Big Tanoak Loop

Distance: 22.7 miles

Climbing:  3304'

Difficulty:  Moderate

Start:  Salyer, CA

The ride starts on South Fork Road, 4.4 miles east of Willow Creek, or 1.1 miles west of Salyer.  There is a turnout on Highway 299 for river access where you can park. 

The ride starts straight off climbing up South Fork Road which is paved. You could do the loop either way, but this route is clockwise so you can get to the world's largest tanoak fastest, choosing an out-and-back, or continuing the loop. One you turn off South Fork Road to 6N12, it is all gravel despite the symbology of the map. The climb is steep in sections requiring mountain bike gearing or low gravel bike gearing. I had a 1x with 36x50. Typical 40x42 gravel gearing would be a grunt, especially on a few short 15% sections. A mountain bike would fun for the descents. There are some options for added distance such as heading out-and-back on the 5N02 to Hennessey Peak or riding out South Fork Road. There are a few terrific long-distance views along the route and some beautiful old growth Douglas-fir forest sections too. I noticed a few flowing streams along the route and one small pond where you could filter water. Otherwise, bring plenty of water during the summer.

The highlight of the ride is the world's largest tanoak. The tanoak was the new National Champion in 1991. At the time, the circumference was 22.5 feet (at 4.5 feet above ground), vertical height was 92 feet and average diameter crown spread was 82 feet.  You'll find the tree by following the ridewithgps route down the 6N31 to where the route stops.  Here there is a trail post and trail up above the road.  

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42003518

 

MTB- Ossagon Trail

Distance: 18.5 miles
Climbing: 1347 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Orick

Updated June 15, 2020

I road this loop recently and found it more challenging than it used to be.  Where the Ossagon trail meets the Coastal trail, the route is very difficult to find due to multiple elk trails and lack of maintenance.  Also, the Ossagon hike/bike-in campsite is no longer maintained for camping.  Just a warning that the route may turn into an adventure.



Original Post
This popular mountain bike loop has a lot variety. It travels through old growth redwood forest, coastal Sitka spruce forest, prairie, and along the beach. The route travels along 6 miles of paved roads before turning to 5 miles of singletrack and 7.5 miles of gravel/dirt roads. The riding is not very technical, but a lot of fun, especially the Coastal Trail which has some fast twisty singletrack. There are areas of special interest such as a cool waterfall, Fern Canyon, and Gold Bluffs beach. You can't avoid getting wet because there are several creek crossings and a particularly troublesome swampy area along the beach. If you choose, you can also camp out along the way.

To get to the start head 40 miles north from Arcata to Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway. Go approximately 1.2 miles and turn left and park near the visitors center. You may be lucky to view a herd of Roosevelt Elk grazing in Elk Prairie.

• 0- Head north on Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway
• 5.68- Turn left on the Ossagon Trail
• 7.38- Cross the creek and take the first trail left, which is the Coastal Trail.


• 7.42- Take the first trail left through a swampy area.


• 7.75- Continue straight at the West Ridge Trail intersection.


• 8.75- Stop to check out the cool 100 foot waterfall.


• 10.11- Stop to check out Fern Canyon. Bear left to stay on the trail.


• 10.36- End of the Coastal Trail and beginning of Davidson Road. There is a bathroom located in the parking area at the end of Davidson Road. Continue approximately 4.8 miles along Davidson Road until you turn onto the trail back to the Elk Prairie Campground.


• 15.17- Left onto "bicycle/jogging" trail. The trail is an old road that has overgrown into fast singletrack.


• 16.25- Straight over the bridge and continue on dirt road.


• 16.97- Left on road


• 17.2- Right on road


• 17.35- Go through the gate and turn left proceeding through the second gate. Follow the signs back to the start at Prairie Creek Redwoods visitors center.

Click on the map to see a larger view or print it out. The trails are well marked and the map has the major turning points marked for reference.

Schoolhouse Peak Lookout

Distance: 38 miles
Climbing: 4546 feet
Dificulty: Moderate
Start: Orick 

Updated:  June 15, 2020.

Bald Hills Road has been upgraded with more pavement.  Now, only the last 2.3 miles are gravel to the lookout.  I still recommend a gravel bike to tackle the gravel road, but it could be completed on a road bike with tough tires if you are patient.  

