Avenue of the giants
The Avenue of the Giants[1] is a world-famous scenic highway in Humboldt County, California, United States. Running through the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the route is 31.59 miles (50.84 km) long and is widely considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world due to the ancient Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests that tower over the roadway.2
Overview
The Avenue of the Giants is a former alignment of U.S. Route 101 and is currently designated as California State Route 254. It runs roughly parallel to the modern U.S. 101 freeway, following the meandering path of the South Fork of the Eel River.
The route was bypassed by the modern freeway in 1960 and was formally named "Avenue of the Giants" to preserve the scenic experience for travelers. The road passes through more than 51,000 acres of redwood groves, including the largest remaining stand of virgin (old-growth) coastal redwoods in the world.
Sights and Things to Do
The Avenue offers numerous opportunities for hiking, photography, and "roadside Americana" attractions.
Notable Groves and Trails
- Founders Grove[2]: One of the most popular stops, featuring a 0.5-mile loop trail. It is home to the Founders Tree (346.1 ft tall) and the Dyerville Giant, a massive redwood that stood 362 feet tall before falling in 1991.
- Rockefeller Forest: Located just off the main Avenue on Mattole Road, this 10,000-acre grove is the largest contiguous old-growth redwood forest in existence. It is known for its cathedral-like atmosphere and the Rockefeller Loop Trail.
- Gould Grove Nature Trail: A flat, ADA-accessible loop located directly across from the Park Visitor Center, showcasing trees over 300 feet tall.
Unique Attractions
- Shrine Drive-Thru Tree[3]: Located in Myers Flat, this is a privately owned, naturally split tree that allows visitors to drive their vehicles through the trunk.
- The Immortal Tree: A 1,000-year-old redwood that has survived a 1908 logging attempt, a lightning strike that removed its top 45 feet, and the devastating 1964 flood.
- The Living Chimney Tree[4]: A hollowed-out living tree that visitors can step inside, located in Phillipsville.
- Humboldt Redwoods State Visitors Center[5]: an interpretive center providing information and resources for park visitors.
Recreation
The South Fork Eel River runs alongside the road, providing numerous "swimming holes" and spots for fishing and kayaking during the summer months.14 The Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, located near Weott, features a natural history museum and the "Travel Log," a 1920s-era mobile home carved from a single redwood log.15
Communities
Several small, historic hamlets are located along the 31-mile stretch. These communities originally served the timber industry but now primarily cater to tourism.
| Community | Key Features |
| Phillipsville | The southern gateway to the Avenue; features the Living Chimney Tree and river access. |
| Miranda | Known for its artistic community, the historic Miranda Gardens Resort, and local cafes. |
| Myers Flat | Home to the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree and several family-oriented campgrounds. |
| Weott | Located near the Park Headquarters. It was largely relocated after being destroyed by the 1964 flood; a "High Water" pole marks the flood's crest. |
| Redcrest | A popular stop for gift shops and the "Eternal Tree House." |
| Pepperwood | The northernmost community, known for its proximity to fertile farm stands and the Drury-Chaney hiking trail. |