This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Northern California Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

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.

1. Richardson Grove State Park

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

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

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

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.

5. Humboldt Bay

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

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

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 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

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

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!

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