The North Coast of Humboldt County is one of the country’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring places, let alone Northern California. Even if you live in this scenic location, you have to agree that a drive up Highway 101 is an absolute must-see for anyone living in this state. This fun and scenic drive will be best in late spring when the crazy winter weather has subsided. This is around the time when the ferns will be lush and vibrant, and the beaches will be remote and peaceful.

You can find the entire natural wonders road trip itinerary here.

This breathtaking coastal drive will take you in and out of the iconic redwood forests and dramatic beaches of the North Coast.
Google Maps
1. Richardson Grove State Park
Richardson Grove State Park, 1600 US-101, Garberville, CA 95542, USA
Flickr/ Brandon Burke
You'll begin at Richardson Grove State Park. It boasts the ninth-largest tree in all of the Redwood forests in Northern California and is also known for its great swimming holes in the Eel River. It's a great place to kick off your scenic drive, no matter what direction you are coming from.
2. Shelter Cove, CA
Shelter Cove, CA 95589, USA
Flickr/ eeetthaannn
Head west from Richardson Grove to get your first glimpse of the ocean at Shelter Cove. It's located on what is known as Northern California's Lost Coast where the King Range meets the sea. It's fairly secluded and folks are drawn here for the quiet. If time allows, we recommend spending a night here before making your way inland and up through the Avenue of the Giants.
3. Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants, California, USA
Flickr/ Paul Lovine
As it's name suggests, this drive will leave you awe-struck by the beauty of these unique and incredible trees. It is part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the southern entrance to the Avenue is just north of Garberville. The Avenue of the Giants was part of U.S. Route 101 until a freeway bypass was completed on August 27, 1960, assuming the 101 designation. It's the location of a number of iconic landmarks that tourists love to see, including the Immortal Tree and Founder's Grove. These Northern California Redwoods are not to be missed, and easily some of the best natural wonders in the state.
4. Lost Coast Scenic Drive
Lost Coast, CA 95536, USA
Flickr/ J M
Before you get to Ferndale, you have the option to get off the beaten path and check out a very scenic NorCal drive, but very rough route that gets you a close to this remote coastline as possible without having to hike in. From Ferndale, take the Mattole Road south toward Petrolia. After rolling through a high alpine forest, you'll come to a former stagecoach stop called Capetown. From this point the road takes a steep drop to the sea and touches the ocean at Cape Mendocino, following the shore for six miles near Cape Mendocino, then turns inland along the Mattole River. Continue on through Honeydew, out of the Mattole River Valley and into Humboldt Redwoods State park where you can return via 101, heading north.

Related Stories

The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Northern California Like Never Before

The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Northern California Like Never Before

 The 3-Hour Road Trip Around Redding's Waterfall Loop Is A Glorious Adventure In Northern California

The 3-Hour Road Trip Around Redding's Waterfall Loop Is A Glorious Adventure In Northern California

 The Ultimate Northern California Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

The Ultimate Northern California Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
5. Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Bay, California, USA
Flickr/ Humboldt Baykeeper
Despite being the only protected harbor along nearly 500 miles of coastline, Humboldt Bay's location was undiscovered or at least unreliably charted for centuries after the first arrival of European explorers to the Pacific Coast. This is partially because it is extremely difficult to see from the ocean. The harbor opens to the sea through a narrow and historically treacherous passage, which was blocked from direct view due to sandbars now managed by jetties.
6. Clam and Moonstone Beaches
Clam Beach, CA 95519, USA
Flickr/ Lindley Ashline
These two incredible spots are great places to get out and stretch your legs. Clam Beach is one of the few California Beaches that allows overnight beach camping. Moonstone Beach, on the other hand, is a great place to grab a bite to eat at the nearby Moonstone Grill.
7. Trinidad State Beach
Trinidad State Beach, California 95570, USA
Flickr/ Troy Smith
The impressive offshore rocks seen from Trinidad State Beach are part of the California Coastal National Monument. It's located about 20 miles north of Eureka and one of the most iconic and dramatic coastal features you will see on this drive.
8. Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Humboldt Lagoons State Park, 15336 US-101, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
Flickr/ Robert Thompson
Humboldt Lagoons State Park protects three lagoons with estuaries and wetlands. It's spectacular at sunset and for bird watching. It's the site of resting areas for migratory waterfowl.
9. Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon, California 95555, USA
Flickr/ Kirt Edblom
A couple of beautiful "fern canyons" are found along the North Coast, but the Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is undoubtedly the most awe-inspiring. Five-finger, deer, lady, sword, and chain ferns cover the precipitous walls of the canyon.
10. Newton Drury Scenic Parkway
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, California, USA
Flickr/ Kirt Edblom
The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is the 9-mile long two-lane road through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It was completed in 1993 to honor his efforts in the creation of Redwood National and State Parks. He served as the fourth director of the American National Park Service and the executive director of the Save-the-Redwoods League. Traveling through the Redwood forests of Northern California is the perfect way to end this road trip.

What are your favorite spots along the North Coast of Humboldt County? Did you have a favorite stop along this road trip? Let us know in the comments section!

For more Northern California adventure and travel ideas, take a look at the small town in Northern California that you might just fall in love with.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The North Coast Of Humboldt County

Megan Todaro | February 07, 2023

What are the best natural wonders in Northern California, with no hiking required?

The best natural wonders in Northern California include:

  • Lake Helen, Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Highway 1
  • Mount Shasta
    Sierra Valley
  • Trinidad
  • The Wildlife
  • The Cypress Tunnel at Point Reyes
  • McCloud River
  • The Redwood State and National Parks
  • Mendocino Botanical Gardens
  • Donner Summit, Truckee

 

Each of these Northern California natural wonders requires no hiking, which means more often than not, you can just visit or drive to each spot and enjoy the natural beauty.

What are the most beautiful natural attractions in Northern California?

The most beautiful natural attractions in Northern California include:

  • The McCloud Waterfall Hike along the McCloud River
  • Lake Almanor in Plumas County
  • Enderts Beach near Crescent City
  • Mount Shasta
  • Shasta Lake
  • Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Burney Falls in the McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg
  • Castle Crags State Park in Siskiyou County off I-5
  • Hedge Creek Falls near Dunsmuir
  • The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Butte County
  • Little Backbone Creek near Shasta Lake

 

You don’t have to be an avid hiker or outdoors person in order to enjoy these beautiful natural attractions in Northern California. However, we do recommend visiting each and planning more than just a few hours. Some of the natural attractions offer so much more than what meets the eye.

What is a fun outdoor day trip adventure in Northern California?

A fun outdoor day trip adventure in Northern California will take visitors through the Northern California Redwoods. When most people think of the most iconic natural wonder in Northern California, the Redwoods almost always make the top of the list. The gigantic trees are the tallest on Earth and one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire country. Visiting this National Park is the perfect day trip adventure. First, you’re able to enjoy various hiking trails throughout the park. Next, you can sit at the water’s edge with over 40 miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy. Pack a picnic and sit underneath these massive behemoth trees for a picture-perfect meal. The Redwoods National Park boasts prairies, woodlands, wild rivers, and so much more. Whether you want a simple, hour-long hike or to spend the whole day on the trails, this park offers it all.

What is the best short hiking trail in Northern California?

The best short hiking trail in Northern California is Fern Canyon Loop Trail in the beautifully lush Fern Canyon. The trailhead can be found at the top of the parking lot before twisting and turning down into the dense, vibrant forest of moss-covered trees. Walk the canyon floor between the ferns and branches for about a mile before arriving back at the starting point. This short hike might just be one that you wish is double the length.

Related Articles