The northern coast of California is a popular destination for its many sights and things to do. Probably the most famous sight of them all is the California redwood trees that grow along most of the coastline. Redwoods have been called "champion" trees by their local communities since they grow to looming heights and widths that must be seen in order to be believed.
According to "National Geographic"'s website, some parts of the California redwood forests are as old as the dinosaurs. These majestic trees are the tallest in the world and can be categorized into two species: the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood. The largest sequoia trees reach approximately 300 feet in height and 30 feet in width. Coastal redwoods grow just a bit taller, maxing out at around 350 feet in height but only about 20 feet in width. Some of the largest trees in the California redwood forests have been calculated to be around 3,000 years old.
Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, runs along the Pacific Ocean past some of the most scenic coastlines in all of California. This state highway also runs through Humboldt County, home to the California redwood forests and many other popular scenic stops along the coast, including Humboldt Bay, Arcata, Eureka, and Trinidad. In addition to the beaches, mountains, and redwoods, there are unique Victorian architectural finds in these areas in the forms of homes and other buildings.
The California redwoods area was once home to a variety of different people, including the Native American tribes of the Wiyot, Whilkut, Yurok, Chilula, Hupa, and Karuk. Eventually, as other settlers came to these lands for the same riches the native people cherished, the tribes were either driven out or massacred if they would not leave willingly. There are several historical landmarks that remain as a tribute to the Native American people, including Fort Humboldt, Trinidad Head, and the Indian Village of Tsurai in Trinidad.
The weather around the California redwoods is similar to that of other coastal regions of California: somewhat cool and foggy in the morning, but then the fog burns off in the afternoon, making way for the sun to shine through. The climate and temperatures vary throughout the year, but summertime is always warmest, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid 70s along the coast.
One of the best attractions of the California redwoods is the Avenue of the Giants. This is located at Garberville in the south end of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The park features the largest California redwoods state park in the entire world. There are some 50,000 acres of old and new growth trees here, plus hiking trails to lookout points, and the infamous Rockefeller Forest. At Rockefeller sits the tallest tree ever found, standing at a whopping 362 feet and almost 14 feet in width.
