From Ashlan, OR to Avenue of the Giants to ?????

Question

Hello,

We are from San Fernando Valley and we will be visiting Crater Lake from Ashland, OR then Redwood National Park particularly Avenue of the Giants. We will be staying in Humboldt County. Going back home is more than 10 hours drive and we're planning to visit another place to check out and get some rest. Can you recommend which place to check out? We will be driving in first week of August.

Answer

Driving from Ashland, OR through the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County back to San Fernando Valley is a beautiful but long trip, so stopping somewhere interesting along the way is a great idea. Since you'll be traveling in the first week of August, the weather is generally clear and perfect for sightseeing.

After exploring the Avenue of the Giants, consider stopping along the coast or slightly inland for a restful break before tackling the final stretch home. Here are some options that balance scenery, activities, and convenience:

Fort Bragg / Mendocino Coast: About 1–1.5 hours south of the Avenue of the Giants, this area offers dramatic coastal views, beaches, and charming small towns. You could stretch your legs at Glass Beach or explore the Mendocino Headlands. Fort Bragg has several hotels and inns for an overnight stay.
Avenue of the Giants / Garberville area: If you prefer to stay closer to the redwoods, Garberville has cozy lodges and B&Bs. You can enjoy a short hike in Humboldt Redwoods State Park before resting for the night.
Eureka: About 45 minutes from the Avenue of the Giants, Eureka has a historic Old Town with Victorian architecture, restaurants, and hotels. It’s a convenient stop before heading further south.

If you want to make the drive back home more scenic, you could continue down the California coast along Highway 101 and spend the night in a coastal town like:

Fortuna / Fortuna River Lodge area: Inland but near the Eel River, offering a quiet overnight spot.
Santa Rosa / Sonoma County: Longer drive south but allows you to enjoy wine country for a night before returning to the Valley.

Tips for planning your stop:

Book accommodations in advance, especially for coastal towns in early August.
Check driving times and allow extra time for sightseeing or traffic along 101.
Consider the kids/family comfort: choosing a town with good food options and easy access to hotels will make the overnight more restful.

Overall, for a mix of scenic beauty and convenient overnight rest, Fort Bragg or Eureka would be ideal spots to break up your drive before completing the journey back to San Fernando Valley.

From Ashlan, OR to Avenue of the Giants to ?????

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