Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile drive through the Humboldt Redwoods. The densest and most iconic redwood forest in the world, encompassing over 50,000 acres, with 17,000 acres of ancient coastal redwoods. Humboldt Redwoods State Park is in the heart of the Avenue of the Giants.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park features the most massive redwood trees along the Avenue of the Giants. Including the world’s ten tallest trees, the fallen Dyerville Giant, and one of the last remaining drive-thru redwood trees — the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree.
Serious hikers looking for an all-day walk will be delighted with the trails that meander and wind their way around the park, but those wanting to stay longer can overnight inside the park’s family-friendly campgrounds.
Shrine Drive-Thru Tree
Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is a roadside attraction in Myers Flat along the famed Avenue of the Giants. There is a small fee to drive through the tree, and some treehouses are carved out of redwood tree stumps. There is also a gift shop with souvenirs. Only small cars can make it through the tree. There is a tiny step-through tree that kids will enjoy—13708 Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat, California.
Eternal Treehouse
Another roadside attraction along the Avenue of the Giants is the Eternal Treehouse. Not too much to see here. A small cafe and gift shop attracts customers with a room (treehouse) carved from a redwood tree. Admission to the “treehouse” is free; it only takes five minutes to check out. The Eternal Treehouse is probably not worth a stop. With so much to see and do along the avenue, it’s best to keep driving—26510 Avenue of the Giants, Redcrest, California.
Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center
The Humboldt Redwoods State Park visitor center is a must-stop along the Avenue of The Giants. Inside you will find hands-on exhibits, a gift shop, and maps. Brochures and volunteers that are happy to answer questions about the park. The visitor center is open every year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Founders Grove Nature Trail
Founder’s Grove is a famous and not-too-tricky hike into an old-growth redwood forest. It is located just off Highway 101. The short trail leads to the Founders Tree, one of the tallest trees in the world at 350 feet tall. At the trail’s end are the remains of a fallen giant redwood, the Dyerville Giant.
Franklin K. Lane Trail
Franklin Grove is one of the first points of interest you discover along the Avenue of the Giants from South to North. Located less than a mile north of Philipsville, the half-mile trail takes you through a forest of giant redwood trees.
Big Trees Day Use Area
Big Trees Day Use Area is perhaps the most popular destination in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and is home to the “Giant Tree” and the Tall Tree,” Giant Tree is the world’s most significant coast Tall redwood tree, also known as the Rockefeller tree, measures 360 feet tall. Giant Tree can be seen from the parking lot and is located south side of the creek via an easy hiking trail.
Campgrounds
Humboldt Redwoods State Park features three campgrounds. Burlington Campground has 50 campsites, Hidden Springs Campground has 150 campsites, and Albee Creek Campground has 40 campsites. Most camps have a table, fire ring, and storage locker to keep the bears out and your food in. Reservations are recommended during the summer season.
The North Coast town of Eureka is about 40 miles from the north entrance of the Avenue of the Giants. Eureka is an excellent place to set up a base while exploring this area of Northern California and has quite a few points of interest worth checking out.
Getting There
Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwood State Park can be found 220 miles north of San Francisco. Plan on spending at least one night, if not more, exploring this scenic area of Northern California.
Beautiful redwoods