We drove this mid week in November on a rainy day. We loved the light and mist in the trees and there was NO traffic! We could drive as slowly as we wanted to as we soaked up the gorgeous giant trees around us. Maybe my favorite drive on earth!
The southern portion of the Redwood Hwy, US-101, south of Klamath is primarily an efficient, modern highway through some nice countryside but only a few good views of redwoods can be had. However, the northern portion is spectacular, especially US-101 between Klamath and Crescent City that passes through Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and US-199 between Crescent City (Redwood Hwy becomes US-199 just north of Crescent City) and the Oregon border where it passes through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. These northern portions pass directly through old growth redwood forests with many giants within view from the road and numerous pullouts to stop and take a look. If you are not in a hurry and want a more scenic options in the south, consider the Newton B Drury Parkway which runs parallel to the Redwood Hwy, US-101, through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, between Orick and Klamath and the Avenue of the Giants that runs parallel to the Redwood Hwy through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
At first you are thinking that you just landed on a planet in a galaxy, far, far away ;)Everything is huge and enormous.Just be sure to get out of the car and hike the different trails through the groves and take lots of pictures !!!What we can recommend:- Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway- Fern Canyon Trail (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)
The Coastal Redwoods are an amazing Treasure to are State and the USA. To get out and walk amongst them is humbling and awesome. You'll never regret these moments.
standing under a giant redwood tree. night driving sucks in fog and speeding California's drivers is a bit nerve racking at times but worth the grief .drive threw trees were awesome. :) needed to stay more than a day .
Every corner of this highway offers some amazing views of the great Redwoods. Truly a majestic ride along Highway 101 with plenty of pull outs and amazing sights.
While it is a bit south of Eureka (about 25 miles) it is so well worth the drive, absolutely beautiful.
Not only is the drive full of magnificent sights but there are many different parks and groves that you can visit, Hikes and easy walking trails abound. We were driving from Oregon down to Eureka and only had time to stop at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, and the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
Lots of kitchy places to stop. Took our motorhome and it was surprisingly easy to maneuver. Would recommend for families, couples or even solo.