What is the better bet for Redwoods? The Avenue of the Giants/ Humboldt Redwoods State Park, or the Redwood National Park farther north? We will be driving through both, but not sure if we have time to hike in both places--so can you suggest a good hike?

For Redwood National Park, the Fern Canyon Trail is easy and you're rewarded with a nice beach at the end if you do the whole thing. There are a couple of shorter loops you can take but the mail trail is about 10 miles roundtrip. Or the shorter Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail.

Both areas have their fascination and are different, do them both if you can. South loop (Humboldt) best hike we did was in Rockerfeller forest. North branch Fern Canyon and Miners Ridge wre fantastic.

You can find descriptions of trails in both areas here:

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Humboldt.html

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/RNP.html

I like the ones north of Eureka best because they are nearer the coast. One favorite is the coastal trail/friendship ridge trail in Prairie Creek State Park. If you are going to go drive out to Fern Canyon this is a good choice.

Also, in Jedediah Smith State Park, there is the Boy Scout Tree Trail that is outstanding.

These may be longer hikes than what you are looking for. But, if you search the links above, I'm sure you will find something to your liking.

Otis B., your links are invaluable and would have saved me lots of time when I was planning my own trip to the area. Where did you get this link? I searched all over for trail info and finally wrote for the brochures from both units. I did not see mention of the eastern section of
redwood State Park, where the Tall Trees Groves are. I did not have time to get there (so. of Lady Bird Johnson grove, I believe)- have any thoughts? I will return, I hope, but am interested in seeing the Olympic rain forest for my next tree trip!
Kalli, hope you have/had a good trip. They're too big to hug all the way.....