A more challenging and fun ride is to start at the Prairie Creek Redwoods Visitor’s Center and incorporate the Davidson trail and Lost Man Creek trail.  For this route you would need a gravel bike or a mountain bike.  You have to ride on Highway 101 just over a mile to reach Bald Hills Road, but the route includes more gravel and trail.   

Original Ride Description:

The Schoolhouse Peak lookout is a great biking destination. It is a 38 mile out-and-back from Orick. I recommend you park in Orick at the Redwood National Park "South Operations" center office building. This ride does not require a complicated route sheet because there are only two turns. Head north on Highway 101 for 0.75 miles and turn right on Bald Hills Road. Restart your computer at the beginning of Bald Hills Road. Ride approximately 17.75 miles up Bald Hills Road and turn left onto the lookout road. There are many side roads along the way, but they are all gated, except for the one fork just past the Elk Camp fire station, where you stay right. You simply stay on the main road all the way up to the lookout. Along the way there are spectacular views from the road. During the climb up Bald Hills Road you will travel through old growth redwood and Douglas fir forest, natural prairies, and oak woodlands. The tallest tree in the world is located in the Redwood Creek drainage below Bald Hills Road. The park has been conducting broadcast burns to try to maintain the open prairies and oak woodlands. For more information, check out their website: http://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm You will need a cyclocross, touring, or mountain bike with wide tires to be comfortable on the gravel roads. Thirteen miles up Bald Hills Road the surface turns to gravel. This results in a total of 10 miles of gravel road riding. I completed the ride on 32 mm smooth tires, but I would have been more comfortable on 35 mm or wider knobbies. The first 2.6 miles of the ride are steep. The road grade exceeds 15% in many locations, so I advise appropriate gearing for your fitness level.

• 0- Start the climb up Bald Hills Road.
• 2.57- Lady Bird Johnson Grove, bathroom, and hiking.
• 9.89- Elk Camp CAL FIRE station. Stay to the right at the road fork.
• 13- Start of gravel.
• 17.75- Turn left to get to the lookout.
• 18.21- Lookout

Click on the photo for a larger view. The park had conducted a prescribed burn to maintain the prairies and oak woodlands, which often get invaded by Douglas fir seedlings. View Larger Map

Arcata Backroads Tour

Distance: 49.0 miles
Climbing: 2546 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Arcata


This ride features many great country roads that are popular for local cyclists. You will travel from Arcata to Blue Lake, Fieldbrook, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, and back to Arcata. You can delete parts of the ride to shorten it. The ride features flat terrain around Arcata and rolling hills between Blue Lake and Trinidad. Expect the ride to take 3 to 4 hours. Since you are never too far from town, there are plenty of places to stop. I have not included turn by turn notes here, but a link to the RideWith GPS route.

Bear River Ridge

Distance: 35 miles
Elevation: 3514 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Ferndale, CA

This ride has a lot to offer including low traffic, beautiful scenery, and 7 miles of gravel.  You can park at the Ferndale fairgrounds where there is free parking, camping, and bathrooms.  For a small fee you can also take a shower.

After leaving the fairgrounds, or downtown Ferndale, head east on Blue Slide road where you will ride through dairy land before hitting the “Three Sisters” which are short climbs.  Along the way you will have views of the Eel River.  In Rio Dell you will turn onto Pacific Avenue to bypass downtown before starting up Monument Road.  This is a tough climb with some steep gradients and eventually gravel.  Make sure you have good gearing.  The real fun starts when you hit the gravel of Bear River Ridge Road.  This section can easily be ridden on a road bike, but a cross/gravel bike will make the descents more fun!  Depending on the weather, you may be able to see the ocean as well as a 360 degree view of Humboldt County.  The descent on the Wildcat/Mattole road is fast and fun.  The route can be ridden counterclockwise, but clockwise is the most popular because you finish on the paved descent capping off a fun ride into Ferndale.

Make sure to visit downtown Ferndale for good food and shopping opportunities.

You can link below to RidewithGPS where you can download the file and/or create a cuesheet.  Gone are the days when I have to create these on my own :)

Kneeland Hill Climb

Distance: 4.63 miles one-way
Climbing: 2132 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Freshwater



Every January 1st local riders gather at Three Corners to race up Kneeland. To some it is a race and test of their fitness. For others it is a local tradition not to be missed like the Tour of the Unknown Coast. January 1st can also be a simple test of will power because Kneeland has been covered in rain, snow, or tree branches like in 2006.

