USA Howland Hill Road

Just a couple miles west of Crescent City, an unpaved stretch of Howland Hill Road offers motorists an intimate encounter with the towering old-growth redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. There are numerous pull-outs and trailheads along the way, offering many opportunities for photo comps. The road also provides access to various trailheads including the Boy Scout Tree Trail and Stout Grove. (From the U.S National Park Service website). This is bear country so be “bear aware”.

Fog is common in coastal redwood forests, making for interesting compositions. A wide angle lens is useful to capture the massive redwood trees.

From Crescent City, California, drive south 1 mile (1.6 km) on U.S. 101 and turn left (east-northeast) onto Elk Valley Road; continue 1 mile and turn right (east) onto Howland Hill Road; after about 1½ miles (2.4 km) the road becomes unpaved as it enters Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park The road is narrow and twisting and is often rough but usually suitable for 2WD vehicles. Motorhomes/RVs and trailers are not advised.