Avenue of the Giants may be Humboldt County’s most famous redwood route, but it is far from the only road that places travelers beneath ancient trees. Northern Humboldt County contains quiet parkways, rugged backroads, open prairies, wildlife-viewing areas, and forest roads that reveal entirely different sides of redwood country.
The best redwood scenic drives in Humboldt County range from comfortable paved parkways to narrow, unpaved roads where large recreational vehicles are not permitted. Some can be completed in less than an hour, while others deserve most of a day. Together, they provide opportunities to see old-growth forests, Roosevelt elk, wildflower-covered hills, river valleys, and remote stretches of the North Coast.
Road conditions can change because of storms, fallen trees, construction, and seasonal closures. Check official park alerts before beginning any drive, especially during winter or after heavy rain.
Why Explore Beyond Avenue of the Giants?
Avenue of the Giants remains an essential Humboldt County experience. Its approximately 32-mile route passes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park and some of the world’s most impressive remaining old-growth redwood forest. However, travelers who explore only that route miss the varied landscapes farther north and along the park’s less-traveled roads.
Alternative scenic drives may lead through foggy redwood groves one moment and emerge into sunny prairie the next. Some provide access to short trails, picnic areas, visitor centers, beaches, and wildlife-viewing areas. Exploring several routes also allows visitors to experience the forest at different elevations and during different times of day.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is one of the strongest alternatives to driving directly along U.S. Highway 101. The paved, approximately 10-mile road passes through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park between the Orick and Klamath areas.
The parkway is suitable for vehicles of different sizes and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes without stops. However, allowing at least one hour creates time for pullouts, photographs, and a short forest walk. Thousands of acres of old-growth redwoods surround the road, making the drive feel deeply immersed in the forest rather than simply adjacent to it.
Recommended Stops Along the Parkway
Big Tree Wayside provides a convenient opportunity to leave the vehicle and see an impressive old-growth redwood at close range. The Prairie Creek Visitor Center offers park information, exhibits, maps, and access to nearby trails. Elk Prairie is another worthwhile stop, particularly when Roosevelt elk are grazing in the open meadow.
Access the parkway from the signed exits approximately six miles north of Orick or four miles south of Klamath. The National Park Service recommends leaving Highway 101 to experience the dense old-growth forest along this quieter route. Review the official Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway guide before visiting.
Seasonal Parkway Closure
From October through May, the parkway is generally closed to motorized vehicles on the first Saturday of each month for Bike and Hike Day. Winter storms can also cause temporary closures because of ice or fallen trees. Confirm current conditions before arranging an itinerary around the parkway.
Cal-Barrel Road
Cal-Barrel Road offers a shorter and more intimate redwood experience just off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This narrow, winding, unpaved road extends for approximately 1.5 miles through old-growth coast redwood forest.
The route feels more secluded than the parkway, with enormous trunks rising close to the road and a dense carpet of ferns covering the forest floor. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to slow down and experience the scale of the trees without committing to a long hike.
Vehicle Restrictions and Access
Motorhomes, recreational vehicles, and trailers are prohibited on Cal-Barrel Road. The road also closes to vehicle traffic during winter. When open, drivers should proceed slowly, yield when necessary, and watch for pedestrians using the route as a forest walk.
Leashed dogs are allowed along the road, making it one of the more practical options for travelers exploring redwood country with a pet. Visit the National Park Service’s scenic drives page for current restrictions and route information.
Bald Hills Road
Bald Hills Road creates one of the region’s most dramatic landscape transitions. Beginning just north of Orick, the route climbs from shaded redwood forest into broad upland prairies, oak woodlands, and open hills with expansive views.
The National Park Service describes the drive to the Lyons Ranch Trailhead as approximately 17 miles one way. The first portion is paved, but the road later becomes unpaved, narrow, rough, and unsuitable for most RVs or vehicles towing trailers.
What to See Along Bald Hills Road
The road passes access points for Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove before climbing toward Redwood Creek Overlook. On clear days, the overlook provides sweeping views across the Redwood Creek watershed with the Pacific Ocean visible in the distance.
Spring is especially attractive because lupines and other wildflowers brighten the prairies. Roosevelt elk, black bears, birds of prey, and other wildlife may also be visible. Animals should always be observed from inside the vehicle or from a safe distance.
