Humboldt Redwood State Park and the Avenue of the Giants: Redwood Wonders
Photo by depositphotos.com
In the early 1900s, the Save the Redwoods League took a stand against a logging company that was attempting to chop down a towering redwood forest. The Save the Redwoods League argued that cutting into a forest full of trees that were thousands of years old would be akin to destroying a grandfather clock. In 1921, a single grove of protected redwoods became Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Today, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is twice the size of San Francisco.
With over 100 miles of hiking trails and 250 campsites, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is an outdoor lover’s dream. Visitors can hike a low impact trail such as Founder’s Grove Nature Loop—which is less than a mile long and offers a striking view of a downed tree known as the Dyerville Giant which once stood over 350 feet tall. You can also opt for a moderate hike such as Bull Creek Trail North which spans 3.7 miles and winds through a spectacular old-growth redwood forest.
Photo by depositphotos.com
One of the grand highlights of Humboldt Redwood State Park is the Avenue of the Giants. Visitors can drive around a 3.1-mile expanse of ancient, towering trees. You can cruise at a leisurely pace and enjoy majestic sights such as the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree from the comfort of your car, or you can opt to pull over and hike to some spectacular trees that are tucked away in the forest. Motorists often trek to see two magnificent stark white albino redwood trees known as the Christmas Tree and the Spirit Tree—which are located in two separate locales along the Avenue of the Giants.
The Avenue of the Giants also offers plenty of cozy picnic areas where you can eat lunch beneath a canopy of 300-foot-tall trees. Visitors can also swim, fish, or kayak in the Eel River. The Eel River is home to copious amounts of salmon and steelhead trout. In the summer, visitors can enjoy a guided nature walk that explores the history and natural wonders of the Avenue of the Giants.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Photo by depositphotos.com
Photo by depositphotos.com
The magnificent beauty of Humboldt Redwoods State Park is something that every person should aspire to experience at least once. Even if you’re not a diehard nature lover, the sheer majesty of the redwoods is sure to leave you feeling renewed and inspired. Visiting Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a fun, affordable trip that is sure to rank among your favorite travel experiences.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Founders Grove, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California, USA
- Coordinates
- 40.35088, -123.92448
- Access
- The 32-mile Avenue of the Giants traverses the park. Founders Grove has an approximately 0.5-mile accessible nature trail; dogs are not allowed on park trails except service animals. Confirm trail conditions before visiting.
- Admission
- California State Parks currently lists an $8 vehicle day-use rate at Humboldt Redwoods, but fee areas vary; the park infosheet says the park has no general entrance/parking fee except Williams Grove. Check the specific lot before arrival.
- Time needed
- California State Parks suggests allowing about half a day to drive the Avenue of the Giants and explore Founders Grove; the grove trail is about 0.5 mile.
- Best season
- The park is open year-round, and the park association says recreational activities are available in all four seasons; no single best season is specified. Some day-use areas are seasonal, so check the specific destination and current conditions before setting out.
- Opening hours
- The park is open year-round. Day-use areas are generally open 08:00 to sunset. Visitor Center: daily 09:00–17:00 May–September and 10:00–16:00 October–April; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-30
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