Road Tripping Through the Redwoods

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.