Prepare for the Steep Grade
Parts of Bald Hills Road include steep grades, sharp curves, and limited services. Begin with sufficient fuel, download maps before leaving Highway 101, and carry water and food. Roadside conditions can become muddy or difficult after rain, so check the weather and park alerts before driving beyond the paved section.
Additional local information is available through the Visit Humboldt Bald Hills Road guide.
Davison Road to Gold Bluffs Beach
Davison Road combines redwood forest, open elk habitat, and coastal scenery. The route begins near Elk Meadow north of Orick and continues for approximately seven miles toward Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon.
The first section passes a meadow where Roosevelt elk are frequently seen. The road then travels through second-growth redwood forest before reaching the wild Pacific coastline. Most of the route is unpaved and narrow, so drivers should expect slower travel and occasional rough sections.
Important Vehicle and Permit Rules
Trailers are prohibited, and motorhomes or RVs must be 24 feet long or shorter. From May 1 through September 30, visitors generally need an advance permit to park at the Fern Canyon trailhead. A permit is not the same as a parking guarantee, so travelers should arrive prepared for congestion during busy periods.
Check current permit details through the official Fern Canyon reservation information.
Mattole Road Through Rockefeller Forest
Mattole Road leaves the Avenue of the Giants near the community of Weott and enters the Rockefeller Forest section of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Although the route begins near the famous avenue, its narrow road, immense trees, and quieter atmosphere create a noticeably different experience.
Rockefeller Forest contains an exceptional concentration of old-growth redwoods. Along portions of the road, giant trunks rise immediately beside the pavement, making ordinary vehicles appear remarkably small.
Combine the Drive With a Short Walk
Travelers can pair the drive with stops near Rockefeller Loop Trail, Founders Grove, or other designated access points in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Never stop in the travel lane merely to photograph a tree. Use established pullouts and parking areas to protect visitors, traffic, and the forest.
Drivers continuing west should understand that Mattole Road eventually becomes a long, winding route toward the Lost Coast. Fuel, food, restrooms, and cellular service are limited in remote areas. Travelers seeking only the redwood experience can turn around at a safe location rather than completing the entire Lost Coast loop.
Richardson Grove and the Southern Redwood Highway
Travelers entering Humboldt County from the south receive an immediate introduction to redwood country near Richardson Grove State Park. U.S. Highway 101 narrows as it passes between tall trees near the park, creating a memorable gateway into the county.
This is an active highway rather than a leisurely park road, so drivers should concentrate on traffic and use designated parking areas before exploring. Richardson Grove State Park offers trails, picnic facilities, seasonal river recreation, and opportunities to see ancient trees away from the vehicle.
Tips for a Safe Humboldt County Scenic Drive
- Review current park alerts, road closures, and weather forecasts before leaving.
- Download offline maps because cellular coverage is unreliable in forested and remote areas.
- Begin with a full fuel tank when exploring Bald Hills Road or Mattole Road.
- Use low gears on steep grades and avoid overheating the brakes on descents.
- Do not stop in traffic lanes or park beside fragile vegetation.
- Respect restrictions for RVs, trailers, commercial vehicles, and oversized vehicles.
- Keep a safe distance from elk, bears, and all other wildlife.
- Carry drinking water, snacks, warm layers, and basic emergency supplies.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
Late spring through early fall generally provides the most dependable driving conditions. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers to Bald Hills Road, while summer offers longer daylight for combining multiple routes. Early fall may provide mild weather and fewer visitors.
Winter can produce dramatic misty forests, but storms may bring fallen trees, flooding, ice, and road closures. Coastal weather can also change quickly in any season, so pack layers even when inland temperatures are warm.
Plan Your Redwood Road Trip
These redwood scenic drives in Humboldt County can be enjoyed individually or combined into a longer itinerary. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and Cal-Barrel Road work well together, while Bald Hills Road and Davison Road deserve separate blocks of time. Mattole Road is best paired with a day in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Explore the Humboldt County travel guide for additional destination ideas. Travelers planning a summer trip can also read about hidden swimming holes and river beaches in Humboldt County.
Visit the Humboldt County blog for more local travel articles or learn about the website through the About Us page.
Avenue of the Giants deserves its reputation, but Humboldt County’s quieter roads reveal even more of the region’s character. By leaving the main highway, driving patiently, and respecting changing conditions, travelers can experience ancient forests, open prairies, wildlife, rivers, and the rugged North Coast in one unforgettable journey.