Northern California, especially the towns starting at Willits to Klamath along Highway 101, in my opinion are some of the most spectacular on Earth. The beauty was so astounding, that I created a new tag for certain posts called Must See Before You Die.
Stretch of Avenue of Giants
What makes this part of N. California so spectacular are the mighty Redwoods that dominate the lush canopy’s. They remain some of the oldest, largest living creatures in the world. So large, they grow to highs of 350 ft and live well over 1000 years.
One stretch of road(that runs parallel) is called the Avenue of the Giants and features some of the largest Redwood trees anywhere on the planet. It is 32 miles long and very desolate save for a few locals going to work. The drive is dotted with pull off areas to get out and explore the clumps of majestic trees.
Avenue of Giants Map
I’ll admit that the towns along the couple hundred miles of the Redwood Highway (101) are a little kitsch, some could even say tacky. I mean, how much can you hype up a log cabin made out of one single Redwood or one that is being used as a chimney but still sprouts?
I saw signs for about 2-3 drive-thru trees but stopped in Leggett to see theirs.
My mini cooper would have just fit...
Also along the route of interest, the trees of mystery in Klamath. Just look for the giant wooden Paul Bunyan and Babe. Confusion Hill is another old rickety tourist trap that has definitely lost some of it’s luster but for $5, check it out and all of it’s anti-gravity defying displays(it’s sister is Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock, NC).
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