Exploring the Eel River Valley

The Redwood Forest

The Avenue of the Giants

continued from previous page

The 33-mile Avenue of the Giants drive offers one of the most spectacular views of the Redwoods. It brings visitors through grove after grove where the trees that crowd the road may be wider than the car. Stops include Founders Grove, the Visitor Center near Weott and several places that provide trail access. The auto tour can be taken either northbound or southbound comfortably in one to one and a half hours. The north entrance begins at the Pepperwood/Jordan Creek exit off Highway 101 and the south entrance begins at the Phillipsville exit off Highway 101. An Auto Tour Map can be picked up at both entrances.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Northern California's largest redwood park covers over 51,000 acres and stretches along Highway 101 for 40 miles. The Park has more than 17,000 acres of old growth redwoods and the largest remaining stand of ancient redwoods in the world. The oldest recorded redwood tree, more than 2,200 years old, was found in the Park. Most of the Park's spectacular redwood groves are accessible by car or short walks.

The Visitor Center is located two miles south of Weott on the Avenue of the Giants. The Center has many displays that interpret the redwood environment. A slide show captures the beauty of Humboldt redwoods throughout the seasons. There are also videos that explain redwoods, plants, animals, and river floods of the region.

Natural history books, field guides and over-the-counter information is available. In the summer, ranger-and naturalist-led activities are scheduled daily. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week and you can call 707-946-2409 for information on the summer interpretive programs.     Continued.     Continued.

NEXT: Return of the Jedi.

---

---