Husband and I spent two great weeks in Northern California in late June. Part pleasure, part biz. We flew into SFO and immediately rented car. Drove straight up to Trinidad (had decided it sounded like more interesting base to see redwoods than either Crescent City or Eureka – were glad we made this choice). Drove 101 most of way, did a few redwood drives that were convenient. The trees are indeed magnificent!! The whole forest is spectacular, those ferns etc. We had read the interesting New Yorker article about the Redwoods not long before, so particularly looked at canopies with a new view. In Trinidad we stayed 3 nights at the Trinidad Inn. Neat little motel place with about 10 rooms or so. They called ours a suite – big room, new bath, windows on 2 sides backed onto stand of young redwoods. Fabulous bed. Nice mgt puts out muffins and so so coffee each am.
Patrick State Park down the road is definitely worth exploring. We were all over the area north to Crescent City over the next couple days. Did all the redwood drives as well as some nice hikes.
Were knocked out by the overlooks at Klamath and Crescent City beaches. Had 2 fun casual dinners at the Seascape at Trinidad’s “harbor.” Funky little spot right on water. Good beer, decent food, cheerful slow service. Just fine with us because we had window seat to water, seals, sea otters, and one night a fabulous rainbow. The other night we had a terrific much more upscale dinner at the Larrupin Café, wonderful food, especially the oysters. As Easterners we were knocked out by those coastal Rt. 1 (and smaller where possible) drives between Trinidad and Mendocino (our next stop). Couldn’t believe how empty it is! Sometimes we scarcely saw other cars. . . Next stop Mendocino . . . Part II

Sounds like a great trip...so far. I'm looking into a trip up the north coast and staying in Trinidad to explore the region. How long did it take you to drive from San Fran to Trinidad? It's hard to gage how long the drive is, also dependent on which route to take.
Thanks

Takes us 5.5 - 6 hours driving non-stop with moderate traffic.

Just wanted to add it is taking the 101 route.

I would try to spend a night in Ferndale. Check out the Jim Carey movie "Majestic" and the Dustin Hoffman "Outbreak" for what it looks like.