3 Incredible Drives in the Redwoods

I will never forget my first encounter with a redwood.  We got into Northern California, or redwood territory, late one night, but we couldn't wait until the next day to look at a redwood.  We drove into the almost dark Prairie Creek just in time to spot the Roosevelt Elk roaming the prairie.  We hung out too long because when we got to the forest, it was mostly dark.  My heart leaped when we drove past a tree that looked more like a giant.  Then another one and another one.  I couldn't believe how huge they were, and how they just grew and came right up to the asphalt of the road.  We drove back to camp having had just a glimpse of what we would see the next several days. A snitch one of the most majestic places I have ever laid my eyes on.

Having spent over 35 hours in the car over a 5 day period, I would say we really got our bearings for the layout of the Redwoods.  We saw some amazing stretches of road.  Here are the top 3 of all the driving we did among the Redwoods.

1. Avenue of the Giants

This scenic highway is a very well paved 2 lane road with plenty of traffic.  You'll drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park on your way through the 31 miles through this breathtaking drive. There are plenty of pullouts for hiking and photo opportunities.  Beware that some of the trees come right up to the asphalt on the side of the road. It'll thrill you and make your heart jump as you pass them by. 

2. Howland Hill on the way to Stout Grove near Jedediah Smith State Park

This drive is more like a safari in the middle of nowhere.  You'll pass by the massive redwoods on a dirt one-way road.  There are lots of pullouts so that you can pass or allow another car to pass you by if needed.  I would definitely not recommend being in a rush through this scenic drive so you don't miss the majesty of the forest and trees.

3. Newton B. Dury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek State Park

This scenic parkway has open spaces, or prairies in parts and a closed forest that comes right up to the road on other parts of the drive. It could only take you 30 minutes or less to whiz by the World Heritage Site, but try to take your time enjoying the road and the scenery.  Who knows, maybe you'll run into the Roosevelt Elk that hang out near the information center and campground.

17 Must sees in Redwood National & State Parks

There is absolutely nothing like walking among giants.  Known as earth's tallest trees, the coastal Redwoods create a feeling of sacredness, majesty and serenity with such beauty and grandeur!  You will feel so small next to such ginormous creatures, and the forest feels absolutely alive.  You will leave in awe that such a place exists.  

With nearly 20 state and national Redwoods State Parks and over 70 national park square miles and 60 state square miles, it's tricky to get started.  This guide will help you get your bearings!

1. First stop: Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center

This is a great place to get started! There are park rangers there with loads of information and resources.  If you are looking for something specific, they will know where to point you in the right direction.  Don't forget to grab a map; you might not always have service for Google Maps!

2. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

This is a beautiful, well-maintained road.  The road is right in the trees.  It is a perfect leisurely road that's perfect with lots of turnouts for photo opportunities.

3. Big Tree

This is right off the Scenic Parkway and man, is this tree huge!  With over       feet of height and over        feet circumference.  You could fit over 20 people holding hands around it!  That's insane!

4. Camp at Patricks Point State Park

This is not technically in the redwoods, but it is a great break near the redwoods for a change of scenery.  You can camp there and have a change of scenery along the beautiful beach.  Bonus: If you go in the spring, you will find gorgeous spring blooms. Who knows, maybe you'll run into some of the wildlife.

5. The Living Chimney Tree

You'll see the result of a tree that burned from a fire on the inside but is still living.  It's free to step into the massive tree.  

6. Klamath River Overlook Picnic Area

This is a perfect spot for a picnic with amazing 180 degrees of pure blue ocean views.  There are some picnic tables, bathrooms-plus it's easy to get to!

7. Take a hike around Lady Bird Johnson Grove

The 1.4 mile loop is absolutely breathtaking!  The forest soars above you with a misty eerie feeling.  As you go, you'll find a pamphlet that you can follow along to find markers and explanations of each location.  You'll learn about the native bird species, the history & deforestation, shrubs and of course the soaring redwoods.  

8. Check out Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

This park is beautiful and one of the parks most north.  You'll find lots of coastal redwoods.  What's really interesting about this park is that you'll find the largest redwood, measuring 20 feet thick.  

9. Coastal Drive near Klamath

This is a pretty drive through the redwoods with views of the ocean as well.  Be sure to stop at the overlook just above the False Klamath Cove.  Although there isn't really a picnic area like with the Klamath River Overlook, the views are equally beautiful.

10. Drive Howland Hill Rd in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

This drive feels more like a safari than anything!  It's a dirt, one way road with opportunities to nearly touch the giant redwoods from the seat of your car.  There are some areas to pull out and let cars coming the opposite way pass.  I would not recommend trying to make this drive quickly, but it was one of our favorites.

11. Drive through Avenue of the Giants

Yet, another amazing drive!  This drive, with nearly 30 miles of pure redwood forest bliss, will leave you speechless and in wonder.  There are lots of pull outs here as well.  It is a well-maintained road, so no worries about getting a flat.

12. Visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park

This place is perfect to take a hike, have a picnic and feel incredibly small.  Even though it is small geographically, the trees reach high.

13. Drive-Thru Tree Park

This is not a state or national park, rather, it is privately owned.  There is a fee to get into the park and you can stay as long as you'd like.  Great photo opportunities lie with driving through a redwood.
Beware that taller vehicles may not fit.

14. Take a walk along clam beach

This beach has really fine sand and there are beautiful shade trees and grass that lead right up to the beach.

15. Trinidad

This little town is a sleepy place, but it's fun to stroll around.  There is an absolutely gorgeous full bloom of flowers of bushes and trees alike in the spring around the Memorial Day Holiday.  

16. Take a walk along the beach in False Klamath Cove

This beach is just west of the 101, so you can't miss it.  There's a quick pull out for your car so you can enjoy the sea breeze and sand between your toes. 

17. Check out Agate beach in Patrick's Point State Park

This beach is beautiful and has benches you can sit on and overlook the beach.  It's even gorgeous when it's raining and the weather is moody.

Honorable mentions & notes for next time:

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Camping at Flint Ridge Campground

Camping at Ancient Redwoods RV Park

Richardson Grove State Park
Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Websites that were particularly helpful in planning:
http://www.redwoodhikes.com/
https://www.visitredwoods.com/explore-the-redwoods/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24723
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2009/10/redwoods-earths-tallest-trees/