Avenue of the Giants

Last June my cousin flew out to California from Missouri.  It had been nearly a decade since I had seen him, so I knew I needed to plan some epic adventures for us to do.  While I did schedule some very awesome trips-such as going to Stinson Beach, Santa Cruz, and Napa to name a few-I did not plan a road trip down the Avenue of the Giants.  It was a very last minute trip, and we were lucky to get a hotel room.

My cousin and I got our bags and my two kids ready, then we hit the road.  The farther north we drove, the bigger the trees became.  My car, and my kids, did NOT like driving through the mountains.  Not one bit.  Oh, and then there was the road work.  We were stuck in construction traffic for nearly 45 minutes.  Eventually, we arrived at our destination.  We started seeing some massive trees, and they just kept getting bigger somehow.  If you’ve never seen these giants in person, your mind cannot comprehend the size of these trees.

The Living Chimney Tree in Phillipsville, CA

The first tree we explored was the Living Chimney Tree in Phillipsville.  I had pulled off highway 101 to get on the scenic route at highway 254, but I quickly realized that I didn’t have enough gas to cruise 31 miles.  I wasn’t sure if there were any gas stations close by, and I didn’t want to chance running out of fuel in the summer heat with two kids.  Temperatures can reach triple digits.  I found the Chimney Tree Grill, a small restaurant in the middle of nowhere, and we pulled over.  I didn’t even realize it was a restaurant, we just needed to stretch our legs before heading out again.  Right next to the Chimney Tree Grill is the Living Chimney Tree.  The inside was hollowed out by a fire in 1914.  Walk in through the little red door and you will find the temperature drops about 20 degrees- a very pleasant relief from the hot summer heat.  Light comes in from two small openings, one tiny hole in the top, and a long crack directly across from the door.  You’d be surprised at how big the inside of this tree is, a little more than 12 feet wide!

The Dryersville Giant

A short time later we were headed back to highway 101.  We drove until we saw mile marker 20.5, that’s where you can hike the Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail.  This flat ADA accessible trail is short-0.6 miles.  On this loop trail you will see the ancient Dryerville Giant.  Before it’s fall in 1991, the tree stood 362 feet tall, and is believed to have been at least 1,600 years old.  

Cooling off at the Eel River

It had started to get pretty hot by noon, which is a big concern for me since my youngest child is heat sensitive.  I had packed ice packs in the small cooler that I was carrying around and made my kiddo hold it against herself.  However, ice packs don’t last very long in the heat.  As luck would have it, we were very close to the Eel River and within minutes we made it to the water, kicked off our shoes and waded in.  The water was refreshingly cool and just what we needed to cool off!  It wasn’t deep at all where we were, maybe just a few feet deep-perfect for small children.  There are tons of rocks in the water, some smooth and some rough, so be careful where you step.  I wish we could have explored more of the river.  I would have liked to know if the water got deeper, and if there were any good fishing spots for my husband.  

The Founders Tree

After we finished cooling off, we discovered the Founder’s Tree Trail and tons of awesome trees on the path.

We only had a day to explore these wonders.  I would definitely recommend staying in one of the campgrounds in the park, or booking a hotel room in a nearby city for a few days if possible.  If you enjoy camping, you can call 800-444-7275 to reserve a site, or you can reserve a site online at www.reservecalifornia.com.  I advise reserving a site way in advance because spots fill up quickly.  I should note that during August 2018 all campgrouds in Humboldt Redwoods State Park will be paved.  During this time, NO RESERVATIONS will be available.  I don't know how long the paving will take,  so it would be best to call the park before heading out to check the current conditions.  Another great website to visit is www.avenueofthegiants.net.  On this website you will find out everything you need to know, from all the lodging options in the area, to dining and local museums, and even the weather forecast.  

This is an amazing area to explore, and if you've never been here, then you should plan a trip!  You will not be disappointed.