California 254 is the Avenue of the Giants, following Old U.S. 101 between Exit 645 and Exit 674 through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. California 254 (Avenue of the Giants) travels north through Phillipsville, Miranda, and Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The bypass of the Avenue of the Giants (now U.S. 101) was built in three stages: from Exit 645 north to Exit 656, 1962-1964; from Exit 656 north to Exit 667, 1961; and from Exit 667 north to Exit 674, 1958-1967. The old alignment is still in the state highway system.

The new bridge deck looks more like a mid-1960s bridge than a 1930s bridge. The South Fork of the Eel River flows below the Avenue of the Giants. Photo taken 05/25/06.

At the north end of the bridge over the South Fork of the Eel River, California 254 brushes under the U.S. 101 (Redwood Highway) freeway overpass, then turns northeast as a frontage road. Photo taken 05/25/06.

Near the north end of California 254 along Jordan Road is the final junction with U.S. 101 (Redwood Highway). The first right connects to U.S. 101 north to Eureka, and the next left connects to U.S. 101 south to Ukiah and Santa Rosa. Photo taken 05/29/06.

An end California 254 shield assembly is posted prior to the U.S. 101 interchange. At this point, the state highway leaves the state park. Photo taken 05/29/06.

California 254 south

Upon leaving U.S. 101 (Redwood Highway), southbound California 254 follows Jordan Road north to the Avenue of the Giants, then turns east onto the Avenue. Photo taken 05/29/06.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park includes 17,000 acres of old growth redwoods (such as the Rockefeller Forest, which is the largest such old growth stand left in the world). Humboldt Redwoods State Park features a large and very informative visitors center (use this exit) and includes hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The third largest state park in California, the park contains about 53,000 acres total, including the old growth redwood forests as well as the Bull Creek watershed. Photo taken 05/29/06.

Redwoods line both sides of California 254 (Avenue of the Giants) as the old alignment of U.S. 101 travels south through the state park. Photo taken 05/29/06.

Continuing south, California 254 crosses over Greenlaw Creek. Photo taken 05/29/06.

Southbound California 254 (Avenue of the Giants) enters the community of Pepperwood after briefly leaving the state park. From here, California 254 turns south. Photo taken 05/29/06.

After leaving Pepperwood, this mileage sign along California 254 south provides the distance to Weott (10 miles), Myers Flat (17 miles), and San Francisco (239 miles). Photo taken 05/29/06.

The Eel River comes into view as the redwoods part ways briefly. Photo taken 05/29/06.

After the Barkdull Road intersection (which links to U.S. 101 (Redwood Highway)), southbound California 254 (Avenue of the Giants) crosses over Bear Creek. Photo taken 05/29/06.

The Eel River comes into view again to the east of California 254 (Avenue of the Giants). Photo taken 05/29/06.