Ride to Headwaters

Distance: 19 miles
Climbing: 1350 Feet
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Eureka

Updated January 21, 2020

Elk River Road is a wonderful country ride close to Eureka. The Elk River Valley offers an out-and-back ride on a quiet country road. The scenery is wonderful and includes open fields, two covered bridges, and surrounding forests. If you are fit and ride hard, you can finish in less than one hour. If you want to enjoy the scenery, it will take a couple of hours. The majority of the ride follows roads with good shoulders or very little traffic. The ride is fairly flat with only a couple of short climbs. The weather in Elk River Valley is similar to Eureka. A coastal wind normally blows up the valley creating a little resistance on the ride back. At the end of Elk River Road, the BLM Headwaters Reserve Website offers a good place to take a break or a short hike. There is an interpretive trail that documents the history of the ghost town of Falk. The trail was upgraded with new culverts and pavement during the summer of 2007. You can ride to the actual location of Falk.
The ride can be done several different ways, but the following route is a great way to do a loop and end up with about 19 miles of riding.

Detailed Route
0- Start in Eureka at Revolution Bicycle Repair at 2811 F Street. This is a good time to get supplies for the ride or try one of two local bakeries. Head south on F Street towards the Fresh Freeze drive-in continuing through the intersection past Jo-Ann Fabrics. The road is busy and narrow but after a few blocks you will enter a nice bike lane. As you continue out F Street its name changes to Fairway Drive. You will drop down a short fast descent, pass the Eureka Golf Course, and then go up a short climb. At the top of the hill look for the Fairway Market.

2.4- Turn left onto Meyers Avenue at the Fairway Market. Meyers Avenue will drop down into the Elk River Valley on a short descent. The road name will change to Pine Hill Road. You will cross over Swain Slough and come to a stop sign.

3.1- Turn left onto Elk River Road. The road is in good condition with a nice bike lane. Traffic will zoom by at 45 to 55 miles per hour. Traffic can be busy during rush hour. After about a mile of flat riding you will start up a short hill.

4.3- At the intersection of Elk River Road and Ridgewood Drive turn right and continue out Elk River Road. This is the beginning of the truly scenic part of the ride. There is usually very little traffic.

5.3- Turn right onto Berta Road to see the first covered bridge. After seeing the bridge turn around and go back to Elk River Road. Turn right and continue out Elk River Road.  During the winter, the road can be impassable due to flooding.

6.3- Zanes Road Covered Bridge. Check out the bridge or continue riding our Elk River Road.

8- At the intersection of Elk River Road and Wrigley Road go straight over the narrow bridge. Continue up the road and start a short climb. After the climb you will start a short descent.

9- Headwaters Forest Reserve North Trailhead. This is the end of the road. There is a picnic bench, porta-potty, and trailhead kiosk. This is a great place for a break. You could take a short interpretive hike out to the former ghost town of Falk. The town was founded in 1884 and abandoned in 1937. It’s a former ghost town because nothing much remains of the town except a few pieces of scattered timber. Bikes are allowed beyond the trailhead. The first mile or so are paved then turn to gravel. When you are ready, head back out Elk River Road.

13.3- At the intersection of Elk River Road and Ridgewood Drive turn right and start up the longest climb of the day. Ridgewood Drive will change into Walnut Drive and take you to Cutten on the outskirts of Eureka. The road is wide and has ample shoulder room. As an alternative, take Westgate Drive, which is safer with less traffic, but a steeper climb. The route is included in the RidewithGPS route below.

17.6- Walnut Drive ends at the stop sign. Turn left and continue around the curve onto W Street. You will pass Sequoia Park and Zoo.

18- Turn left onto Hodgson Street.

19- Turn right onto F Street and head back to Henderson Center.

19.3- Henderson Center. You are done.


You can take a virtual tour of the ghost town of Falk and see some other assorted pictures of the ride by looking at my Flickr Album

South Spit Humboldt Bay Fatbike Ride

Distance: You Choose
Climbing: Very Little
Difficulty: Easy
Start:  South Spit Humboldt Bay near Loleta
Sand: Hard and Fast
Beach Slope: Flat
Beachcombing:  Excellent


This is my favorite fatbike beach ride in Humboldt County.  The Eel River is 196 miles long.  all the winter storm debris dumps out on the beach near its mouth.  There is an amazing assortment of driftwood and debris.  The beach is 8.5 miles from the south jetty to the mouth of the Eel River.  I recommend riding from the base of Table Bluff at the parking lot to the mouth of the Eel River and back along the inland double track. This creates an 8.5 mile loop with a lot of variety.






    

Samoa Beach to Mad River Fatbike Ride

Distance: You Choose
Climbing: Very Little
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Samoa
Sand:  Hard and Fast
Beach Slope: Flat


Humboldt County has many great beaches, which are perfect for exploring.  I've explored nearly all of them on my fatbike.  The dunes and beach change every day like the tide so you never know what will wash up or wash away!


