What you're seeing here are likely California Bay Laurels, also known as Oregon Myrtles, which are native to the western United States. While they might look like ordinary trees from a distance, up close, they reveal a fascinating growth pattern, especially around their base and lower branches. These trees have a distinctive way of growing and adapting, often twisting and branching out in ways that create natural platforms and intriguing spaces within their canopy and root systems. This particular appearance, with thick, gnarled trunks and low-hanging, sturdy branches, is characteristic of mature Bay Laurels that have had the space and time to grow unhindered. They thrive in environments like the Paul Creek Bridge area in San Mateo County, where they can often be found along waterways or in sheltered canyons, creating a dense, almost magical, woodland. The way their roots and lower branches often intertwine and grow close to the ground makes them incredibly inviting for exploration and, as your photo shows, perfect for climbing. For children, these trees become natural playgrounds, offering endless opportunities for imaginative play and developing their coordination and sense of adventure. It's a wonderful example of how nature provides both beauty and function, even in unexpected ways.