Avenue of the Giants
You must put Avenue of the Giants in Northern California’s Humboldt Redwoods State Park on your bucket list. This wonderfully scenic 31-mile highway winds through towering groves of ancient redwoods that rise like cathedral pillars, their massive trunks stretching skyward and their leafy crowns disappearing into a soft, misty canopy above.
Avenue of the Giants Motorcycle Ride
Instead of taking the truck, we opted to ride motorcycles through the Avenue of the Giants. This decision worked out well, as it gave Ken the opportunity to wind through one curve and then another—and it gave me much-needed experience and confidence. So, on we rode, beneath a canopy of green leaves and towering trees that created shadowed groves nearly ten degrees cooler than in the sun. The air felt cool and earthy—you could actually smell the forest. The sheer height and age of the trees once again made us feel very small, much like the Sequoias.
Detour to the Dirt Road
Naturally, we took a detour down a narrow dirt road along the side of a mountain. “Don’t look down!” I told myself as I rode close to the mountain wall through the switchbacks. It was a bit unnerving at first, but well worth it. Along the way, we discovered wildflowers, breathtaking vistas, and glimpses of the Eel River, with its wide gravel bars and clear water far below.
Back on the Main Trail – Avenue of the Giants
Before long, we made our way back to the main road—once again surrounded by the giants. We stopped to rest, climbed over fallen trunks, and simply took in the beauty of God’s creation all around us.
As we compared the tree stands throughout the day, we noticed something fascinating—when a tree falls, new growth often springs up around it or even from it. Life continues, quietly and faithfully, right where something once stood.
It reminded me of what Job wrote in Job 14:7–9:
“For there is hope for a tree,
When it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
And its shoots will not fail.
Though its roots grow old in the ground
And its stump dies in the dry soil,
At the scent of water it will flourish
And put forth sprigs like a plant.”
Standing there among those towering redwoods, I could see it with my own eyes—God’s quiet reminder that even what looks finished is not without hope.
A Bucket List Item
I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It wasn’t just a great ride—it was a reminder of how small we are and how great our Creator is. Standing among those giants, it’s hard not to feel both humbled and held at the same time. Be sure to add this one to your bucket list—you won’t leave the same way you came.
Everywhere I go, I enjoy camping with Jesus—on the road and in life.
Enjoy your journey, and feel free to reach out.
Tips for the Journey
Where to Stay
See our resource page to find places to camp. I highly recommend Stafford RV Park. The people are very friendly and it is extremely convenient to the main sights. Read the attached article to find out more about Stafford RV Park.
Places to visit in the area
We stayed in the area four days and were able to see the areas planned. Check out the following links to see what all we did: