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

 

Smith River Lighthouse to Lookouts Bikepacking Route

Distance:  144 miles

Climbing: 25,540'

Difficulty: Epic

The Smith River in Del Norte County, California is a hidden gem located in the extreme northwest corner of the state on the California-Oregon border.  The route travels through state and national parks as well as two national forests including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Redwood National Park, Smith River National Recreation Area of the Six Rivers National Forest, and a small portion of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  Beginning at Battery Point lighthouse on the coast, the route heads straight out of Crescent City to an ancient coast redwood forest.  Within 4 miles the route turns to gravel as it winds through a grove of giant redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.  The forest habitats along the route have a high variety of conifer species and unique plants due to diverse topography, geology, and climate.

• The route crosses all three forks of the Smith River, which is known for its crystal clear water, amazing swimming holes, and abundant native fish and wildlife. The Smith River was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981.  It is an undammed and free-flowing river.
• There are many camping options including a backcountry camp, developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and the Bear Basin Butte USFS rental lookout
• Two existing forestry fire lookouts provide spectacular views
• The route utilizes a network of USFS gravel roads that are generally well maintained with several route options.  The route avoids major highways and is limited to less than 1 mile of highway travel.
• There is year-round water throughout a majority of the route
• Elevation ranges from sea level to just over 5,000 feet. Recommend riding from June to October due to potential for snow at higher elevations. Prime time is July to September to take advantage of warm temperatures and swimming opportunities
• Summers are dry and warm with temperatures ranging from 80-100 F. The rainy season from October to April has an average annual rainfall of 90 plus inches
• The route is climbing intensive with several extended climbs. Recommend ample mountain bike gearing and minimum 2” tires for the singletrack and some rough gravel sections.
• Recommend 3-5 days, but your YMMV

Ft Bragg- Sherwood Road

Distance:  41.8 miles

Climbing:  5626’

Difficulty:  Hard

Start:  Fort Bragg, CA

On a recent bike tour, I left Highway 1 and cut over to Highway 101 on dirt.  I had just come down through the Lost Coast on my bikepacking bike so I was eager to leave the busy traffic and pavement of Highway 1.  This route was a real surprise.  The first time I tried to ride it, I was stopped by mud in the spring.  This time the road was dry and easy to navigate.  After climbing the first few miles on pavement, you are challenged by some seriously steep gravel grades. Once on the ridge you will be constantly climbing and descending along the ridge towards Willits.  Over the 41.8 miles you will gain 5626 feet.  There is very little signage along the road but most forks are gated and the main road was pretty obvious.

At milepost 6, I was chased by a loose dog at the last house after leaving Ft. Bragg.  It was pretty persistent until I stood my ground.  Judging by the looks of the property, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a regular occurrence.

Once you leave Ft. Bragg, you will be high up on the ridge away from water sources, except for a wonderful year-round spring at milepost 26.  Bring plenty of water during the summer.

The road surface is native dirt with a few ruts.  A gravel bike or mountain bike would be best especially if you are touring with a load.  I road a Salsa Cutthroat in bikepacking mode with a 32 x 46 low gear.  This was a perfect setup, although I did hike a couple of steep sections.

You are traveling through private timberland so expect to see logging trucks during the summer.  There are no public campgrounds or other facilities along the way.

RidewithGPS link Here

Lost Coast Tour

Update: July 6, 2020

I toured this route again on a two day overnighter that included a dirt route from Ft. Bragg to Willits. If you’re interested in that route check out the Sherwood Road post.  This time I was on a proper bikepacking bike, a Salsa Cutthroat, which left no doubt that a mountain-style bikepacking bike is the best choice.  You could complete the route on a loaded gravel bike or touring bike but fit the largest tires possible and make sure to have mountain style gearing.  I was running a 32x46 low gear and only walked a couple of sections. I was able to bomb the steep dirt sections with confidence on 29x2.2 tires and disc brakes.   I’m leaving my original post below intact because it is still accurate, except for a few changes I noted:

• There is no water at Tolkan campground.  The water system is broken and appears to be permanently decommissioned.  I chose to ride on to Wailaki campground.  Here there is water but you have to filter it from the creek.  
• Bring a water filter.  I found really nice springs on Kings Peak road after crossing Bear Creek.  There is also a spring on Usal Road between Wailaki Campground and Usal Beach Campground.  
• Below is the route starting in Eureka at Herrick Avenue on the south side of Eureka.

Original 2011 post describing the route starting in Ferndale.

