Humbled in Humboldt County
If you’ve never been, a trip from Oregon to California on Highway 101 can’t be missed. But it’s not for the faint of heart. The original highway was built to curve its way through the redwoods, so if you have motion sickness, take precautions. It’s all worth it though to see giant redwoods up close and personal.
Humboldt County is called California’s Redwood Coast. It is home to the tallest and largest stands of old growth redwoods, including the tree called Hyperion, the world's tallest tree at 379 feet. To put that in perspective, it’s nearly six stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. One of the more well known sections of the drive is through the Avenue of the Giants. This area, along with the area known as Humboldt Redwoods State Park, preserve half of the remaining virgin redwood forests. Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile stretch of scenic highway that parallels Highway 101 outside of Eureka. If you exit on this section, there are a few places through the drive that you can cut back over to the coast and get back onto Highway 101. You can enter the Avenue of the Giants from Pepperwood in the north and Phillipsville in the south.
Make time to hike the trails in this area, explore the historic towns, drive through the three drive-thru-trees and possibly set up camp along the Eel River in this area. The Avenue winds through the Rockefeller Forest, which is the largest remaining single stand of old-growth redwoods. You might also catch a glimpse of the Roosevelt Elk Herds in this area. By 1912, only 124 Roosevelt Elk remained in the area, but after the creation of an elk refuge in the Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, they are common once again. Everything in this area is majestic and seems a little larger than life.
Another must-do on the list of scenic drives down Highway 101 is the Lost Coast Loop, great for motorcycles or cars. It’s a half or full-day detour that samples the Lost Coast, considered the longest stretch of wilderness beaches in the continental United States. You’ll connect with the loop outside of Ferndale and head to Cape Mendocino to reach the shore. You’ll be wowed by the impressive vistas, deserted beaches and tidal pools. Heading south you’ll see the site of the state’s first oil wells in Petrolia before looping back up to Highway 101.
Highway 101 has some great hikes and over 100 miles of scenic beach front for you to enjoy. Agate Beach, Black Sands Beach, Trinidad State Beach and Clam Beach are four great options as you work your way south.
The coast is also home to some great art walks and galleries, located close to some of those beaches. Eureka, Arcata, Ferndale, McKinleyville and Garberville all play host to talented individuals.
You’ll be glad you visited this part of the country, exploring and soaking up the grandeur of these forests, so unlike any other in the world. Get out there and live adventurously. Take your family and make memories!
