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Some roads get you somewhere fast, and some roads make you forget you had anywhere to be. Tucked into the far northern corner of California, near the town of Crescent City, there is a narrow route where the trees are so tall that your car suddenly feels like a toy.
It runs for only about ten miles, yet people plan whole trips around it. Stick around, because this short drive through giant redwoods might be the slowest and best ten miles you ever take.
A Ten-Mile Ribbon in Redwood Country
Small on the map, big in the memory. Howland Hill Rd sits in California 95531, USA, in the far northwest corner of the state near Crescent City.
The road is a state park route that threads through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It stretches for about 10 miles from end to end.
Much of that distance is unpaved, which surprises some first-timers. Plan on a gravel and dirt surface for most of the journey rather than smooth highway.
That rough character is part of the deal. The road was never built for speed, and it rewards anyone willing to ease off the gas.
Along the way, redwoods line both sides of the route. The trees frame the drive from start to finish, which is exactly why so many people call it one of the most scenic back roads in the region.
Consider it less of a shortcut and more of a destination with wheels.
The Park That Holds the Road
Every good road needs a good home. For this one, home is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, a protected stretch of forest in the northern part of California.
The park takes its name from Jedediah Smith, an American explorer and trapper. Having a road pass through a state park means the land around it stays protected, so the drive keeps its wild look year after year.
That protection is a big reason the scenery feels so untouched. There are no billboards, strip malls, or roadside clutter competing for attention.
The area also sits close to Crescent City, which makes it easy to fit into a trip along the northern California coast. Travelers can spend the morning near town and be deep among the trees soon after.
Think of the park as the frame and the road as the brushstroke running through the middle of the canvas.
Giants on Both Sides
Tree lovers, this is your moment. The main event on Howland Hill Rd is the redwoods, and they line the route in a way few roads can match.
Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. Some in this part of California rise higher than a football field is long.
On this drive, those trunks often stand right at the edge of the gravel. The road bends around them instead of the other way around, which gives the trip a personal, up-close quality.
Many travelers find themselves pulling over again and again just to look up. It is completely normal to stop more times than planned.
Cameras tend to work overtime here. Wide shots of the road disappearing between trunks are especially popular, since they show just how small a car looks next to these giants.
Tip for photographers: tilt the camera up, then tilt your expectations up too.
Gravel, Curves, and a Slower Pace
Leave the race car dreams at home. Since the route is largely unpaved, it asks drivers to take things slow and steady.
The surface is mostly dirt and gravel. The road is also narrow in places, so sharing space with oncoming cars calls for patience and a friendly wave.
Slow speeds turn out to be a gift. At a crawl, there is time to notice the trees, the turns, and the little clearings along the way.
Standard cars commonly make the drive in dry conditions, but careful driving matters. Larger vehicles, like big RVs or trailers, are generally better left elsewhere because of the tight spots.
Budget extra time for the ten miles. With stops, the trip can easily stretch well beyond what the mileage suggests.
Here, being the slowest car on the road counts as a win.
Trailheads Worth the Stop
Engines off, boots on. One of the best things about Howland Hill Rd is that it connects to trailheads throughout Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
That means the drive can turn into a hike whenever the mood strikes. Parking near a trailhead opens the door to exploring the forest on foot.
Walking among the redwoods offers a different perspective than seeing them through a windshield. The trunks feel even larger when there is no car around you.
The Stout Grove area is a well-known stop reached from this road. It is a favorite for short, easy walks among big trees.
Hikers of different energy levels can find something that fits. Some people stroll for twenty minutes, while others spend half a day wandering.
Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and keep a trail map handy. The forest has a funny way of making time disappear.
Who Will Love This Drive
Road-trippers who hate crowds, rejoice. The calm, slow nature of this route suits people who enjoy quiet scenery more than busy attractions.
Families often find it a great fit. Kids can stretch their legs at trailheads, and the short distance keeps the ride from dragging on.
Photographers get endless frames of road and forest. Nature fans get easy access to protected redwood groves without a long hike just to reach them.
Couples looking for a peaceful outing also tend to enjoy it. The road invites conversation, frequent stops, and no rush.
Travelers who prefer smooth pavement and quick speeds may find the gravel less charming. Anyone prone to impatience should probably pack a little extra calm.
For everyone else, the drive feels like a slow-motion tour through one of California’s most famous forests.
Know Before You Go
A little planning goes a long way on a gravel road. Howland Hill Rd sits near Crescent City, so that town is a handy base for supplies and fuel.
Fill the tank and pack snacks and water before heading out. Services along the route itself are limited, since it runs through a state park.
Weather can change road conditions, especially after heavy rain. Checking with Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for current updates is a smart move before driving.
Cell service can be spotty among the tall trees. Downloading maps ahead of time helps avoid confusion.
Details like hours or fees for nearby park facilities can change, so confirm them directly with the state park. Drive with headlights on, watch for hikers, and pull aside to let others pass.
Preparation here is the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one.
The Verdict on Ten Slow Miles
Short roads rarely leave such a long impression. Howland Hill Rd proves that distance has little to do with how memorable a drive can be.
Its redwoods, gravel curves, and handy trailheads make it a standout in northern California. The fact that it sits inside a protected state park keeps it feeling timeless.
It is not a road for rushing. It is a road for lingering, looking up, and stopping often.
For anyone heading toward Crescent City, carving out a few hours for this route is well worth it. The trip turns an ordinary travel day into something far more special.
Pack patience, a camera, and good shoes. The redwoods will handle the rest, one postcard-worthy mile at a time.
