Bruce, a MN Galoot
Our family has been through nearly all of the national parks in the western US and many state parks as well. Nothing I've ever done has been as incredible as the drive on the Avenue of the Giants. When you travel that road, do yourself a favor and get off the road. Go walking among the trees. It's positively magical. Take a really good camera with a wide angle lens and a lot of batteries and extra storage. You'll need them.

Of course, then the next thing we did on that trip (just a couple years ago) was to have lunch with some great people. Make sure you leave time for stopping. You'll do as much of that as driving.

Forgot to add: The College of the Redwoods, James Krenov's workshop, is located in Ft Bragg. If you have the time, take a tour.