A drive near Redcrest leads to the Avenue of the Giants. The route provides access to numerous hiking trails and memorial groves; there are also several spots along the Eel River where fishing and swimming are possible. This lets you shape your stay around different interests: the road itself, a trail through the Redwood forest, or the river each offers a different focus.
The Avenue of the Giants as a Historic Route
The Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile section of the historic Highway 101. It runs parallel to today’s Highway 101 and, over the same distance, parallel to the Eel River. The route is passable for most vehicles. Its historic alignment therefore runs alongside the modern highway rather than being part of it.
Trails and Natural History
Among the accessible hiking trails, the Founder's Grove trail is a specific point of reference: it is level and ADA-accessible. Restrooms are located in the parking lot at Founder's Grove. This gives you a clearly described trail option among the wider selection of trails and memorial groves along the Avenue.
The Dyerville Giant offers a different way to experience Redwood natural history. Before it fell in 1991, it stood 362 feet tall. Visitors can walk the entire length of the fallen tree. The details about its height and fall describe its former shape; the trail along the trunk lets you experience its present, horizontal form.
Eel River and Redwood Forest
The Avenue of the Giants is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Fishing and swimming are possible at several access points to the Eel River. These are independent options alongside hiking: the route is about driving and walking through the forest, while the river access points offer activities on the water. Camping and cycling are also possible activities in the Redwood forest.
Trees and Seasonal Display
The Immortal Tree is a 1,000-year-old giant coast redwood in Redcrest. It survived lightning strikes, forest fires, the blow of a logger’s axe, and the Flood of 1964. Its story sits alongside that of the Dyerville Giant: one is about events it survived, the other about its former height and fall. Check visitor conditions before visiting the Immortal Tree. The Immortal Tree is near Highway 101.
At the Hollow Log Truck, an old Redwood trunk is mounted on the bed of an open 1945 White fire truck. The truck is on display from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Since the display is seasonal, check the dates before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Arcata, Ferndale, Whitethorn, Myrtletown, Loleta, Redway, Orick, Fields Landing
For the broader travel overview: Humboldt.
