Since moving up to Northern California, it’s been a DREAM of mine to visit the beautiful Redwoods. Pictures of people wrapping their arms around these majestic trunks, and encircling these mighty giants have filled my feeds.
The question was, “When would I get there?”
In Sonoma County, we are very fortunate to have our VERY OWN Redwood Natural Park with Armstrong Woods, and just a hour south of us lies the famous, “Muir Woods,” but there’s something about driving a few hours North to the Redwoods National Forest.
During our Epic Road Trip to Oregon, the Oregon Coast, and our trek home, we drove through the Redwoods. These are just some photos along our way:
For anyone that LOVES Road Side Attractions, a stop at The Trees of Mystery is an absolute must during your Redwoods visit. Here you can take photos in front of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (although, please note, the original lies in Minnesota!)
You can also look for the famed Bigfoot, and if you’re lucky, like me, you may get a great photo op! And of course, a fan favorite is the Gondola Ride over the Redwoods, but they do close by 5pm (we got there too late!)
As you drive further south into the Redwoods, an absolute must is pulling off to take the trek along the Avenue of the Giants.
This world-famous scenic drive is a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101, which parallels Freeway 101 with its 51,222 acres of redwood groves. It is by far the most outstanding display of these giant trees in the entire 500 mile redwood belt and is accessible to all with convenient services provided along the way.
This is where you can truly experience the Redwoods, stop off at points along the way, take photos, go on epic hikes, and just take in the beauty of these majestic trees. Great campsites are along the way along with some great picnic spots.
Drive-Thru Trees:
Throughout Humboldt County, there ARE ACTUALLY 3 Drive-Thru Trees. During our trek, we found 2 of the 3. The first, along the Avenue of the Giants, The Shrine Drive-Thru Tree. Here, you give a donation of 6 dollars for a car passing through the tree, or 3 dollars if walking through the tree.
After having fun with the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree we continued southward on the 101, and stopped off in Leggett to experience the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree (5 dollar admission), the most famous tree of all:
The Before up above.
And the after.
Let me tell you, it is an experience driving thru an actual tree. Just careful on your side mirrors, you may have to fold them in. It gets a wee bit tight as you drive thru. Needless to say, I can officially say I’ve driven through a tree now. Have you been before?
No matter what you end up doing when visiting the Redwoods, you are bound to make some fun loving memories along the way. The perfect spot for families, or nature lovers looking for awespiring stuff.
