With More Than 53,000 Acres To Explore, Northern California’s Largest State Park Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure
By Lysa Allman-Baldwin|Published July 26, 2022
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Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Author
For over 25 years Lysa Allman-Baldwin has fed her wanderlust for “everything the world has to offer” by passionately writing travel and feature articles for numerous global print and online publications. A Digital Nomad, Lysa is also a professional speaker, workshop facilitator, and author.
If you’re looking for beauty, history, and some of the most spectacular natural sites in the world, be sure to visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the largest state park in Northern California.
Nowhere else in the world will you be more awed by majestic redwood trees than Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Located in Northern California along picturesque Highway 101 approximately 32 miles south of Eureka and 217 miles north of San Francisco, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to the largest old growth contiguous redwood forest on the planet.
The park was established in 1921 in an effort to preserve the diverse coast redwood ecosystem here where the trees date all the way back to the Cretaceous Period (that’s some 100 million years ago!).
To say that the trees here are massive would be an understatement. To see some of the biggest redwoods here, visitors can traverse the famous "Avenue of the Giants." Spanning 32 miles, it runs parallel to Highway 101, winding its way through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
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The “Avenue of the Giants” drive also meanders along the beautiful Eel River, where visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and other water-themed adventures.
Overall, Humboldt Redwoods State Park encompasses over 53,000 acres, not only making it the largest state park in Northern California but also the third largest state park in The Golden State. Within that expanse the redwood trees extend over 17,000 acres.
There is so much to see and do, that you really need at least 3-days (preferably longer) to really get out and enjoy all that this magnificent park has to offer. Whether you are an equestrian, hiker, or cyclist, you find an astounding 100 miles of trails meandering over a variety of terrain.
Camping is one of the most popular activities here.
Between three different campgrounds, Humboldt Redwoods State Park features more than 250 campsites! So whether you prefer a tent, pop-up, hitch camper, or RV, you will find a site that suits your needs and desires. Within that, there are also specifically designated horse, group, environmental, and trail camps.
It’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when looking up at these majestic trees which have literally stood the test of time.
The park is open year-round. Among the most popular spots in addition to the Avenue of the Giants (an auto tour is available at the Visitor Center), are the Rockefeller Loop, Founders Grove Nature Trail, and the big daddy of them all simply called the "Giant Tree."
These so-called “living fossils” are a testament to the wonders of Mother Earth. However, they must be protected from harm due to human influences in order to not only survive but thrive for generations to follow.
For an awe-inspiring experience worthy of a multi-day adventure, come on over to Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Have you been to Humboldt Redwoods State Park? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also find out about their special events on their Facebook page.
If you’re looking for other outdoor adventures in the Northern California area, be sure to check out Squaw Valley.
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