Speaking of redwoods and dense forests, my youngest son also recently did a hike in Prairie Creek Redwoods in northern California (two weeks before I did). He reported that once he and the kids got away from the road, he's never been in such a quiet place in his life. Even his children (11, 14, 16) were awed into silence!

So if you value the "sound of silence," that's a good place to go!