As far as I know there is no official list of fast times. A ride under 30 minutes is considered fast. The best information I have is from a Times Standard article from around 1988 or 1989 from the 4th of July Stage Race. One of the stages climbed Kneeland with the following top three times:

Chris Hinshaw, 23:25
Jim Allen, 24:38
Scott Winfield, 25:57

Chris Hinshaw was a world class triathalete who won major triathalons in the late 1980's. For example, in 1985 he was second to Scott Tinley in the Ironman World Championships. It is unknown whether 23:25 has ever been beaten officially or unofficially. It will take a world class athlete to beat this time!
During the "10 Annual" Kneeland Hillclimb, October 25, 1992, David Anderson won in 26.36, followed by Wes Thornton (26:42), Tom Herron (27:24), Mike Clark (27:31), John Bergenske (28:00), and Bob Beede (29:29), with the remainder of the riders over 30 minutes.
During the 1993 Fourth of July Stage Race, stage 5 was the Kneeland Hillclimb. Jim Allen was 1st in 25:24, followed by Wes Thornton (26:33), John Bergenske (29:01), Luke Mason (29:12), and Randy Mason (29:33)
During the Fourth of July Bicycle Race Brad Taylor won the Kneeland stage in 24:53, with Damon Kluck second, and Dave Anderson third (Times-Standard, July 5, 1994, page D3).

I have given Kneeland a moderate rating because of its short distance. However, climbing is not everyone's "cup of tea" so it is not an easy ride. The ride starts every January 1st at 9:00 AM at Three Corners. To get there travel approximately 4.5 miles on Myrtle Avenue from downtown Eureka. Once everyone is gathered the ride proceeds 3 miles east on the Freshwater/Kneeland Road to the start of the climb. The climb officially starts once you pass Freshwater Park where the County Road Maintenance facility access road intersects Kneeland Road. There is a small white road sign on the right side of the road where the road begins to climb. Start your timer here. The ride ends at the Kneeland Post Office.




For recent times, here is a link to the Strava Segment


Here is a YouTube video showing the descent.  The big reward for climbing Kneeland.

MTB-Arcata Community Forest

Distance: Variable
Climbing: Variable
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Arcata, CA

It has taken me a couple of years to document the most common mountain bike ride in Humboldt County. This is because there really is no "Arcata Community Forest" ride. There are so many different ride options because of the dense network of trails. In my opinion, you really can't get lost either, but people have. All you have to do is point your bike downhill and you will eventually arrive in Arcata as long as you stay on a marked trail.

The trail system is the result of planning and work by the city of Arcata and many volunteers.

Here is a link to the city of Arcata's forest map. However, it is older and does not include reconstructed trails or new trails such as trails 6, 10, 11.5, or 18. I have an edited map shown below. The trails in red are reconstructed or new and I highly recommend trying to incorporate them into your ride. I recommend you park in Arcata and ride up to avoid vandalism to your vehicle at the trail head parking. I have personally not had problems parking at the Fickle Hill Road parking area.

Tuesday Night Ride

Distance: 30 miles
Climbing: 1865 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Northcoast Laboratories, 5680 West End Road, Arcata

This is a regular Tuesday night fast training ride starting at 6:00 PM. It runs regularly from the spring through the fall while there is enough daylight to complete the ride. The pace is very fast, but riders regroup in Blue Lake near the Mad River Bridge, at the top of the climb on Highway 299, and at the Bigfoot gas station in McKinleyville. The ride is full-on from Arcata to McKinleyville and there is a sprint finish at the flashing yellow light just before the intersection of Central Avenue and Murray Road. The ride from McKinleyville back to Arcata follows the Hammond Trail at a social pace.

The ride features two climbs. The first climb from Blue Lake up to Highway 299 has a mild gradient. The second climb from Fieldbrook to McKinleyville on Murray road has steeper portions up to 15% or so. The terrain on Fieldbrook road features fun rolling hills where attacks sometimes split the group. This is a fun route through the rural countryside. The roads are often narrow with no shoulder but traffic is normally very low.

I'm not posting a route list so you'll just have to show up on a Tuesday night to ride with us!

