Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic highway in northern California, United States, running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It is named for the coast redwoods that tower over the route. The road is a former alignment of U.S. Route 101, and continues to be maintained as a state highway as State Route 254.
Route description
The Avenue's southern terminus is at US 101 near Phillipsville, north of Garberville. Its northern terminus is at US 101 near Stafford, south of Fortuna. The road parallels the scenic Eel River, and connects the small towns Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Englewood, Redcrest and Pepperwood. The two-lane road has a number of parking areas, campgrounds, picnic sites, and attractions for visitors. The nearby river provides many swimming locations, such as those at the Rockefeller Forest redwood grove.The route contains the site of the annual "Avenue of the Giants Marathon".
SR 254 is not part of the National Highway System, a network of highways that are considered essential to the country's economy, defense, and mobility by the Federal Highway Administration. SR 254 is eligible to be included in the State Scenic Highway System, but it is not officially designated as a scenic highway by the California Department of Transportation.
Immortal Tree
Though not the oldest redwood in the forest, this large tree is at age millennium, and is currently around tall, though originally it was much taller. It has survived not only the ravages of time but also a 1908 attempt at logging, the 1964 flood of the area, and a direct lightning strike which removed the top of the tree. It is from its age and perceived hardiness that the tree derives its name. Markers are visible on the tree, denoting the heights of where the loggers' axes and the floodwaters struck the tree.Located in the northern half of the Avenue, The Immortal Tree is easy to find, and has a large gift shop and parking area situated in front of it.
Founder's Grove
Near Weott, this grove has an easy half-mile self-guided walk with informational booklets available at the beginning of the trail. The well-travelled trail is a good example of old-growth redwood forest and contains a few very large trees, including the Founder's Tree and the Dyerville Giant, which fell in 1991.Drive-Through Tree
Avenue of the Giants features a tree that visitors can drive through. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is near the town of Myers Flat. It is privately held; the owner charges $15 or more for a car to drive through it.Tree House
Not a traditional tree house, this is actually a house that is, albeit partially, built within a giant redwood.Visible from the road, and with tours available, the front of the house is entered through the hollow trunk of a still-living tree. The front door and windows are clearly visible to passersby, and the rest of the house adjoins the rear of the tree in a more traditional style.