The Redwood Highway, also known as U.S. Route 101, is a scenic and historic road that winds its way through some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in California. Stretching over 350 miles from San Francisco to the Oregon border, the Redwood Highway offers a stunning and diverse journey through the heart of the state's famous redwood forests, as well as charming coastal towns, rolling vineyards, and rugged mountain ranges.
The highway gets its name from the towering coast redwood trees that line much of its route, some of which are over 2,000 years old and can reach heights of over 350 feet. These majestic giants are some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on the planet and have captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors from around the world.
But the Redwood Highway is more than just a scenic drive – it's a journey through history, culture, and natural wonder. Along the way, travelers can explore historic landmarks, vibrant arts communities, world-class wineries, and outdoor adventures ranging from hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey along the Redwood Highway, exploring its history, highlights, and hidden gems. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, this iconic route offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the magic and wonder of California's Redwood Highway.
The History of the Redwood Highway
Early Beginnings
The history of the Redwood Highway dates back to the early 20th century when the rise of the automobile and the growth of tourism in California created a demand for better roads and highways. In 1909, the California State Legislature passed the State Highway Act, which authorized the construction of a statewide system of highways to connect the state's major cities and regions.
One of the first highways to be built under this act was the Redwood Highway, which originally ran from San Francisco to the Oregon border. The highway was named after the towering redwood trees that lined much of its route and quickly became a popular destination for tourists and travelers looking to experience the beauty and grandeur of these majestic forests.
The Redwood Empire
As the Redwood Highway grew in popularity, so too did the region it passed through, which became known as the "Redwood Empire." This area, which encompasses the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte, is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in California, from the rugged coastline and rolling hills to the dense redwood forests and crystal-clear rivers.
The Redwood Empire also played a significant role in the state's history and economy, with industries ranging from logging and fishing to agriculture and tourism. The region's natural resources, including its vast stands of redwood trees, were a major source of wealth and prosperity for many communities along the Redwood Highway.
The Creation of the Redwood National and State Parks
As the 20th century progressed, however, the Redwood Empire faced increasing threats from logging, development, and other human activities. In response, conservationists and community leaders began to advocate for the protection of the region's unique and fragile ecosystems, particularly its ancient redwood forests.
In 1968, their efforts paid off with the creation of Redwood National Park, which encompassed over 130,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The park was later expanded to include several state parks, creating a vast and interconnected network of protected areas along the Redwood Highway.
Today, the Redwood National and State Parks are a major highlight of the Redwood Highway, offering visitors a chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of these ancient forests. The parks feature a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and scenic drives, as well as educational programs and exhibits that explore the history, ecology, and cultural significance of the redwoods.
Highlights of the Redwood Highway
San Francisco to Mendocino County
The southern end of the Redwood Highway begins in San Francisco, a vibrant and historic city known for its stunning architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class culture. From San Francisco, the highway heads north across the Golden Gate Bridge, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the bay before entering Marin County.
Marin County is known for its picturesque towns, rolling hills, and scenic coastline, as well as its affluent and environmentally-conscious population. Highlights of this section of the highway include the charming town of Sausalito, with its waterfront promenade and boutique shops, and the Point Reyes National Seashore, a stunning coastal park with hiking trails, beaches, and diverse wildlife.
As the highway continues north into Sonoma County, travelers can explore the region's famous wine country, with its rolling vineyards, world-class wineries, and charming towns like Healdsburg and Sonoma. The highway also passes through the stunning Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, home to a grove of ancient redwoods that tower over 300 feet tall.
Finally, the highway enters Mendocino County, a rugged and remote region known for its stunning coastal views, artsy towns, and outdoor adventures. Highlights of this section include the charming town of Mendocino, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the stunning Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, home to a grove of old-growth redwoods that are among the tallest trees in the world.
Humboldt County
As the Redwood Highway enters Humboldt County, travelers are greeted by a dramatic change in scenery, with the rolling hills and vineyards giving way to dense forests, rugged coastlines, and towering redwoods. This section of the highway is the heart of the Redwood Empire and offers some of the most stunning and iconic landscapes along the entire route.
One of the main highlights of Humboldt County is the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive that parallels the main highway and winds through a stunning grove of old-growth redwoods. The avenue features several pull-offs and hiking trails that allow visitors to get up close and personal with these majestic trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old and can reach heights of over 350 feet.
Another highlight of Humboldt County is the town of Eureka, a historic seaport with a charming Victorian-era downtown, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful waterfront promenade. The town is also home to the Sequoia Park Zoo, the oldest zoo in California, which features a wide variety of native and exotic animals in a beautiful redwood forest setting.
Other highlights of Humboldt County include the stunning Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to the largest remaining old-growth redwood forest in the world, and the rugged Lost Coast, a remote and undeveloped stretch of coastline that is only accessible by foot or boat.
Del Norte County
The northernmost section of the Redwood Highway passes through Del Norte County, a remote and rugged region that is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. This section of the highway is less developed than other parts of the route, with fewer towns and services, but offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities along the entire coast.
One of the main highlights of Del Norte County is the Redwood National and State Parks, a vast network of protected areas that encompass over 130,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest, as well as rugged coastline, rivers, and wildlife habitats. The parks offer a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to scenic drives and educational programs, and are home to some of the tallest and most iconic redwood trees in the world.