For a view of the route and data check out the Garmin Connect data:
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Tuesday Night Ride

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MTB- Paradise Royale

Distance: 12 miles
Climbing: 2610 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: King Range, Tolkan Campground, Shelter Cove

This is the best legal mountain bike ride in Humboldt County. The trail was built with over 4,000 hours of volunteer help. Unlike other rides on my blog, there is good information on the web about this ride including an IMBA article and a BLM Opening Ceremony article . The BLM also has a nice route map which I have posted below.

To get to the start, drive approximately 22 miles west on the Briceland/Shelter Cove Road from Redway. Turn right on King Peak Road and drive approximately 3.5 miles north to Tolkan Campground. There is a trailhead closer to Shelter Cove Road, but the campground has toilets and is located off the dirt road where your car won't get quite as dusty.

The most popular way to do the ride is clockwise, descending down Castle's Moat to Bear Creek and climbing up Prince of Pain. The real payoff is the descent of Mad Queen's Careen, which is a swoopy singletrack with jumps and fast turns. The trail is marked really well so I have not included a que sheet. Just print out the BLM map, follow the trail, and have fun!!!! My GPS showed 12 miles and 2610 feet of climbing. The BLM article states the trail is 14 miles long. I can't explain the difference, but have heard from a couple of other riders who have measured it at 12 miles too.

Click on the Garmin Connect link for a map and other ride details:

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Paradise Royale

WARNING, you have to cross Bear Creek two times. During the winter swift waters could be hazardous. There is no bridge so be careful.

There is an excellent map in Adobe PDF on the BLM website:

MTB- Grasshopper Peak Lookout

Distance: 14 miles
Climbing: 3350 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Weott

6.66 MILES TO THE TOP


This is one of those rides that you do once to check off your list. If you are deciding between this and Look Prairie/Thornton Loop, choose the later. This is because the climb is really steep and particularly aggravating. It might be worth it if there was 10 miles of sweet singletrack waiting for you at the top, but there is not. Maybe I was just having a bad day, but I saw my GPS read 30% a couple of times as I granny ringed it up a steep climb at 2.5 miles per hour. I cursed the climb and threatened to turn around more than once. When I got to the top my GPS read 6.66 EVIL miles. If you do this ride, please don't curse me, because I warned you! I rated the difficulty as moderate because of the steep climb, but it is a short ride and technically easy since it is all fire road.

Once you get to the lookout you have a 360 degree view. If you look to the east you will see signs of the 2003 Canoe fire, which started from lightning. The fire burned particularly hot near the lookout. There are many miles of roads to explore throughout the area if you want to extend your mileage. Most folks will settle for a fast ride back down the road. However, for the adventurous there are a couple of simple backcountry trail camping sites you could use. There is Grasshopper Trail Camp, Hanson Ridge Trail Camp, Whiskey Flat Trail Camp, and Johnson Trail Camp. For more information contact Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Directions to the start:

Start at the base of Grasshopper Road, which is located 5.25 miles west of Highway 101 on Bull Creek Road. There is a sign on Bull Creek Road which says "fire lookout 7 mi." The road is just west of the entrance to Albee Creek Campground. There is a small parking area on Bull Creek Road and and a small parking area a little way up Grasshopper Road. The directions to the lookout are well marked at each intersection. There are only three turns:

• At 0.72 miles stay left at the intersection of Squaw Creek Ridge Rd.
• At 4.14 miles stay right at the intersection of Johnson Trail Camp Rd.
• At 6.33 miles stay right at the intersection of Grieg Rd.
  

Squaw Creek Bridge Crossing (Click for Larger View)

MTB- Bremer Boy Scout Trail

Distance: 9 Miles
Climbing: 2342 Feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Willow Creek





UPDATE December 29, 2019

I can’t recommend this ride anymore.  It was obscure when I road it 10 years ago.  Since then there has been no trail maintenance and the access road is sketchy due to cultivation activities.  I could just delete the post but I’m leaving it up.  Who knows, maybe a scout troup will maintain the trail from the bottom so it can be hiked.

