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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe best way to explore California’s redwood country is to use US 101 as your main route, then leave it for slower scenic roads where they fit your schedule and vehicle. Avenue of the Giants parallels the highway for 31 miles in southern Humboldt County; farther north, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway runs through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Some park roads are narrow, steep, unpaved, or one-way, so check restrictions and current conditions before turning off US 101.
Where the Redwood Highway takes you
US 101 is the main north–south route through the region. Redwood National and State Parks extend along approximately 50 miles of the Northern California coast, from the Crescent City area to the Redwood Creek watershed south of Orick. The National Park Service places the parks about 325 miles north of San Francisco. National Park Service directions
Think of US 101 as the through-route and the scenic alternatives as detours into the forest. You can stay on the highway for a more direct journey, or take selected side routes for a slower drive among old-growth redwoods. There is no verified, comprehensive drive-time comparison for the entire route; time depends on stops, traffic, and the roads you choose.
Which scenic drive should you choose?
| Route | What it offers | Vehicle and planning notes |
|---|---|---|
| US 101 | The main through-route and the reference point for nearby scenic alternatives. | Check Caltrans for current highway conditions before departure. |
| Avenue of the Giants / CA 254 | A 31-mile route paralleling US 101 in southern Humboldt County. It offers a slower forest drive with opportunities to stop. Visit Redwoods: Avenue of the Giants | Allow extra time, but no precise additional travel-time estimate is established. California State Parks identifies Avenue of the Giants as old Highway 101 and State Route 254. Humboldt Redwoods State Park Road and Trail Management Plan |
| Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway | A scenic park-road route through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, offering a forest experience distinct from driving US 101. National Park Service scenic drives | Review current park-road conditions and vehicle advisories before using it. |
| Other NPS scenic roads | Park routes described by the NPS include forest scenery and coastal views. National Park Service scenic drives | Roads vary: some are narrow, steep, unpaved, or one-way. Check access and vehicle guidance for the specific road. |
Plan for the road your vehicle can handle
Do not assume every scenic road is suitable for every car, RV, motorhome, or vehicle towing a trailer. The NPS advises drivers of larger vehicles to check road types and vehicle advisories; some routes may be too narrow, steep, or restricted for them. Check the specific road before leaving the highway, and follow posted signs and restrictions.
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If you are unsure which park roads are appropriate, ask at a visitor center. The NPS says visitor centers can provide maps, current conditions, and advice from park staff. National Park Service directions
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check conditions before you go
- Check park roads and closures: Review the NPS current-conditions page close to departure.
- Check US 101: Consult Caltrans California Highway Information for highway status.
- Follow official signs: The NPS advises visitors to follow road signs rather than relying solely on GPS directions. National Park Service directions
- Carry an offline map: A California road atlas or printed map can help with orientation where you have limited connectivity, but it cannot provide live closures or hazards. The NPS recommends maps as part of trip planning. National Park Service directions
Weather, maintenance, and wildfires can change access. For example, a Caltrans report accessed October 8, 2026, listed controlled traffic near Richardson Grove State Park through October 30, 2026. That was a dated report, not a guarantee of current conditions; recheck Caltrans before traveling. Caltrans California Highway Information
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How to make the drive work for your trip
- For a more direct journey: Stay on US 101 and choose scenic detours selectively.
- For a slower redwood drive: Take Avenue of the Giants in southern Humboldt County and leave time for stops.
- For a park-road experience: Consider Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, after checking current conditions and restrictions.
- For a larger vehicle: Confirm the advisory for every scenic road you plan to use; do not assume a route suitable for a car is suitable for an RV or trailer.
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