California State Route 254
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| Route 254 | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 32 mi (52 km) | |||||||||||||||
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| Major cities: | Phillipsville Miranda Myers Flat Weott Redcrest |
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| Direction: | South-North | |||||||||||||||
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State Route 254, more commonly known as the Avenue of the Giants, is a 32-mile (52 km) scenic road that runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California, roughly following U.S. Route 101.
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[edit] Route Description
The southern entrance to the Avenue is just north of Garberville, California, and the northern entrance is south of Fortuna, California. The highway is notable for the Coast Redwoods that overshadow the road and surround the area. It is from these towering trees that the Avenue of the Giants takes its name. The road winds alongside the scenic Eel River, and connects several small towns such as Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Burlington, Weott, Englewood, Redcrest and Pepperwood. The two-lane road has a number of parking areas, picnic sites, and attractions for visitors. The nearby river provides many excellent swimming locations, such as those at the Rockefeller forest Redwood grove.
[edit] History
The Avenue of the Giants was once part of U.S. Route 101 until a freeway bypass was built, the bypass became what is now 101. It was named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 10 in 1960.
[edit] Sightseeing
While there are several campgrounds, and bicyclists and ramblers are often visible by the side of the road, it is by car that most people view the Avenue.
[edit] Points of Interest
Being situated just off a major highway, and having attained some degree of international fame, the Avenue has many attractions for visitors - both natural and man-made.
[edit] Immortal Tree
Though not the oldest redwood in the forest, this large tree is over 950 years old, and is currently around 250ft tall, though originally it was much taller. It has survived not only the ravages of time but also the 1964 flood of the area, and a direct lightning strike which removed the top 45 feet of the tree (making its original height close to 300ft). It is from its age and the perceived hardiness to the fates that the tree derives its name.
Situated in the northern half of the Avenue The Immortal Tree is easy to find, and has a large gift shop and parking area in front of it.
[edit] Drive Through Tree
Like many redwood forests, the Avenue features a tree that visitors can drive through. The hollow base of the giant tree has had an opening carved either side that allows a car to travel through, much like a traditional road tunnel.
Located off the main road of the Avenue, this attraction is well sign-posted when driving south to north (but not as well for the reverse), and has a small town around it that caters to tourists on the Avenue.
[edit] Tree House
Not a traditional tree house, this is actually a house that is, albeit partially, built within a giant redwood.
Visible from the road, and with tours available, the front of this house is entered through the hollow trunk of a still living tree. The front door and windows are clearly visible to passers by, and the rest of the house adjoins the rear of the tree in a more traditional style.
[edit] Eel River
The Eel River is the third largest river in California. It carves deep canyons down great mountains, through flat valleys, and past majestic and ancient redwood forests. The Avenue of the Giants follows the South Fork of the river, but also features the branching of the South and Main forks to its north.
[edit] Events
It is home of a yearly Marathon Race to benefit cancer research. As the road is a generally level course it is a popular event for marathoners that wish to visit a beautiful site. The Marathon is sponsored by the Six Rivers Running Club.
[edit] State law
Legal Definition of Route 254: California Streets and Highways Code, Chapter 2, Article 3, Section 554
