Exploring The Best Stops Along Avenue of the Giants

January 2, 2025 by jordangassner

Have you ever wanted to adventure through a mystical forest in a fantasy world? Or perhaps, does the idea of doing the impossible, like driving through a tree tunnel, tickle your fancy? In either case, a roadtrip through the Avenue of the Giants is one you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Located in Northern California, this famed stretch of road is one of the state’s most scenic and it’s named after the coastal redwoods that tower over its 31-miles. I recently revisited Avenue of the Giants with my partner during our most recent trip to the Mendocino area and was able to take in all of the Avenue’s pitstops and hikes.

There’s so much to do and see along Avenue of the Giants, but here are all the best stops we experienced so you can plan your future roadtrip accordingly:

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree

Our first stop along Avenue of the Giants is at the legendary Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, a towering 315-foot coastal redwood with a tunnel carved through its base, just wide enough for a car to squeeze through. Upon arrival, we pay the $15* park entrance fee and follow a narrow, winding dirt road into the park, the redwood canopy thickening above us as the hum of the highway slowly fades away

The further we go, the more the world outside seems to disappear, replaced by the quiet presence of the forest. And then, there it is: the Chandelier Tree, standing like a gateway to some fantasy realm (or rather, the gateway to the park’s restrooms and gift shop). Its massive trunk stretches skyward, the tunnel at its base an invitation we can’t resist!

We join a short line of cars inching forward, watching each vehicle carefully fold in its side mirrors before attempting the passage. When it’s our turn, we do the same, creeping toward the opening with cautious excitement. The edges of our car are within mere inches of the trunk on either side, and without meaning to, we hold our breath. For a moment, it feels as though the forest is holding its breath with us.

Then, we’re through. A burst of relief and triumph erupts as we cheer and laugh, the anticipation giving way to pure childlike joy.

We park nearby to snap a few photos, standing beneath the tree’s vast trunk and marveling at the centuries of history it has witnessed. A quick stop at the charming gift shop and the restroom, and then it’s back on the road.

the best stops along avenue of the giants

The Grandfather Tree

About 20 minutes up the road, we make our next stop at the ancient Grandfather Tree. We pull up to the attraction’s wide-open parking lot, just off the highway, and just sit for a few minutes, savoring the lingering warmth from our heated seats and finishing our latest chapter in our Project Hail Mary audiobook. The story’s eerie, otherworldly tone feels fitting here, surrounded by the towering redwoods!

Soon enough, we step out the car and wander over to the 265-foot giant. Standing tall for over 1800 years, the Grandfather Tree is 24-feet in diameter, a fact alone that makes me feel like one of the hobbits visiting the woods of Lothlorien for the first time. The sheer size of the tree is staggering, its massive trunk rippling in gentle, wave-like patterns that seem to shift with the light.

Circling the base, we spot an unexpected companion: a quirky, intricately carved wooden statue of a sasquatch carrying a baby sasquatch, complete with a lantern held high. It’s equal parts whimsical and impressive, adding a touch of folklore to our already magical location.

We then duck into the gift shop, where shelves of locally made wood carvings, trinkets, and souvenirs fill the cozy space. It’s tempting to linger, but hunger and the promise of warm seats call us back. Eventually, with our roadtrip snacks in hand and the Grandfather Tree in our rearview mirror, we hit the Avenue once more, already looking forward to our next stop.

Address: 779 US-101, Piercy, CA 95542

Cost: Free to visit*

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Shrine Drive-Thru Tree

With our next stop along Avenue of the Giants in mind, we officially enter into the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Unsurprisingly, the Avenue cuts right through the heart of this historic and majestic park, where so much beauty surrounds the road that it seemingly turns the highway into a tunnel of green.

We stop at Shrine Drive-Thru Tree, yes, another drive-thru tree. But unlike our first stop at the Chandelier Tree, this one wasn’t carved by human hands. The Shrine Tree was hollowed out by nature itself, a result of centuries of fire and decay.

After paying the entrance fee, we ease the car toward the opening. It’s another tight squeeze, but somehow this pass feels less intimidating than the last. Maybe it’s because we’ve done it once already, or maybe it’s the tree’s triangular shape, which offers a little extra breathing room at certain points. Either way, we roll through without incident, exhaling a relieved laugh as we emerge on the other side.

Back in the parking lot, we step out to explore the other attractions scattered around the Shrine Tree grounds. Two quirky, two-story treehouses catch our attention first—charming, rustic structures that look like they’ve been plucked from a forest fairytale! Nearby, we find a “children’s” step-thru stump that we discover is just large enough for adults to enjoy and, just beyond that, the Cathedral Tree. Here, a cluster of redwoods has grown in a sweeping, curved formation, creating a natural altar that feels almost sacred.

What surprises me most is how quiet this stop is. Unlike the other stops along the Avenue, this one remains blissfully uncrowded. It’s easily my favorite spot so far—peaceful, playful, and a perfect introduction to Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Address: 13078 Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA 95554

Entry Cost: $15 per auto*

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitors Center

Of course, by this time in our journey, our stomachs begin rumbling and we know it’s about time to dig into the picnic feast we packed back in Mendocino: cured meats, fresh fruits and a selection of cheeses (with dairy-free alternatives for me, thanks Fog Bottle Shop and Harvest Market).