Cumulative Distance: 93.65 miles
Cumulative Climbing: 14,768 feet
Difficulty: Epic
Type: Mixed, 37 miles of dirt roads
Start: Ferndale


The Lost Coast Tour is an alternative to touring down Highway 101, the Avenue of the Giants, and Highway 1 between Eureka and Fort Bragg. The tour can be included in your coastal tour or completed as a fun short tour that can be made into a loop or a point to point. I completed the ride in the summer of 2011 as a counter clockwise loop from Eureka to Usal and returning via Leggett and Highway 101.

The Lost Coast is shrouded in mystery, myth, and adventure. This post provides a reasonable way to complete the tour including recommended equipment, distances, and stops. I'm sure a maniac could complete it in one day, but I recommend at least 3 days. I believe any experienced cyclist can complete the tour if you are patient and pace yourself.

Here are my recommendations for equipment. I'm sure you could complete the ride on most any bike, but some would be better than others. I would not recommend a road racing bike with narrow tires and overloaded rear rack. A mountain bike or touring bike with ample gearing and wide tires is mandatory. I completed the ride on a loaded steel touring bike with a triple crankset, mountain bike cassette, 650B x 42mm Grand Bois Hetre cushy tires, 40 pounds of gear, 4 water bottles, and spare parts. At times I wished I had ridden my 29er and gone for a superlight off-road setup. There were times when I really wanted to bomb the gravel road descents, but had to carefully pick my lines and control my speed to avoid crashing or pinch flatting.

• Make sure your bike is in great mechanical condition.


• Choose reliability over speed.


• Have extra water carrying capacity such as multiple bike bottles or a hydration pack. Water stops are critical strategic points. Don't pass one up without filling up. It's a good idea to bring a water treatment system such as a filter.


• Bring extra food. There are only two stores and they are located early in the ride.


• Don't rely on a cell phone for safety. I had poor cell coverage for most of the ride.


• Let someone know your route and stick to it.


• Bring enough clothes to cope with extremes in temperature. I experienced cold 47 degree drizzle to temperatures in the 90s.Don't do this ride in the winter. The Usal road is not maintained during the winter and would be impassable because of the sticky clay surface.

The following are some route recommendations and directions. I won't be overly-detailed, so the ride will still have some adventure left for the rider who chooses to follow these directions. The best advice I read was from John Zilly’s book “Wild Pigs: The Mountain Bike Adventure Guide to the Pacific Coast,” where he describes this same route. If you are used to 100 mile days on a road tour, expect only 30 mile days on the Lost Coast.


DAY 0- Eureka to Ferndale Distance: 16.65 miles
Climbing: 694 feet

The real starting point for the Lost Coast is Ferndale. The ride from Eureka to Ferndale can be easily accomplished by riding down 101, taking the Ferndale exit and following the signs to Ferndale. However, if you want to avoid riding on the Highway as much as possible, follow this description.

0- Start, Herrick Avenue Exit, Highway 101
3.8- Exit 698 for Tompkins Hill Rd toward College of the Redwoods
4.3- Right towards College of the Redwoods
6.9- Right on Hookton Road, turn right and continue over Highway on overpass
7.2- Continue straight on Eel River Drive, don't get on the Highway
9.8- Loleta, Straight or turn left on Loleta Drive to the Loleta Cheese Factory or Loleta Bakery
11.6- Right on Fernbridge Drive towards Fernbridge
12.2- Right on CA-211 towards Ferndale
16.0- Turn right onto Van Ness Ave towards the Fairgrounds, or straight into town for supplies
16.5- left onto 5th street
16.65- Arrive at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds

The camping at the fairgrounds is simple and cheap, but there are warm showers and lots of good restaurant options downtown. Plus, this is the best place to start since it is only 3/4 of a mile from the start of the route.


REFER TO THE ROUTE SHEET FOR TURN BY TURN DIRECTIONS

DAY 1- Ferndale to A.W. Way Campground
Distance: 35 miles
Climbing: 4520 feet


The day starts off with a climb up the Wildcat/Mattole Road. The road is narrow, but there is little traffic and the drivers are polite. If this steep paved climb makes you doubt your fitness, you have not seen anything yet. You should consider turning around because the dirt roads in the King Range are much more challenging. There are two big climbs on the route within the first 20 miles. The first climb tops out at 1909 feet at the 7.2 mile mark. The descent into Capetown will challenge your brakes and descending skills. If you have weak brakes now, consider turning around or adjusting them. The dirt roads in the King Range are much steeper. The next climb isn’t as long, but there are a series of tough switch backs and uneven pavement that will test your bike handling and climbing skills. You get to bomb down the 18 plus percent “Wall” on the way down to the ocean. This is a nice treat if you are used to climbing the Wall during the Tour of the Unknown Coast.