Other highlights of Del Norte County include the stunning Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, home to a grove of ancient redwoods that are among the tallest and most pristine in the world, and the rugged Smith River National Recreation Area, known for its crystal-clear waters, world-class fishing, and stunning scenery.
Planning Your Redwood Highway Road Trip
When to Go
The best time to drive the Redwood Highway depends on your personal preferences and travel goals. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather, long days, and plenty of outdoor activities and events. However, summer can also bring crowds, traffic, and higher prices, especially in popular destinations like San Francisco and the Redwood National and State Parks.
Fall is a great time to visit the Redwood Highway, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage in the vineyards and forests. Fall is also a popular time for festivals and events, such as the Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show in Boonville and the Eureka Crab Festival in Eureka.
Winter can be a more challenging time to visit the Redwood Highway, with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the potential for rain and fog. However, winter can also bring a more peaceful and serene atmosphere, with fewer visitors and a chance to experience the redwoods in a different light. Winter is also a great time for storm watching along the coast, with dramatic waves and moody skies.
Spring is another great time to visit the Redwood Highway, with mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and the chance to see gray whales migrating along the coast. Spring is also a popular time for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, with rivers and streams swollen with winter rains.
How Long to Take
The length of your Redwood Highway road trip will depend on your personal preferences and travel style. If you're short on time, you could drive the entire route in as little as two or three days, focusing on the main highlights and destinations along the way.
However, to truly experience the beauty and diversity of the Redwood Highway, it's recommended to take at least a week or more. This will allow you to take your time, explore hidden gems and side trips, and fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and local culture.
Some travelers choose to break up their trip into smaller sections, focusing on specific regions or destinations along the way. For example, you could spend a few days exploring the wine country and redwood forests of Sonoma and Mendocino counties, before heading north to the rugged coastline and ancient forests of Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
Where to Stay
The Redwood Highway offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to rustic campgrounds and cozy bed and breakfasts.
Some of the most popular and iconic places to stay along the Redwood Highway include:
- The Timber Cove Resort in Jenner, a stunning coastal resort with rustic-chic cabins, panoramic ocean views, and easy access to hiking trails and beaches.
- The Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville is a charming and historic hotel with elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a beautiful setting along the Eel River.
- The Lost Whale Inn in Trinidad is a cozy and romantic bed and breakfast with stunning ocean views, gourmet breakfasts, and easy access to the Redwood National and State Parks.
- The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel in Fortuna is a modern and stylish hotel with comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a convenient location near the Avenue of the Giants.
Of course, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options along the Redwood Highway, from campgrounds and RV parks to motels and vacation rentals. The key is to plan and book early, especially during peak travel seasons.
What to See and Do
The Redwood Highway offers an endless array of activities and attractions to suit every interest and travel style, from outdoor adventures and scenic drives to culinary experiences and cultural exploration.
Some of the must-see attractions and activities along the Redwood Highway include:
- Explore the charming town of Sausalito, with its waterfront promenade, boutique shops, and stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
- Driving the stunning Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive through a grove of ancient redwoods, with several pull-offs and hiking trails along the way.
- Visiting the Redwood National and State Parks, a vast network of protected areas with hiking trails, scenic drives, and some of the tallest and most iconic redwood trees in the world.
- Exploring the rugged Lost Coast, a remote and undeveloped stretch of coastline that is only accessible by foot or boat, with stunning beaches, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.
- Tasting the world-class wines of Sonoma and Mendocino counties, with rolling vineyards, charming tasting rooms, and gourmet restaurants featuring local ingredients.
- Visiting the historic town of Mendocino, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with stunning Victorian architecture, colorful gardens, and a vibrant arts scene.
- Exploring the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive that parallels Highway 101 and winds through a stunning grove of ancient redwoods, with several pull-offs and hiking trails along the way.
- Visiting the charming town of Eureka, a historic seaport with a beautifully restored Old Town district, vibrant arts scene, and convenient access to the Redwood National and State Parks.
Of course, these are just a few examples of the many experiences and adventures that await along the Redwood Highway. As you travel this iconic route, be sure to keep an open mind, take detours and side trips, and let your curiosity and sense of wonder guide you to new and exciting discoveries.
Conclusion
Traveling the Redwood Highway is more than just a scenic drive – it's a journey through some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in California, and a chance to connect with the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.
From the towering redwoods and rugged coastline to the charming towns and world-class wineries, the Redwood Highway offers an endless array of experiences and adventures that will leave you inspired, refreshed, and eager to explore more.
As you travel this iconic route, take the time to slow down, breathe deep, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of your surroundings. Stop at roadside stands to sample fresh local produce, chat with friendly locals to learn about hidden gems and insider tips, and take plenty of photos to capture the memories and moments that will last a lifetime.
But most importantly, remember to approach your journey with a sense of curiosity, openness, and respect for the natural world and the communities you encounter along the way. The Redwood Highway is not just a destination, but a living, breathing ecosystem and cultural landscape that deserves our care and stewardship.
By treading lightly, supporting local businesses and conservation efforts, and learning about the history and significance of the places we visit, we can help ensure that the Redwood Highway remains a treasured and sustainable resource for generations to come.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the magic and wonder of California's Redwood Highway. With its towering forests, rugged coastline, and endless possibilities for adventure and inspiration, this iconic route is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.