The longest stretch of beach is 15 miles from the Mad River to the north jetty of Humboldt Bay.  There are several places to start a fatbike ride and no way to get lost.  My favorite ride is from Samoa to the Mad River and back because I see the fewest number of people and I usually get a nice tailwind back to Samoa.  Pick you distance, starting point, and direction depending on the tide and wind.

 

Hammond Trail

Distance: 23.3 out-and-back
Climbing: 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Arcata


Looking for an easy low traffic ride? This ride is perfect for someone new to the area and forms a basic route to further adventures on the north coast. The ride heads out to the Arcata bottoms and up the Hammond trail for an easy low traffic out-and-back of 23 miles with only 500 feet of climbing. During the ride you will explore the dairy land of the Arcata bottoms which often hosts many migratory birds. You will cross over the Mad River where you may be lucky enough to see salmon spawing, a river otter playing, or a blue heron fishing for dinner. One negative aspect of the ride is the potential for cow pies in the road and numerous pot holes on the roads in the Arcata bottoms.


Detailed Route

0- Start at the Arcata Quad, located at the intersection of G Street and 8th Street. Head north on G Street from the Arcata Plaza. You will pass several good places to eat including, but not limited to, Cafe Brio, Big Blue Cafe, Jitter Bean coffee, and Golden Harvest Cafe. You also will pass the Outdoor Store (876 G Street) and Adventure's Edge (650 10th Street) where you can get bike supplies.

0.15- Left on 11th Street. Another recommended food stop is Los Bagels. You need to turn left from 11th to 1061 I street. Proceed west on 11th Street.

1.01- Turn right at Janes Rd. This is the point where you will begin to see less traffic and experience more rural surroundings.

1.51- Turn left at Foster Ave. You are truly in the Arcata bottoms now.

2.33- Turn right at Seidel Rd

3.34- Turn right at Lamphere Rd

3.85- Turn left at Mad River Rd

6.31- As the road begins to curve left, continue straight up and over the bridge on the Mad River. I have seen salmon spawning, river otters, and various birds. It is hard not to stop and take a look up or down the river. After leaving the bridge, you will hit a short but steep climb.

7.13- Stop sign at the intersection of School and Fischer Roads. The Hammond Trail starts on right side of road just past the intersection. Be careful of driveways. For some reason the Pacific Coast bike route heads east on School road, rather than up the Hammond Trail.


7.64- Cross Hiller Rd and continue straight.


7.78- Hiller Park. There is a playground, bathroom, water, and picnic site here. This is a good stop for the family.


8.44- Cross Knox Cove Rd to continue on the trail.

8.68- Right to stay on paved trail.

8.73- Merge onto Murray Rd for a short way

8.98- Left to continue on trail before Highway 101 interchange. This portion of the trail was completed during the summer of 2007. Prior to this, the only option was to ride north on Highway 101.


9.28- Continue straight on Letz Road.


9.86- Continue straight at the stop sign on Letz Rd. If you want to avoid the gravel section of the Hammond trail, you will need to get on Highway 101 North here.


10- Continue on the trail at the end of Letz Rd

10.26- Start of gravel section. Be careful on this section of gravel which is fairly fine and well packed, but can be rough on standard road tires. There are plans to pave this section, but as of March 1, 2008, it remains gravel.


11.65- End of trail. Head back the way you came retracing your steps. If you want to continue riding, I recommend you head north on Clam Beach road and continue north to Trinidad. Scenic Drive along the coast is one of the most beautiful rides on the north coast.

Here is a link to ride data and google map via Garmin Connect

Below is a map from MapMyRide.com. Clicking on the map will direct you to the website where you can view the map through Google Earth or download a Garmin Course or GPX file. You can also print the map with notes.



Click below for a route sheet:

Tompkins Hill Time Trial Course and Loleta Loop

Distance: 11.6, 15.2, 36, or 48 miles
Climbing: 2382 feet (36 mile option)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Start: Eureka

View of the Eel River Delta from the top of Tompkins Hill

The Tompkins Hill Time Trial course is an unofficial race that takes place in Humboldt County. The ride travels through picturesque farming country with several points of interest along the way. There are two courses to ride with optional side trips, making the length and difficulty entirely up to the rider. There is an 11.6-mile flat course and a 15.2-mile hilly course. Both courses start at College of the Redwoods, which is 8 miles south of Eureka. The short course is not recommended for a recreational ride because it is fairly boring, following the highway for half its distance. A favorite of locals is to combine the long course with a loop through Loleta. If you start in Eureka and do the long course and Loleta Loop, you will complete 36 miles. There is an optional out-and-back to the south jetty of 11 miles, bringing the total to about 48 miles. You can start these rides in Eureka, Loleta, Fortuna, or by driving to College of the Redwoods. This write up will detail the short course, long course, and extra Loleta Loop. This ride guide describes the route starting in Henderson Center in Eureka.

