As it wends its way north from Ukiah, U.S. 101 goes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. But what you see from the fast lane is just a hint of what awaits those who venture onto smaller roadways through the varied terrains that comprise the geography of Southern Humboldt.

Avenue of the Giants

The most popular and well-traveled route through the redwoods is the world-famous Avenue of the Giants, otherwise known as State Highway 254. The Avenue predates the freeway, and served as the main route to the county seat at Eureka until the freeway was built in the late 1950s. The modern-day Avenue of the Giants begins at Sylvandale, once a village in its own right, and now home to Sylvandale Gardens, a popular nursery. Across the road from Sylvandale, there ‘s easy access to the South Fork of the Eel River for a quick swim. It ‘s also a popular spot for fishing, either from the bank or from a small boat.

From Sylvandale the Avenue proceeds to Phillipsville, a sleepy little place with a store and a post office and the Riverwood Inn, a favorite nightspot for locals. Off the right just beyond the town, there ‘s a paved turnout and rest stop. There are trails leading into the forest

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from the parking lot. They are just long enough to stretch your legs a bit. Dogs on leashes may be walked here.

There is another forest grove further on at Fish Creek. This includes the remains of an old homestead, including a rock chimney, which still stands beside the road, and on the other side, a fig tree planted long, long ago and still bearing.

Keep going and you find yourself at Miranda, the largest town on the Avenue and home to the local high school. Lively Miranda boasts not

just a store and gas station, but a post office, a cafe, an antique shop, redwood gift shops, and accommodations for the weary traveler.

From there it ‘s a breathtaking passage through a corridor of the redwood giants for which the Avenue is named. You have entered Humboldt Redwoods State Park and it is recommended that you stop frequently, get out of your vehicle, and experience the sight, sound, fragrance and feel of the redwood environment. The Avenue will carry you through grove after grove until you reach Pepperwood and must return to the freeway north or south. Beyond Myers Flat, a charming town with two very excellent antique shops, a winery and a laundromat, and Weott, a quiet residential community, you will come to the Rockefeller Forest. Rockefeller is highly recommended as being the best example of a virgin redwood forest in the park.

Bull Creek-Mattole Road

A narrow two-lane road follows Bull Creek through Rockefeller Forest until it breaks out onto the open meadowland and starts to climb the steep mountain to Windy Gap and the beautiful valley of Honeydew. This is not a road for the faint of heart, or weak of brake, but once you have reached the ridgetop above the hamlet of Honeydew, you must stop, get out of your car and take some time to behold the swath of mountains that sweep before you as far as you can see. It is a grand, grand sight, a sight of which one never grows tired.

But in case you do begin to feel tired, follow the road down into the Mattole Valley, seek refreshments at the Honeydew Store and Post Office, and carry them to one of the picnic tables at the Honeydew Creek Campground alongside Honeydew Creek.

From that point, you can continue eastward on the Wilder Ridge Road, which, be forewarned, is dirt and gravel in spots. Here again you will be treated to spectacular views of seemingly endless rows of mountains and then brought down to sweet green valleys through which the Mattole River courses. The road will take you to Ettersburg, but be advised there is nothing there. Keep going, however, and you will come to a junction. Turn west, and Shelter Cove and the King Range Conservation Area await your pleasure. Continue eastward and the road will take you through Briceland to Redway and back to U.S. 101.

Rules of the Road

One thing to remember when venturing off onto the byways is to use the turnouts that are pr ovided on the back roads so that those folks who are in an almighty hurry can get around you.

Happy Trails!