Road Tripping Through the Redwoods

Road Trip Through Humboldt Redwoods

08.17.2017

Tall, majestic, and totally road trip–worthy, the redwoods of Humboldt County are unparalleled. Humboldt Redwoods State Park has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, many of which splinter off directly from the Avenue of the Giants and the Mattole Road, right off of Highway 101. Browse some of the Top 10 Must-See Redwoods and pick your favorite.

It’s easy to hop out of the car and hike amongst the giants. Not to be missed: Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail, home to the famous Dyerville Giant, once the tallest tree in the world until it fell in 1991 with a thunderous crash, leaving a massive crater. Also in Humboldt Redwoods State Park: the Grieg French Bell Grove and the Girdled Tree, a true survivor after being “scarred” a century ago, when 30 feet of its bark was removed and stitched together for an exhibition in San Francisco.

Take a break along the Eel River at the Hearthstone in the Women’s Federation Grove—a four-chimney stone fireplace designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame. And wind down in historic Eureka, with its Victorian architecture, ghostly past, and variety of restaurants and lodging. Discover your perfect redwood road trip itinerary.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View