Redwood Coast
Victorian Ferndale, the Avenue of the Giants and a canyon of ferns on the way to Crescent City.
- Distance
- 282 km (175 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 07 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- States
- CA
- Updated
- September 17, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 282 km (175 mi) with 6 stops, from Eureka to Crescent City. About 3 h 07 min of driving in total.
More road trips in California · More road trips from Eureka
Route description
From Eureka, a short drive south leads to Ferndale, a village of carefully kept Victorian houses and storefronts. Continue south on US-101 to the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile road through the old-growth coast redwoods of Humboldt Redwoods State Park that runs parallel to the highway, with pull-outs and short trails among the trunks.
Head back north on US-101 past Eureka and Arcata to Orick, the gateway to Redwood National and State Parks. Fern Canyon, with 50-foot walls covered in ferns, is reached by the unpaved Davison Road, which has stream crossings and does not allow trailers; in summer a day-use permit is required. Roosevelt elk often graze in the meadows near Prairie Creek.
North of Orick, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway runs through tall redwood groves before rejoining US-101 toward Crescent City. The coast is often foggy in summer, and the parkways through the old-growth forest are narrow, so drive slowly and use the pull-outs.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Eureka
CA - 232 km
Ferndale
CA - 352 km
Avenue of the Giants
NatureWeott, CAA 31-mile road through old-growth coast redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, running parallel to US-101.
- 4133 km
Orick
CA - 515 km
Fern Canyon
NatureOrick, CAA narrow canyon with 50-foot walls completely covered in ferns. Summer access needs a day-use permit.
- 649 km
Crescent City
CA
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Eureka → Avenue of the Giants · 52 mi · 0 h 56 minOn the way: Ferndale.Overnight nearby, for example: Hike-Bike Camp (1 mi); Burlington Campground (1 mi).
- Day 2: Avenue of the Giants → Orick · 83 mi · 1 h 29 minOvernight nearby, for example: Cher'ere Campground & RV Park (16 mi); Gold Bluffs Beach Campground (7 mi).
- Day 3: Orick → Crescent City · 40 mi · 0 h 43 minOn the way: Fern Canyon.Overnight nearby, for example: Redwood Meadows RV Park (7 mi); Bayside RV Park (1 mi).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually April–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Redwood Coast?
3-day road trip of about 282 km (175 mi) with 6 stops, from Eureka to Crescent City. About 3 h 07 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Redwood Coast?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 07 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Redwood Coast start and end?
It starts in Eureka and ends in Crescent City.
Which states does Redwood Coast pass through?
California.
Where can you camp along Redwood Coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 77 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Albee Creek Campground, Hike-Bike Camp and Burlington Campground.
When is the best time for Redwood Coast?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually April–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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