We all have places that haunt us, the ones we daydream about but can’t quite seem to visit. Humboldt Redwoods State Park was one of those places for me. A friend of my father’s always talks about a road trip he did when he was young. After a bad breakup with his girlfriend, he headed West in his Camaro. He still raves about the Avenue of the Giants and the size of the trees. (He is a lumberman by trade.)
This year I was determined to make the trip happen. Since I normally add a little U.S. trip to the end of every long-term overseas adventure, I traded in a few frequent flyer miles (FF mile guide coming soon!) on a flight from Peru to San Francisco to visit an my old friend, Miles. We rented a car and sang ridiculously loud to the radio the entire drive.
There is nothing more humbling than nature. In 40 years, I will still be talking about the Avenue of the Giants just like my father’s friend.
For more on my trip, check out my new travel column in The Denver Post today: http://dpo.st/1JCWlvD
There are 17,000 acres of ancient coastal redwoods in the park.
Redwood bark contains tannin, which provides protection against fire, insects, fungus and disease.
Many redwoods have hollow trunks caused by forest floor fires. Despite the damage, the trees are able to thrive.
The forest floor is covered in lush green ferns.
The Avenue of the Giants
Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world and can reach 370 feet.
My friend Miles poses on the trunk of a fallen tree, which are a vital part of the forest eco-system.
Tips for Visiting Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- The park is open year-round and does not charge an entrance fee.
- Pay on arrival for campsites to avoid the online $8 service fee. Consider booking in advance if arriving late or during peak holiday weekends. Campsites are $35/per car.
- Free maps are available at the visitor center, campgrounds and www.parks.ca.gov.
- The entire park is very photogenic, but the 1.7-mile Drury-Chaney Loop Trail is particularly lush and green. The drive down Mattole Road, which branches off the Avenue of the Giants at the north end of the park, is stunning. Bull Creek Trail North is a beautiful, less populated walk but involves climbing over a few HUGE fallen trees.
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