Ride the Avenue of the Giants

Yes, the Avenue of the Giants is open, as is the full Redwood Highway US101. That said, keep in mind this route passes through hilly, wooded terrain, and some sections may experience construction delays or other closures. As you plan your trip, check California road conditions.

The Avenue of the Giants is located between Garberville and Scotia, in Humboldt County, California. Here’s a route map of the Avenue of the Giants, including several of the stops we describe later in this article.

Yes, there are several giant redwoods in Northern California you can ride your motorcycle through. Though one famous giant redwood you used to be able to drive through in Calaveras Big Trees State Park fell during a storm in 2017, you’ve still got plenty to choose from. 

Even if you don’t feel like riding directly through a tree, you can ride past many impressive groves of redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants.

The Avenue of the Giants generally follows the south fork of the Eel River, though some curves are actually dictated by where the giant redwood trees grow. You'll experience some elevation changes, but nothing challenging or technical.

The Avenue of the Giants runs through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so there’s always a possibility of wildlife crossing the road ahead of you. Tourist traffic ranging from RVs to bicycle riders can also be expected, and some visitors may be distracted by the incredible views.

As is the case on any busy stretch of road, it’s up to you to stay focused and alert.

You can expect to experience fairly consistent temperatures all year round in this part of the country—just pack a few layers and you shouldn’t get too warm or too cold. Precipitation, however, varies dramatically by season. During the summer, your odds of a rain-free ride are relatively high. In December, though? Well, just review Scotia, California’s monthly averages below for a clear understanding of the Avenue of the Giant’s rainy season.

While the ride is typically the focus for motorcyclists like us, it's always worth stopping to experience the hidden gems along the way. Here are three attractions you may find interesting.

Located near the southern entrance to the Avenue of the Giants, the unique Shrine Drive-Thru Tree—featuring an enormous natural opening in a living tree—has been a destination since 1958.

This roadside attraction features a single room carved into the stump of a redwood tree that was 2,500 years old when it was felled by loggers. The Eternal Tree House refers to the tall redwoods growing around the giant stump—seedlings of the original tree.

Familiarize yourself with California’s state insurance requirements and rules of the road. Take care of this step before you start your ride.

Have you reviewed your motorcycle insurance recently? As you prepare for your California adventure, make sure your coverage makes sense for you, and check to see if you qualify for any new discounts.