The previous time we were in this part of California we just couldn’t squeeze this wooded place into the itinerary and had had to give it a pass. This time, however, we were on Highway 101 and making our way further north so it only made sense to take that scenic detour. It would have been foolish not to get onto the Avenue of the Giants.
The Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile stretch of road that runs north-south beside US 101 in Southern Humboldt County in Northern California. In fact, it is a scenic alternative along the way.
This avenue through these sky-scraping trees was a part of what used to be called Route 101; that was before the ’60s. The newer 101 in this part of the state sure makes the drive through the area faster but if you take the Avenue of the Giants, the road is more curvy, and the drive is slower thanks to the twists and turns and the single lanes in each direction. And the best part of it — the sights are more dramatic!
The trees literally tower over the road and shelter it from direct sunlight. And you are sure to enjoy the drive through these dark woods. The traffic here is slower and more forgiving. And there are turnouts that allow you to stop, get out of your cars and experience that feeling of being absolutely tiny!
You could also stop to see the Immortal Tree and Founders’ Tree along the route. Also, look out for a view of the Eel River.
What are these tall trees?
This is that kind of tree that makes the tallest trees in the world — The Coast Redwood. Scientifically called Sequoia Sempervirens, the Coast Redwood or Coastal Redwood is also one of the two varieties of redwood trees that has come to also be known as California’s ‘State Tree’ as this coastal giant is native to this state on the US west coast.
How to get to the Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is now State Route 254. It’s less than 20 minutes north of the Grandfather Tree on Hwy 101.
You could set your navigation system/Google Maps to the Avenue of the Giants’ South Entrance if you’re traveling north. (Otherwise look for Avenue of the Giants – North Entrance.)
Have a great drive!
Watch:
A reel from this drive (IG)
A short video from this ‘avenue’ (YT)
More:
Redwoods to see on Tipsy from the TRIP
Linking to —
My Corner of the World
Thursday Tree Love
Would love to ride there!
… and that would be a ride to cherish! 🙂
Thank you for coming this way, Magiceye. 🙂
What a vivid description of the Avenue of the Giants!
The idea of feeling tiny beneath these majestic trees and stopping at sights like the Immortal Tree sounds incredible.
Stunning photos as always, Dee!
Happy Wednesday!
It was a lovely little drive. It ended before I was ready for it to end. 😀 I think I should go that way again!
I was so lost. I later realized I didn’t have proper pictures of the area. That’s a fairly good excuse to go back, no? 😀
Thank you for coming this way, Veronica.
I hope you are having a good week. 🙂
Last time we were passing through, that area was closed due to fallen trees. That is such a beautiful drive. I love all the light and shadow play on the road. Wonderful photos and loved reading about the area on your post.
-Soma
Absolutely! It is a beautiful drive indeed. I’d love to return there sometime.
Thank you Soma. 🙂
I was planning on revisiting this place this summer, but sadly time wouldn’t permit it.
Thankfully it’s an easy for us to get up there. 😉
Ah! this state does have a lot of wonderful places! <3
Cheers M!
I can’t wait to experience a drive or many here. Thank you so much Divya for always bringing joy. I am so grateful I get to see wonders from you. See you around.
I can’t wait to see you here. It’s means we can catchup! 🙂
Thank you for hosting and thank you letting me share my posts through TTL.
I’m so sorry I’m such an erratic participant. 😐 😀
Thanks again, dear Parul. 🙂
Wonderful and humbling experience I am sure! Thanks for sharing these great trees!
Absolutely humbling, Archana. I’ve visited redwood forests more times than I can remember yet every once in a while I feel an urge to go see them.
It’s a pleasure to be able to go see these iconic trees and to be able to share these experiences and photos.
Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
I just commented on mine how hard it is to get good pictures of the magnificent Redwoods. Looking up at t he canopy as you did was a great idea.
Yes! It’s difficult to do justice to these beautiful giants. I’ve picked up some tricks over the years of visiting, them. I’ll do a post on it sometime.
Haha! Thank you, Sallie. I love that view from the bottom, the one that reminds us of how tiny we are. 🙂