We decide the best spot to enjoy our meal is near the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, where we know we’ll find picnic tables, restrooms, and trash cans. After a short drive, we park the car and step inside the cozy visitor center, immediately drawn to the mini-museum showcasing the park’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and towering redwoods. But our favorite part? The banana slug plushies!

At the front desk, we chat with the friendly staff, asking about the park’s latest happenings, recommended trails, and any must-see spots. Even if you’re armed with thorough research beforehand, I always suggest checking in with park staff if you can! They often have the best up-to-date advice and hidden gems. With a map marked with personalized suggestions, we head back down the stairs and return to the car, eager to dig into our well-earned lunch.

Unfortunately, just before we arrive, the chill January morning weather thoroughly soaked the picnic tables and benches, leaving no dry spot in sight. So, we pivot to Plan B: a makeshift picnic in the warmth of the car. We pass around snacks, cue up the next chapter of our audiobook, and let the misty windows frame our impromptu meal as we plot our next move through the redwood forest.

Address: Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA 95554

Entry Cost: Free*

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Gould Grove Nature Loop Trail

After lunch, we decide to stretch our legs with a quick walk across the street to the introductory Gould Grove Nature Loop. At just 0.7 miles with mostly flat terrain, it’s an easy, accessible trail, perfect for walking off our meal and easing back into the outdoors!

The path winds gently beneath a canopy of ancient giants, each tree more impressive than the last. Along the way, we pass colossal fallen redwoods, their trunks sprawled across the forest floor like slumbering giants. Towering trees stretch skyward all around us, their branches knitting together overhead to create a soft, green cathedral. And on the ground? Scattered groups of mushrooms have me kicking my feet and thinking all over again how hobbit-like I feel while exploring this majestic place!

But it’s the brook that stops me in my tracks. Sunlight filters through the branches and scatters across the rushing water, turning the stream into a ribbon of light. Listening to the sound of the water tumbling over rocks and the distant calls of birds hidden high in the treetops feels timeless. The moment is peaceful, simple, and exactly what I’ve been hoping for in the heart of the redwoods!

Address: Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat, CA 95554

Entry Cost: Free*

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Founder’s Grove and Dyerville Giant

Our next stop along Avenue of the Giants is The Founder’s Grove, one of the state park’s most popular and well-known trails. After parking, we beeline to the Founders’ Tree, which stands near the trailhead. Considered the tallest tree in the world until 1957, this massive redwood stands at 364-ft tall and is one of the state park’s most popular sights.

From there, we continue along the 0.5 mile loop, weaving through a forest of ancient, old-growth giants. Along the way, we come across several hollowed-out redwoods, their interiors naturally carved by time and fire. We step inside, dwarfed by the towering walls of bark around us, and snap a few photos, laughing at how tiny we feel within the vast trunks!

Perhaps true highlight of Founder’s Grove, however, is the Dyerville Giant. This colossal fallen redwood lies sprawled across the forest floor, its massive root system rising like a natural fortress beside the trail. Measuring over 362 feet in length, the Dyerville Giant is a sobering reminder of the redwoods’ incredible scale. Though many downed giants line the path here, this one feels especially monumental!

Address: Redcrest, CA 95569

Entry Cost: Free*

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Eternal Treehouse

With a little time left after exploring Founder’s Grove, we decide to squeeze in one more stop: the Eternal Treehouse. We head a bit further up the Avenue of the Giants, leaving the boundaries of Humboldt Redwoods State Park behind. When we pull into the small gravel lot, we’re surprised to find it nearly deserted, just us and a lone shopkeeper at a nearby gift shop across the street. The gloomy January skies might be to blame for the low turnout, but we’re not about to let a bit of drizzle stop us.

We hop out of the car and follow a set of arrows pointing toward the back of the property, passing the closed onsite café and gift shop. We make a mental note: during the busier season, we might’ve been able to grab a coffee or a quick bite here (a cozy reward after a day of forest wandering!). The path winds past a cluster of ferns and towering trees until we reach a modest wooden sign with yellow text: The Eternal Treehouse. In front of us, a staircase descends into the earth, disappearing beneath the base of an ancient redwood stump. Intrigued, we follow the steps down.

At the bottom, we find a small, windowed doorway that opens into the hollowed-out core of the tree. Inside, the room is surprisingly spacious (around 20 feet across!), its walls made entirely of living redwood. A handwritten sign on the wall reveals that this unique treehouse was carved out back in the 1900s, and while the space is simple and unadorned, it’s easy to imagine the delight this spot must bring to kids!

After a few minutes of exploring and snapping photos, we head back up to ground level. The Eternal Treehouse might not be the grandest stop along the Avenue after drive-thru experiences and giant trees, but there’s something undeniably fun about stepping underground to be inside a tree, a fitting reminder of the redwoods’ enduring magic!

Address: 26510 Avenue of the Giants, Scotia, CA 95565

Entry Cost: Free*

the best stops along avenue of the giants

Bonus Stop

If you have time to fit in one more stop along your roadtrip, I recommend pulling-off Avenue of the Giants inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park to admire the Giant Tree and the Tall Tree. Despite its name, the Tall Tree is not the tallest redwood you can find, but in 1957 it was briefly the world’s tallest-known tree! And at 366.5 feet, it’s still pretty close.

And the nearby Giant Tree is pretty much a best-in-show for the combination of height, diameter, and crown spread. Both are part of the park’s Rockefeller Forest, which holds the largest remaining old-growth coastal redwood in the world and can be seen from the 0.5 mile Big Trees Loop Trail.

*Costs at time of writing.