounding redwoods like a mirror. It wasn’t just a scenic backdrop—it was a gathering place. Families, guests, and locals alike would spend warm days along its edges, enjoying the water and the sense of community it fostered.
Today, it’s hard to imagine a lake of water where there is now river, open land and forest, but the echoes of that past still linger if you know where to look.
A Personal Connection to the Past
One of our favorite connections to that history comes from Jenny, the estate manager, who learned to swim in what was once Benbow Lake. It’s a simple detail, but it brings the story of this place to life in a way that old photographs and records never quite can.
It reminds us that history isn’t just something that happened—it’s something people lived.
Julia Morgan’s Vision
The grove itself carries the name of Julia Morgan, the pioneering architect known for her work throughout California, including the iconic Hearst Castle. While her architectural legacy is widely celebrated, places like this grove reflect a quieter kind of influence—spaces designed to harmonize with their natural surroundings.
Standing among these redwoods, you can feel that intention. The grove doesn’t compete with nature; it frames it, honors it, and invites people to experience it more deeply.
Then and Now
What makes the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove so special is this layering of time. Where there was once a lake filled with laughter and activity, there is now stillness. Where people once gathered along the water’s edge, visitors now wander shaded paths beneath ancient trees.
Neither version is better—they’re simply different expressions of the same place.
Visiting the Grove Today
When you visit the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove, you’re not just stepping into a beautiful natural setting—you’re stepping into a story. A story of transformation, of memory, and of the many ways a place can evolve while still holding onto its soul.
So next time you find yourself beneath those towering redwoods, take a moment to imagine the lake that once stretched out below you. Picture the reflections, the movement, the life that filled the space.
And then listen closely—you might just feel that it’s all still there, in its own quiet way.