Best of 2011: Avenue of the Giants
Over the July 4th holidays, Andreas and I decided to take a road trip to Northern California. We wanted to see the giant sequoia redwoods that populate the area, specifically to take a trip along the Avenue of the Giants. I had booked a room at the Arcata/Eureka Holiday Inn Express, which I think was a good base to get to other areas of Humbolt County and Del Norte County where Crescent City is located. Plus, the hotel is right next to the Arcata/Eureka Airport for those flying in on United, the only commercial carrier that services it. For the Fourth of July weekend, it was surprisingly the most affordable hotel that we could find in the last minute. The new-ish hotel was a step above other Holiday Inn’s that I’ve visited.
Avenue of the Giants
But the main point of our trip was to get away and to see the giant redwoods. In a trip that we took a year before to Guerneville, Andreas and I got a chance to experience the redwoods at the Armstrong Redwood State Preserve; the trees there were spectacular in their own right. We had read, however, that the giant redwoods were even more impressive in Northern California. Let’s just say, we weren’t disappointed!
Avenue of the Giants
The entrance to the Avenue of Giants is off of Highway 101 close to Phillipsville, and it ends about 30 miles later near Pepperwood. You’ll know immediately that you are among some of the most impressive trees on Earth as you’ll quickly be surrounded on both sides of the highway by the redwood trees. It was a sunny summer day when we drove through, which created beautiful contrasts between light and dark, beams of light and shadows.
Three Redwoods
Be sure to stop along the highway to admire the trees up close. There are designated areas to pull off. Although every time I saw a tree that I liked or a beautiful shot, we just pulled over on the side of the road to take pictures. For the Fourth of July, there was hardly any traffic.
Redwood Treetops
For those wanting a sublime experience, we highly recommend taking a road trip through the Avenue of the Giants. Northern California is absolutely beautiful. Arcata won my heart over while we were there.
