"Avenue of the Giants"

"Avenue of the Giants" is a world famous 31 mile scenic drive which is a portion of Old Highway 101 and parallels Freeway 101.  It runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park where Coast Redwoods overshadow the road and surround the area.   The two lane road has a number of parking areas, picnic sites, and attractions for visitors.
There are several hiking trails along the road where you can park and wander through these big giant trees.  We stopped at the Founder's Grove which had a 1/2 mile loop trail.

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Driving through the redwoods.

 

 

 

  

 

I loved looking up while in the redwood forest.

 

 

 

 

 

This fallen tree was probably 300 feet long.   Couldn't get the entire tree in the picture. 

 

 

At some point in time this the tree below had fallen onto the road and had to be cut.  You can see the roots system on the other end sticking up in the air.  They just leave the trees where they fall.

 

 

 

 

This tree was hollowed out about 3 ft. down.  Alan jumped in to see the inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the sign for the next tree picture.  Be sure to read all of the information listed on the sign.  It explains why it is called the immortal tree.

 

 

 

The fish on the tree (below) represents how high the 1964 flood was.  The axe is where loggers got their real axe stuck in the tree.  You couldn't see the axe, so I assume the tree grew over the axe.  And, as the sign said, it survived a fire and a lightening strike.

 

 

 

 

 

You really can't tell from pictures just how big these trees are.   For those of you who have seen them in person you know what I mean.  You are just in awe of how big they are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the 1/2 mile loop trail at Founder's Grove.  It was a nice path to walk on.

 

 

 

 

 

This is the root end sticking up where the tree fell many years ago.  You can tell by the trees and fern growing on the top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is nothing inside the hollowed out tree, but it was very roomy inside.

 

 

 

 

 

There's a couple of trees growing on top.