The "Boy Scout Trail" is a little known mountain bike ride just above the Bigfoot golf course in Willow Creek. The 2.21 mile singletrack trail is named the "Boy Scout Trail" because it was adopted by Boy Scout Troop 97 of Willow Creek. However, it has only been sporadically maintained over the years by local mountain bikers. The trail was maintained for several years by Willow Creek mountain bike pioneer John Dostal, but has recently fell into disrepair and is seldom used. The upper portion of the trail is blocked because of serious snow damage, which has left a dense layer of young hardwoods in the way. I had to do some serious bushwhacking to find my way. The top of the trail is marked by a small brown sign, which currently has no marking, but used to say Bremer trail. The trail is accessed by the unmarked Forest Service 7N05 road, which crosses private property. There are several new gates and a lot of no trespassing signs. Stay on the main road and follow the map points and you can access the trail. If you run into a locked gate, you have gone the wrong way, except at mile point 5.5 where you want to continue straight through the gate near the Forest Service boundary. The climb is steep and relentless. Bring along your granny gear and expect to use it from mile point 2.8 to the top at 5.9 miles. However, the singletrack is truly unique. The trail is only a foot or so wide, covered in leaf litter, and has several sharp switchbacks that only the "Hans Rey" type could clean. There are a couple of tricky points where the trail disappears in the heavy leaf litter. I hope to improve the trail signage in the future and clean up the top section so it will not be lost to the forest.

To get to the start take Highway 299 to Willow Creek. Turn north onto Country Club Road, which is the cross street at the Chevron gas station. At 0.9 miles turn left on Patterson Road. After 0.5 miles turn right onto Bigfoot Ave and park at the Bigfoot Golf Course on the left. To begin the ride, head back to Patterson Road and follow it north to the 2.8 mile mark where you turn right and begin climbing the gravel fire road.

Overview Map, click on the image for a larger view and to print out in landscape view:


Southern Detail Map, showing the Bremer Boy Scout Trail:

MTB- Look Prairie Thornton Loop

Distance: 13 miles
Climbing: 2,762 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Near Weott


Humboldt Redwoods State Park is located approximately 40 miles south of Eureka. There are miles of awesome singletrack. Unfortunately, most of the trails are off limits to mountain bikes. This loop includes the best legal single track in the park, which is the Thornton multi-use trail (MUT). The ride will take you through prairies, second growth redwood forests, and old growth redwood forests. The climb up Look Prairie road is very difficult. In fact, every time I have climbed this route I have wondered why I do it. However, the remainder of the ride will soon make you forget the difficult climbing.

0- Start at the base of Look Prairie Road, which is located 4.3 miles west of Highway 101 on Bull Creek Road or 0.7 miles east of the entrance road to Albee Creek Campground. A great way to do this ride is to campout at Albee Creek Campground. The Look Prairie Road starts out as a gravel road which winds its way up through the prairie at a reasonable grade. However, the gradient quickly steepens. This is not a good single speed ride and beginners may find themselves walking short sections. It took me a full hour to climb 4 miles and I lost traction and had to hop off my bike a couple of times. About half way up the climb you enter old growth redwood forest and the road feels more like a wide leaf covered trail. The upper third of the climb is not as steep and is more enjoyable.

3.45- Left on Peavine MUT and continue climbing for another half a mile.

4.0- Descent! You have reached the top of the ridge and the first descent. You will travel along the top of the ridge which climbs and descends along the Peavine trail.

6.85- Left on Thornton MUT. You will have 5 miles of fantastic single track descending. The route is well planned and descends at a gradual rate as it twists and turns through the forest.

11.83- CAUTION gate ahead. Be careful on the steep descent to Albee Creek Campground because there is a gate at the end of the trail.

11.89- Turn left at the campground check-in station and travel over the bridge and head back to Bull Creek Road.

12.2- Turn left on Bull Creek Road.

12.96- Finish

Click on the map for a larger image and to print it out. For best results print in landscape.

Arcata to Patrick's Point State Park

Distance: 45.46 miles out-and-back
Climbing: 2,321 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Arcata

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. Merge left onto Clam Beach Road.

13.1- Cross over Highway 101 on the overpass and turn left to merge onto Highway 101 North.

14.25- Exit the highway at the Westhaven exit.

14.43- Turn left at the stop sign and go under Highway 101. An alternative route is to turn right and take Westhaven Drive to Trinidad, which is more difficult because of more climbing. The route also lacks the scenic views of the coast.

14.48- Turn right on Scenic Drive. The road is rough in many spots but the scenery is worth it. Stop along the way at one of the scenic view points where you will likely see marine wildlife.

