| State: | CA |
| Type: | SR |
| Route: | 254 |
| Alternate Name: | Avenue of the Giants |
| Section: | 554 |
| Maint: | Caltrans |
| Map Custom: | yes |
| Map Notes: | SR 254 highlighted in red |
| Length Mi: | 31.595 |
| Length Round: | 3 |
| Direction A: | South |
| Terminus A: | near Phillipsville |
| Direction B: | North |
| Terminus B: | near Stafford |
| Counties: | Humboldt |
| Previous Type: | SR |
| Previous Route: | 253 |
| Next Type: | SR |
| Next Route: | 255 |
The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic highway in northern California, United States, running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It is named for the coast redwoods that tower over the route. The road is a former alignment of U.S. Route 101, and continues to be maintained as a state highway as State Route 254 (SR 254).
The Avenue's southern terminus is at US 101 near Phillipsville, north of Garberville. Its northern terminus is at US 101 near Stafford, 15miles south of Fortuna. The road parallels the scenic Eel River, and connects the small towns Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Englewood, Redcrest and Pepperwood. The two-lane road has a number of parking areas, campgrounds, picnic sites, and attractions for visitors. The nearby river provides many swimming locations, such as those at the Rockefeller Forest redwood grove.
The route contains the site of the annual "Avenue of the Giants Marathon".[1]
SR 254 is not part of the National Highway System, a network of highways that are considered essential to the country's economy, defense, and mobility by the Federal Highway Administration. SR 254 is eligible to be included in the State Scenic Highway System, but it is not officially designated as a scenic highway by the California Department of Transportation.
Though not the oldest redwood in the forest, this large tree is at age millennium, and is currently around 250feet tall, though originally it was much taller. It has survived not only the ravages of time but also a 1908 attempt at logging, the 1964 flood of the area, and a direct lightning strike which removed the top 45feet of the tree (making its original height close to 300 ft). It is from its age and perceived hardiness that the tree derives its name. Markers are visible on the tree, denoting the heights of where the loggers' axes and the floodwaters struck the tree.
Located in the northern half of the Avenue, The Immortal Tree is easy to find, and has a large gift shop and parking area situated in front of it.
Near Weott, this grove has an easy half-mile self-guided walk with informational booklets available at the beginning of the trail. The well-travelled trail is a good example of old-growth redwood forest and contains a few very large trees, including the Founder's Tree (346.1. ft. tall)[2] and the Dyerville Giant (c. 370 ft. tall), which fell in 1991.
Avenue of the Giants features a tree that visitors can drive through. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is near the town of Myers Flat. It is privately held; the owner charges $15 or more for a car to drive through it.
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 the house is entered through the hollow trunk of a still-living tree. The front door and windows are clearly visible to passersby, and the rest of the house adjoins the rear of the tree in a more traditional style.
See main article: South Fork Eel River.
The Eel River is the third largest river in California. It carves deep canyons down great mountains, through flat valleys, and past ancient redwood forests. The Avenue of the Giants mainly follows the South Fork of the river, but does pass the confluence of the South and Main forks near its northern terminus.
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.[3] The Avenue was then designated as CA Route 254 by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 10.
The Avenue of the Giants was featured by Huell Howser in Road Trip Episode 105.[4]