"Worlds Largest Totem Pole is located near the McKinleyville Shopping Center so you can also grab some groceries from the store, and shop a little before you hit the road for redwood coast exploring," the  See California reports.

"The totem pole weighs 57,000 pounds and stands 160 feet high. It was carved from one redwood tree and erected in 1958 or 1959 as a landmark for the then new McKinleyville Shopping Center. Ernest Pierson, Warren Fridley and Joan Nelson carved the pole. Next to the World's Tallest Totem Pole is a grass lawn and gazebo."

"Carved in 1962 by Ernest Pierson. A sign informs visitors that at 160 feet in height, it is the world's largest. A totem pole British Columbia is 13 feet taller, but Canada cheated; theirs is made of two poles, one atop the other," the Roadside America reports.

"The 160-foot-high pole was carved by the late Ernest Pierson and his friend John Nelson, to commemorate the grand opening of the McKinleyville Shopping Center in 1962."

"The top of the pole showcases a thunder bird, with a twelve foot wingspan and a badass look in her eye. Below that, lies some classic totem pole regulars such as the coyote, frog, beaver, owl, grizzly bear and this strange face that will haunt me in my sleep for the next 15 years," the California Curiosities reports.

"in 1984, after 22 glorious years, the wood began to rot (due in part by the weather vs. the sapwood from the tree) and the pole was taken down for a full makeover. Two cranes lifted the pole off from its base-- which itself weighed over two tons-- and a month of re-carving and painting ensued. This resulted in a slimmer, taller and more nimble pole, and you can actually see some classic video footage of the makeover here."

" It is a nice place to take pictures and hide painted rocks."

"This impressive Totem Pole is the result of one man's dream. Local Eureka Builder and businessman, Ernie Pierson grew up in Eureka and - legend has it - as an entrepreneurial young man, he sold water door-to-door. He was also responsible for building many, many homes in Eureka. He was a brilliant businessman, a good friend to many and an artist. At one point in time, he decided to build the world's largest Totem Pole in McKinleyville. Voila! Then, word arrived that there was one Pole taller...no problem. Ernie Pierson added a few feet to the top. He was a great guy."

"It’s worth a look if driving by and is a good rainy day activity."

" It looks like they added 10 additional feet to make it be the record holder. But you need to have a picture by it to post on facebook. Great coffee shop in the parking lot."

" It is very tall and very detailed. Fun to look at."

Other notable Totem Poles in the world include (according to the Weird California):

• Alert Bay, British Columbia - at 173 feet, they claim to have the World's Tallest Totem Pole, but it's made out of two different pieces
• Kalama, Washington - at 140 feet, this totem pole is made out of a single piece, but wasn't crafted by a Native American
• Kake, Alaska - at 132 feet, this traditional totem pole is made out of a single piece and was crafted by Native Americans
• Duncan, British Columbia - at six feet in diameter, this totem pole is the thickest in the world
• Foyil, Oklahoma - at sixty feet tall and thirty feet wide, this is the World's Largest Concrete Totem Pole.