Avenue of the Giants

Stretching 32 miles between Garberville and Fortuna, Avenue of the Giants is one of California's best scenic drives. The road, which travels along Higway 101 on Route 254, is named for our state's magnificent coast redwoods. They happen to be the tallest trees on earth — some reaching up to 380 feet tall and 26 feet wide.

Avenue of the Giants is one of the best places in the state to view these magnificent towering trees, and it's easy to feel dwarfed as you travel down the shaded two-lane highway.

When you enter the park, pick up an Avenue of the Giants map that highlights the route and its attractions. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can camp at Burlington Campground (800-444-7275), Hidden Springs Campground (707-943-3177) or Giant Redwoods RV & Campground (707-943-3198) in Myers Flat. For more modern comforts, check out the Myers Inn B&B (12913 Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat; 707-943-3259).

Our first stop is the Immortal Tree, which is 250 tall and more than 950 years old. Inside the gift shop, you can pick up a map of Bigfoot hunting locations. Apparently more than 200 encounters have been reported in these parts, especially during the summer and fall. They say Bigfoot can get as tall as 14 feet, is a good swimmer, and sounds like a mountain lion — if you believe in that sorta thing.

After checking out the Dyerville Giant and Founders Tree at Founder's Grove in Weott, we head to Myers Flat to squeeze our SUV through the world-famous Shrine Drive-Thru Tree. There are three drive-through trees along the route, and each will set you back about $6. Kids can explore the two-story tree houses, or get lost in the walk-through stump.

Most of the attractions along Avenue of the Giants touristy, but charming. Kids might recognize Garberville's One-Log House (705 US Highway 101; 707-247-3717) from the new show "Gravity Falls." They'll also likely to get a kick out of the Eternal Tree House & Cafe (707-722-4262) in Scotia, and Confusion Hill in Leggett.

The visitor center at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, near the town of Weott, offers several self-guided driving tours, and nature walks and campfire programs are held here during the summer. In May, don't miss the annual Avenue of the Giants Marathon.

• Humboldt Redwoods Park Brochure
• Avenue of the Giants Brochure & Map
  
• Campground Map
• Avenue of the Giants Audio Tour

Avenue of the Giants is located on Route 254 in California. For more information, call (707) 946-2263 or visit http://avenueofthegiants.net


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