17.41- Trinidad- At the stop sign continue straight on Patrick's Point Drive. Trinidad has several good places to stop for food including the Eatery or Seascape restaurant. Turn left at the stop sign to explore Trinidad.

22.9- Patrick's Points State Park- Turn around here or explore the state park.

For ride data and a Google map check out this Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Arcata to Patrick's Point State Park

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 and elevation profile:

Dyerville Loop Short

Distance: 22.87 miles
Climbing: 2559 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Weott


The Dyerville Loop ride is a must-do ride in Humboldt County. You will experience the magnificence of the giant redwoods, the power of the Eel River, and the serenity of back country roads. Once thriving towns like Dyerville, South Fork, and McCann are now just mysterious points on the map. You should allow 2 to 3 hours for the ride depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery. Even though it is a short ride, there are plenty of hills to climb on Dyerville Loop Road including one two-mile stretch of gravel with gradients over 15% in places. This route takes a clockwise direction. However, by doing it in reverse you could avoid the steep gravel climbs and instead have an easier climb up Elk Creek Road. The perfect bike for this ride is a cyclocross or touring bike set up with good climbing gears and fat tough tires for the rough pavement and gravel. I have done the ride several times on a road bike with skinny tires, but have really had to grunt and grind up Dyerville Loop Road. The ride could also be accomplished on a mountain bike if you are not in a hurry and don't mind buzzing around on the pavement with knobby tires. The ride can be enjoyed any time of year but I prefer the non-tourist season when the Avenue of the Giants is quiet. During the winter you may not see anyone on Dyerville Loop Road. However, during the summer tourist season expect to share the road on Avenue of the Giants.

• 0- Start at Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitors Center, 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA. The visitors center has a bathroom and source of water as well as some cool displays.
  
• 1.5- Weott is located up Newton Road. There is a post office and fire station but no other services. It is hard to believe that you are standing where the old town of Weott once thrived before the 1964 flood.
• 3.96- Turn right onto Dyerville Loop Road. Traffic will really die down now. I have travelled this road and not seen one other soul before. During the summer you will likely see a few log trucks.
• 4.1- Founders Grove. There is a bathroom located here. Take a short detour out to the 346 foot tall Founders Tree.
  
• 4.5- As you leave the giant redwoods start to watch out for dogs which may be on your left coming up.


• 5.0- You made it past the dogs. Enjoy the quiet, but narrow country road for the next few miles. The road rolls up and down making for a challenging ride.
• 10- McCann- This was once a station on the stage route and was named for an early lumber mill owner who had a mill here. Nothing remains of the town today but the beautiful scenery of the Eel River. During the winter residents have to ferry from the west side to the east side of the river since the summer bridge is overtopped. The gravel road starts here as you cruise along the Eel River.
  
• 10.82- You will start a difficult gravel climb which can be over 15% in places. It only lasts for about 2 miles. The Old Mail Ridge route ran between Bell Springs and McCann. Due to the steep slopes in this location there was a one-way hairpin turn called Devil's Elbow. The switch back turn has been bypassed by the modern road.


• 12.93- Turn right to stay on Dyerville Loop Road. You have finished climbing. The remainder of the ride is flat or descending.
• 14- Turn right on Elk Creek Road. You leave Dyerville Loop Road, which continues all the way to Alderpoint Road. You can do the longer Dyerville Loop ride and end up in Garberville. You are near Fruitland, which was established by Dutch settlers near Elk Prairie with plans for fruit tree farming which never fully succeeded because of the distance to market (Turner, 1993, Place Names of Humboldt County, California).
  
• 16.78- Turn right on Avenue of the Giants. The road is narrow but traffic is light in the off season. I find is easiest to just relax and pull over if traffic backs up behind me. This is one ride you will not appreciate if you don't stop and enjoy the redwoods and river.
  
• 17.84- Hidden Springs Campground. This campground is only open seasonally.


• 18.69- Meyers Flat- Services include a market, coffee shop, wine tasting at River Bend Cellars, two restaurants, and the Drive Thru Tree. You may find things a bit quiet during the winter.


• 22.87- End where you started!
  

Here is a link to GPS ride data and a 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.




Below is a portion of a USGS topographic map published in 1951. It shows the towns of Dyerville, South Fork, McCann, and Weott before the floods. You will notice that there are several buildings at each townsite which are no longer there. Click on the map for a larger view.

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.