The best road cycling routes in Bull Creek State Wilderness

Big Trees is probably the most popular place within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and with good reason, as it is home to "Giant Tree" once recognized as the tallest of the Coastal Redwoods. From here you can take a number of trails to fit you schedule, ability, and fitness level. Anything from a quick 5 minute top to 20+ mile overnight trips can be had from here.

Beautiful area

Tall old trees

The Founders Tree Coast Redwood stands in Founders Grove, not far from Avenue of the Giants, and marks a worthwhile story. There is 1.3 miles of trail, but the main attraction is located near the parking lot. The nature of the area makes the word hiking more appropriate than hiking. The place is quite crowded in July and August but has its charm that makes it difficult to miss this time of year. The circular hiking trail requires your attention so that you don't leave it. But absolutely worth it because you are surrounded by giant trees. Fallen trees give you a sense of dimension, from root to top.

Chandler Grove is a small hillside sequoia grove on the northern Avenue of the Giants. A short loop path circles through the grove. The grove has a large parking lot. Most of the grove is on a plain "bank" elevated a few meters above the water table of the Eel River; Typically, for such elevated sites, the relative lack of water means that there are no large trees. Still, the grove appears to be unlogged and has many small redwoods growing among ferns and redwood sorrel. An unofficial side trail leads to a small gleam next to the Avenue of the Giants, where a stream runs through an attractive collection of larger redwoods. Directly across the avenue, the High Rock Trail is much more spectacular, but it rarely gets any visitors because it is not visible from the street.

The Founders' Grove is the most visited grove in Humboldt Redwoods and a major redwood attraction on the North Shore. It's popular because it's conveniently (perhaps too conveniently) located right next to Highway 101 on the Avenue of the Giants, and it's truly an extraordinary sight. The grove is perhaps most notable for its sheer size. From most locations on the Loop Trail, the large redwoods stretch as far as you can see in every direction. No other lowland grove feels so expansive. Located on an exceptionally large floodplain at the junction of two rivers, the grove is protected from storms by 3,000-foot mountains to the west, but is still immersed in the summer fog that flows up the Eel River Valley. As a result, the grove has many huge trees, which, combined with its large area and openness, make it one of the most impressive there is; it truly is quintessential Redwood Grove.

This 2.4-mile nature trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Many photographic opportunities can be found along this redwood forest trail. As you walk the cool, shady path, you'll spot a bench dedicated to Ralph W. Chaney for rediscovering the Dawn Redwood in China in 1948 and bringing the seeds to the United States. (Source: Humboldt Redwoods State Park).

The visitor center is operated by the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association and all proceeds benefit efforts to expand the park's educational and outreach goals. There are numerous visual and hands-on educational exhibits, a theater, a library, a gift shop, and a friendly volunteer staff to answer questions about the park and area. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The tree disk is interesting because it shows certain events in annual numbers and goes back to 1200!