NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast
Through the Tallest Trees on Earth
NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast
Northern California above San Francisco is a different world. The redwood forests of Humboldt and Mendocino counties contain the tallest trees on Earth, and the roads that wind through them are among the most atmospheric driving experiences in America.
This route pack begins on the Mendocino coast and climbs inland through the Anderson Valley wine region before entering the redwood country. The Avenue of the Giants. a 31-mile alternate route through old-growth groves. is the centerpiece, but the connecting roads through the Mattole Valley and along the Lost Coast are equally rewarding.
The pace here is different. The light filters through cathedral canopies, the road surface is dappled with shadows, and the air smells of ancient wood and ocean fog. This is driving as meditation.
"Driving through the redwoods is not about speed. It is about scale — yours, relative to something that was ancient before your country existed."
The Stable
Quick Facts
280 Miles, 6 Rally Points
A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.
Discover the NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast Route
This route pack includes 6 expertly curated rally points across 280 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.
See What's Inside
Explore a sample of the NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible — become a member to unlock all 6 segments plus insider tips for every stop.
What You Get
Trip Planning Essentials
Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.
Fuel Stops
Fill up your tank in Garberville or Miranda before driving the Avenue of the Giants and especially before heading onto the remote Mattole Road, as there are no fuel services for over 60 miles.
Cell Coverage
Expect to lose cell service along large portions of the Avenue of the Giants and for the entirety of the Mattole Road drive. Download offline maps and music in advance.
Advance Bookings
Book accommodations and dinner reservations, especially for popular spots like the Benbow Historic Inn and Restaurant 301 in Eureka, several weeks ahead during peak season (May-September).
Road Conditions
Mattole Road is extremely narrow and winding with some rough pavement. It is not recommended for RVs or large trailers. Check road conditions before you go, especially during the rainy season.
Mendocino Coast to Anderson Valley
Coast & Wine
Begin in the village of Mendocino — a dramatic headland perched above the Pacific. Drive south along Highway 1 through Fort Bragg, then turn inland on Highway 128 through the Anderson Valley wine region. Stop at Navarro Vineyards or Roederer Estate for world-class sparkling wine.
Depart by 9:00 AM to enjoy the coastal views in the morning light before the fog burns off.
Highway 1 is a classic coastal two-lane road with sweeping curves and stunning ocean vistas. Expect moderate traffic, especially near Mendocino. Highway 128 offers a change of pace, winding through rolling hills and vineyards with a smooth surface and less traffic.
Highway 101 to Avenue of the Giants
Into the Redwoods
Continue north through Ukiah and onto Highway 101. As the road enters Humboldt County, exit onto the Avenue of the Giants — a 31-mile alternate route through the most impressive old-growth redwood groves in the world.
Arrive at the Avenue of the Giants by early afternoon to have ample time for stops before dusk.
Highway 101 is a major four-lane highway with high speeds and significant commercial traffic. The transition to the Avenue of the Giants is a welcome change to a two-lane road with a much slower pace, surrounded by towering redwoods. The road surface is generally good, but be aware of slower tourist traffic.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Unlock the Complete NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast
Get the full route pack with all 6 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 11 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.
Food, Wine & Experiences
Navarro Vineyards
Anderson Valley
Excellent Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer in the heart of Anderson Valley. Free tastings.
Don't Miss: The Gewürztraminer and the Pinot Noir are signatures of Navarro. Try the free tasting.
Walk-ins are welcome for tastings, but it can get busy on weekends. Arrive early or book a private tasting online.
Ample free parking in a large lot just off Highway 128.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Accommodation
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Unlock the full NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast
Reviews & Ratings
3 reviews
Through the giants
Driving through the redwoods in a sports car is a spiritual experience. The route avoids the tourist traps and takes you through the most dramatic groves. The Lost Coast section was the highlight — raw, untouched California.
The road trip of a lifetime
We took three days for this one and it wasn't enough. Every rally point delivered something unexpected. The roadbook's historical notes about the redwoods added a wonderful depth to the experience.
NorCal at its most beautiful
This route pack captures everything that makes Northern California special. Ancient forests, rugged coastline, and winding mountain roads. The accommodation picks were cozy and perfectly located.
Everything You Need
Downloadable Roadbook
Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.
Link Hub Access
Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.
Restaurant Recommendations
Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.
Hotel Suggestions
Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.
Winery & Experience Access
Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.
Ongoing Updates
Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.
Save 30% with annual billing
$99/year for Global access — only 100 of 100 spots left
Pre-Drive Checklist
Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.
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Request Custom BuildFrom The Journal
Navarro Vineyards: A Taste of Alsace in Anderson Valley
Discover a taste of Alsace in the heart of Anderson Valley. Navarro Vineyards offers a relaxed, unpretentious wine tasting experience on the NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast drive.
Roederer Estate: A Sparkling Gem in Anderson Valley
After a breathtaking drive through the NorCal Redwoods, unwind at Roederer Estate, the Anderson Valley outpost of the legendary Champagne house, for a taste of world-class sparkling wine.
Benbow Historic Inn: A Touch of Tudor Majesty on the Redwood Highway
Escape into old-world charm at the Benbow Historic Inn, a landmark Tudor-style hotel offering refined dining and a perfect, civilized pause on your NorCal Redwoods & Lost Coast adventure.
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"Driving through the redwoods is not about speed. It is about scale — yours, relative to something that was ancient before your country existed."
The Stable