(Humboldt Redwoods State Park)
October 14, 2005 – After leaving Ferndale heading down 101, I opted for the scenic bypass Avenue of the Giants, a 30 mile parallel road that goes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Now THIS is my kind of drive and when I’m especially happy to have such a big windshield (even if it was incredibly dirty)!
The road was plenty big enough for the motorhome with places to pull over to get more up close and personal with the trees.
Like we always love to do! But who could resist hugging these guys???
While there were some spots large enough for a motor home to stop, there were lots of places I wanted to see and couldn’t due to lack of parking. If possible, I’d recommend taking the time to stay nearby and explore this beautiful road slowly in the tow car.
Mom read the history of the tree and said, “At last – something older than me!” Then she said she was glad they warned her against climbing it or she might try. She was such a trip and such a hoot to travel with!
We fell into one of the tourist traps along the way, like this one in Leggett, boasting of the “Drive-Through Tree.” It makes me sad to think of the harm cutting through its heart did to this majestic creature, and I thank God they’re not making any more of these now that we’re a bit more “enlightened” and more interested in preserving their health rather than driving through them. This tree is thought to be about 2,400 years old and is 315 feet high (that’s 30 stories tall!)
Here’s mom waving as we drive through. As you can see, only the smallest cars can make it, but there is parking big enough for RVs and a nice duck pond and picnic area next to the requisite tacky gift shop.
All Malia’s Miles Redwoods pages:
Main page (LBJ Grove) — Jedediah Smith State Park
Newton Drury Scenic Byway (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)
Fern Canyon (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)
Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods State Park)
Trees of Mystery