I already asked about the drive, and at this point I’m still unclear if I’ll take 101 both ways, 1 one way and 101 the other, or even go over the mountains and back on 5, but what about the park itself.
What’s the best time to visit (I don’t care if it’s warm or cold but I don’t want it to be wet and preferably not full of mosquitos?) I’d prefer the shoulder season when hotel prices are a bit less if that’s feasable. Is there an ideal time to visit that lines up with the best time to visit San Francisco?
Best place to see old growth trees, given that rental cars don’t allow driving on unpaved roads, and my sister can’t walk much more than a mile or so? I’ll be staying two nights in Eureka (the closest Holiday Inn), but I plan to drive to Oregon and then turn around, so a place in the northern section would be OK.
Is it best to avoid driving north on a Friday night or back on a Sunday night?
I live behind the Redwood Curtain about 32 km south of Eureka. Temps along this stretch are pretty much 40 to 60 degrees during the rainy season, which is from November to April. So temps aren’t going to be a problem. The rain will be during this period if you don’t want to deal with it. We commonly have regular stretches of 4-5 days of clear skies during our rainy season. Watch NOAA forecasting for that.
Flying invasive bugs are nonexistant in the coastal areas, including the Park. Inland it’s a different story.
Best place to see BIG trees? You sort of win here because from the Humboldt County line north there are numerous places to see big trees. If you are coming from SF, take Avenue of the Giants (paved all the way) at every opportunity and you won’t be disappointed. Once past Rio Dell the next opportunity will be the Park, which will be good as well. But Avenue of the Giants is the ticket.
If you drive north on Friday from SF expect a jam until you pass Santa Rosa. Clear sailing after that. Sunday? Clear down to Santa Rosa and then expect a jam.
Big trees up here behind the Redwood Curtain. When you get to the intersection of 101 and State highway 36 (near Fortuna) look to the east for the old (pink 2-story) train station. That’s me.
You really can’t go wrong seeing nice Redwoods in any of the parks up there. Up in the Crescent City area, Stout Memorial Grove is an excellent short hike. And though your rental car isn’t supposed to be on unpaved roads, I would highly recommend taking Howland Hill Road if the ranger says the road is in good shape. (I hate to mention another unpaved route, but Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods is a spot you won’t ever forget). If you’re a fan of roadside attractions like I am, Trees of Mystery is definitely worth a stop.
In my trips up there I’ve had good weather in late summer and early fall.
Avenue of the Giants, get out and walk through Founder’s Grove, which you can do even if you use a walker. Further up near Orick there is the Lady Bird Johnson Grove which is worth seeing. Do not take weed with you. The feds are all over the place and all over the weed.
