You’re likely to have your own bucket list of travel dreams whether you’re a Millennial, GenXer, or Boomer, and California is likely to be one of your destinations in the U.S. (AARP.org). If you haven’t put the Avenue of the Giants on your bucket list yet, you should – it’s one of the “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”!
We at The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel are happy to show you the way – our location in Fortuna, just 14 miles north of the northern entrance to the Avenue, is a great home base for exploring not just the Redwoods, but Humboldt’s parks, rivers and beaches. The famous Avenue of the Giants scenic drive lies within the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, over 50,000 acres of the largest contiguous stand of old growth redwoods in the world. It’s just 15 minutes to the northern entrance at Pepperwood/Jordan exit of 101, where you can pick up an auto map, and let Route 624 transports you back thousands of years to the magnificent towering groves along the Eel River.
Every curve on the 31 mile route brings a new viewpoint. When you want to get closer to the Avenue’s groves, you’ll find many well-marked and maintained trails – they vary in length and difficulty, so there are plenty of options for both novices and seasoned hikers.
Just past Redcrest, stop at the Founders Grove. An easy, ADA accessible trail leads to the Founders Tree, dedicated to everyone who established the ‘Save-the-Redwoods League” a century ago. Farther along the trail lies the fallen Dyerville Giant, a 2,000 year old tree 17 feet in diameter and 200 feet taller than Niagara Falls – named the ‘Champion Coast Redwood’ until it fell in 1991.
Be sure to spend some time at the Park’s Visitors Center, two miles south of Weott. You’ll find exhibits that interpret the redwood environment, its plants, animals, and rivers, as well as a theater, library, and gift shop, plus a great place for a picnic lunch. During summer months, ranger-and naturalist-led interpretive programs include guided nature walks highlighting both natural and cultural history.
Humboldt Redwoods Visitors Center, Weott, CA
Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas – entrance to the Park is free
Hours: April-September 9:00 am – 5:00 pm October-March 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: 707-946-2409
Four miles south of the Visitors Center is the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree at Myers Flat. Mother Nature began hollowing this chimney tree’s trunk, perhaps after being struck by lightning over a century ago, then human hands enlarged it to its current 7 by 7 foot dimensions. Be sure you know your vehicle’s measurements before you try it!
13078 Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA
Closed in winter. Admission fee.
Phone: 707-943-1975
We know you’re seeking the natural beauty and ecology of the Redwoods and the Avenue of the Giants means you’ll appreciate The Redwood’s certification as the only GreenLeader™ Hotel in the area. When you stay with us, you’ll experience not only exceptional hospitality but a special sense of the place, from local jams and honey at our complimentary full breakfast to décor that features local murals and recycled redwood wainscot in our lobby. We look forward to helping you plan your trip to the Avenue of the Giants, so give us a call today.
To learn more about the ecology of the Redwoods and their flora and fauna before you arrive, visit the Ecology of the Coast Redwood website, and if you can’t wait to see “the tallest living things on the planet,” visit the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Center website for a time-lapse trio down the Avenue of the Giants.
Image courtesy of Humboldt Lodging Alliance
