Richardson Grove is five miles south of Garberville and is the first old-growth redwood grove most northbound travelers encounter on US-101. The highway literally passes through the park, and at one point squeezes between living redwoods — you can see the trees from the driver's seat without pulling over.
There are several short hiking trails into the grove, including a flat loop along the South Fork of the Eel River that is easy enough for young children. The campground here is well-placed — shaded, quiet, close to the river — and fills up on summer weekends. It is a good alternative base if Garberville motels are full or expensive.