The Loleta Loop is a popular local ride. Once you get to College of the Redwoods, the route follows low traffic country roads. The route is generally flat with rolling hills and one main climb up Tompkins Hill. Plan on riding for 2 to 4 hours depending on how many stops you make. The route travels through open dairy grazing country and along the edge of Humboldt Bay and the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Eureka to College of the Redwoods

• 0- Start in Eureka at Henderson Center Bicycles at 2811 F Street. This is a good time to get supplies for the ride or try one of two local bakeries. Head south on F Street towards the Fresh Freeze drive-in continuing through the intersection past Jo-Ann Fabrics. The road is busy and narrow but after a few blocks you will enter a nice bike lane. As you continue out F Street its name changes to Fairway Drive. You will drop down a short fast descent, pass the Eureka Golf Course, and then go up a short climb. Continue riding until you come to Highway 101.


• 3.1- Go over Highway 101 and take the onramp heading south towards Fortuna. The highway has a good wide shoulder.


• 6.9- Get off the highway at the College of the Redwoods Exit.


• 7.3- Turn right at the intersection.


• 7.7- Pass the College of the Redwoods North Entrance.


• 8- College of the Redwoods Main Entrance. The Main Entrance sign is the starting point for both the long and short time trial courses. If you have a computer reset it here.

Short Course

• 0- Starting at CR's main entrance, head south on Tompkins Hill Road.


• 2- Turn right onto Hookton Road. Cross the railroad tracks and take the on ramp to Highway 101 North.


• 4.8- Take the College of the Redwoods Exit.


• 5.1- Stop Sign. Caution: Watch out for auto traffic. Cars from the right and straight ahead do not have to stop.


• 5.8- College of the Redwoods Main Entrance. To complete the short course repeat the loop and you will have completed 11.6 miles. Head back to Eureka the way you came.

Here is the GPS route. You have to do two of these laps.
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for CR TT Short Course

Long Course

• 0- Starting at CR's main entrance, head south on Tompkins Hill Road.


• 2- Go straight at the intersection with Hookton Road. The road is narrow but there is very little traffic. This is the best part of the long course as you ride through farm country.


• 4.7- You will start the climb, ascending approximately 560 feet in 1 mile.


• 5.2- You are at the top of the climb. If you look to the west you will have a wonderful view of the Eel River and Loleta.


• 5.7- At the intersection of Graham Road bear to the right on the main road. You will begin the descent down towards Fortuna.


• 6- Caution: There is a sharp right hand turn. You can easily build up too much speed on the descent and blow this curve!


• 7.4- At the stop sign go right and head north on Highway 101.


• 11.9- You will begin a descent down towards Hookton Road.


• 13- Turn off on Hookton Road and head over the railroad tracks back towards Tompkins Hill Road.


• 13.3- Turn left on Tompkins Hill Road and head back towards College of the Redwoods.


• 15.2- Finish where you started at the main entrance sign. Head back to Eureka the way you came.

Here is the GPS data for the ride:
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for CR TT Course Hilly

Loleta Loop

This loop adds 6.8 miles to the long course. An additional 11 miles is possible by riding out to the south jetty of Humboldt Bay. First, follow the route of the long course to mile point 7.4.

• 7.4- At the stop sign go right and head north on Highway 101.


• 7.9- Take the Fernbridge/Ferndale Exit. Ride underneath the overpass and continue along the road as it veers to the right to parallel the highway.


• 8.7- Fernbridge. The Fernbridge Market and a seasonal fruit stand offer good points to take a break. At the stop sign go straight.


• 9.2- Turn left at the sign for Loleta.


• 11- Loleta Drive Intersection. Go straight to continue the ride.


• Side trip: Turn right to visit the Loleta Cheese Factory and the town of Loleta. The Loleta Cheese Factory has free cheese samples and local foods. There is a wonderful garden on the property where you can picnic or just take a break.


• 11.4- Turn left on Copenhagen Road. This is a nice country ride through dairy farms on a narrow country road.


• 15- Turn right on Table Bluff Road.


• Side trip: Turn left and go out to the south jetty of Humboldt Bay. This out-and-back adds 11 miles to the ride.


• 15.4- At the intersection of Table Bluff Road and Hookton Road go straight onto Hookton Road. This portion of the road is fun with short climbs and descents.


• 17.2- Hookton Slough Trail. Continue the ride going straight. If you need a break, turn left and check out the wildlife viewing areas at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex. There are bathrooms and places to picnic.


• 18.5- Turn left at the stop sign and continue the ride crossing over the Highway 101 overpass. The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is located down a frontage road just before you cross the overpass. Follow the signs if you want to check it out.


• 18.8- After crossing the overpass, turn left at the stop sign and cross the railroad tracks.


• 19- Turn left at the yield sign and ride down Tompkins Hill Road back to College of the Redwoods.


• 21- Finish where you started at the main entrance sign. Head back to Eureka the way you came.

Click here for a printable route sheet from Google Docs

Here is a link to Garmin GPS data and a map via Garmin Connect for the 36-mile Loleta Loop.

Below is a map from MapMyRide.com for the 36-mile Loleta Loop ride. Clicking on the map will direct you to the website where you can view the map through Google Earth or download a Garmin Course or GPX file. You can also print the map with notes.