As a little kid, I always looked at pictures in the encyclopedia (yes the encyclopedia) of these majestic Redwood trees and I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of a prehistoric forest of trees that old… THAT enormous!
Here are 5 things you must know before you plan your magical trip down this world famous scenic drive.
It all started when my husband asked me where I wanted to go for our anniversary and I blurted out “the Redwoods!” It was the trip of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute of our 5 day trip starting in Mendocino and ending up in Sonoma. But let’s be clear the day we spent with the Redwoods stole the whole show!
We started our journey in Mendocino as we traveled towards the Redwoods! Lots of driving but, honestly, the views were amazing.
We rented a cottage complete with a fireplace at Agate Cove Inn. They had warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for us on arrival. Such a simple detail but it completely melted our hearts.
Once at the actual Redwoods here are the 5 things you must know!!!
1) Why this location to see redwoods?
Humbolt Redwood State Park by far has the largest collection of virgin growth, ancient redwoods in the world, far surpassing the size of other locations. For example, the day park Muir Woods, outside of San Francisco, is only 554 acres compared to Humbolts 53,000 acres!! And Humbolt offers so many opportunities for camping, horseback riding, fishing access on the Eel River, biking trails, picnicking along the 32 mile scenic highway…. at the very least you should experience the Avenue of Giants auto tour on historic Highway 101 with 8 not to be missed highlights. There are even drive-thru trees near by at the Humbolt State Park (Chandelier and Shrine tree) … yes they’re cheesy but so nostalgic!!! In my opinion, yes there are other locations to view the majestic redwoods but those locations aren’t as extensive or as activity driven as Humbolt State Park.
2) One other amazing side note is Humbolt Redwood State Park does not charge an entrance fee to visit the park. Visit the park during the day or to stop by the visitor center.
We picked up a small brochure for a self guided auto tour for $1.00 at the entrance of park. The only other possible fee associated with the park is if you want to go to the Williams Grove Day Use Park. It’s an $8.00 fee for use of the William Grove Day Use Park inside the Humbolt with picnic tables, grills, and river access. We didn’t go to the William Grove but still took full advantage of all the park had to offer. As unbelievable as it sounds, we pretty much had the entire park to ourselves… one of the perks for traveling in early May.
Overnight parking/camping fees are additional as well.
3) Food / Fuel / Restrooms.
Right: This is a tree which was hit by lightening and it burned out the center.
The great news is every few miles there is a free clean restroom once your inside the park. These restrooms are small buildings located right off the avenue of Giants / main road itself, and even at the no-frills visitors center which is a great midway stopping point for bare basics like bottled water or small packaged snacks.
There are a couple of basic small gas stations before entering the park and a few really small quaint casual mom and pop restaurants. There is really no other food around the area leading up to the park. The drive is so picturesque and slightly remote. If you’re a picky eater be sure to bring your food with you, or if you’re looking to picnic inside the park, be sure and visit a grocery store near the interstate to bring everything to the park with you.
4) Plan to spend the entire day!
There are over 100 miles of trails, all cleared of brush, well maintained, and completely free. They vary in length from .5 miles up to 14.5 miles. Be sure, even if you don’t enjoy hiking, that you make the trek to the Founders Grove. This quick, flat hike is right off the main road. This location has some of the largest trees you will see in the park. The terrain on most trails are either relatively dry and flat or are subtle hills.
We started early, took our time in the park and stayed all day.
The Avenue of Giants is a paved road that runs through the Humbolt State Park. The road is approximately 31 miles long and there are frequent areas on the side of the paved road where you can pull off and take photos or walk around. Why not take your time and enjoying exploring?
5) Lodging
We stayed at breathtaking Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville only 18 miles from the Humbolt Redwood State Park. This Tudor style inn was built in 1926 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The grounds of this historic hotel are heart-stoppingly beautiful. Located directly on the Eel River, the manicured gardens and gorgeous vistas can be viewed in all directions. We checked-in then jumped at the chance to grab the complimentary bicycles and start exploring the grounds and golf course. Since we had been in the rental car all day, this was the perfect way to stretch our legs and relax before dinner. With a restaurant on-site and a bar/lounge, we rested up and then jumped back on the road.
We finished up our trip in with a couple of days in Sonoma, taking down some much needed wine and still reminiscing about the Redwoods…
Honestly folks it’s more than your imagination can handle.
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