After a nice tailwind along the ocean you head inland climbing towards Petrolia. At mile 29.6, stop at the Petrolia store for supplies. They have a small market with basic supplies, but can also make great deli sandwiches. You are in store for more climbing before you reach A.W. Way. At mile point 30.6 you will turn left after crossing the Mattole River. An alternative camp site is located down Lighthouse Road on the ocean at the Mattole Campground

As you head east along the Mattole River you will be challenged by the last significant climb of the day, the “Dump Hill” at mile point 33. There are a couple of tough switchbacks that will have you fighting your bike. From here it is an easy ride into A.W. Way Campground at mile point 36. The campground has recently been upgraded with a brand new bathroom and hot showers! Pushing on to the Honeydew Creek campground is a mistake. A.W. Way has a nice swimming hole and there are several river-front camping sites to pick from. In contrast, Honeydew Creek is smaller, less private, and has no potable water. There are no showers or flush toilets like A. W. Way.

Day 2- A. W. Way Campground to Wailaki Campground
Distance: 30.5 miles
Climbing: 4921 feet

Today you will get your first taste of gravel road touring. The ride to Honeydew Store at mile marker 8.1 is fairly uneventful with a couple of small climbs. Stock up on water and supplies at the Honeydew store before heading into the wild. The real challenge begins just after the 10 mile mark on Wilder Ridge Road. The road starts to climb and switchback at perhaps the steepest grade so far. A 0.4 mile gravel switchback section challenges you to keep you front wheel from washing out and your rear wheel from loosing traction. After 11.6 miles, the slope becomes more gradual, but the climb continues all the way to Kings Peak Road at mile point 15.8.

Now the real challenge begins on a steep gravel descent to Bear Creek. Your brakes and handling will be challenged as you try to avoid washing out on the tight switchbacks. I once turned back here afraid of what I was in for. Be happy that you don’t have to climb this beast of a road. The only car I saw on this whole dirt section was a Toyota Landcruiser. As I passed them I saw a curious look in their eyes as I bombed down the rutted road on a touring bike. The rough road will challenge you as you steadily climb above Bear Creek and cross several small creek fords. Pass up Horse Mountain Campground for Tolkan, where there is potable water (Update, June 2020, water system broken). This is a great base camp if you want to ride the Paradise Royale mountain bike trail.

From here the climbing continues until you reach Shelter Cove Road at mile point 28.1. If you are short on supplies, it is a tough decision to ride all the way down the descent to Shelter Cove. It’s a little over 3 miles, but it means a tough ride back out. Turn left on Shelter Cove Road and head out Chemise Mountain Road to Wailaki Campground. The nice smooth pavement, shade, and gentle topography are a welcomed change. Wailaki is an important stopping point with nice camp sites along the South Fork of Bear Creek. This is a great place to rehydrate and rest before conquering the ride to Usal. If you choose to push on like I did, expect to spend a long day in the saddle, even though it’s only 22 miles to Usal Beach Campground. It took me nearly 4 hours at a meager pace of 6 miles per hour.

Day 3- Wailaki Campground to Usal Beach Campground
Distance: 23 miles
Climbing: 4025 feet

I had heard rumors about the Usal Road being the worst road on this whole ride. I also heard stories of vehicles getting stuck on the unmaintained road during the winter. The Usal Road lived up to its reputation, but it is totally rideable during the summer. The road varies from hard packed clay to loose gravel. Along the way you will have to pick good lines between ruts left from 4x4s and the small erosion gullies left from winter weather. The road is not maintained in the winter, but it didn’t appear like it was maintained during the summer either. If you are a mountain biker, this will seem like a normal fire road or logging road ride. Riding 23 miles on an unloaded mtb would be less of a challenge. But, it is demanding if you are trying to control a loaded touring bike. During this ride I saw only one SUV and two motorcycles. You will be out of cell phone range and away from help, so ride cautiously!

Chemise Mountain road sounds like a barren and hot ride. However, both Chemise Mountain Road and the Usal Road are covered by a nice canopy of second growth Douglas-fir and tanoak the majority of the way, which provides lots of shade.

At mile point 0.95 you will be greeted by a steep gravel descent. After this white knuckle experience you will love the paved rolling terrain for a couple of miles as you pass the community of Whale Gulch. The real peace and isolation starts when you ride up the narrow and twisting Usal Road 4.5 miles into the ride. There are few landmarks along the way as you seem to continuously climb on the narrow dirt road. After 19 miles of climbing and ups and downs you will bomb down to the Usal Beach Campground, part of the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

This simple campground features private camp sites up Usal Creek, along the beach, or within a small prairie. There is no potable water here, but water may be available in Usal Creek if you have water treatment options.

Day 4- Usal Beach Campground to Highway 1 and Beyond

If you choose to push on or spend the night, you have 5.5 miles and 1300 feet of climbing to reach Highway 1. Fort Bragg is an additional 28 miles further.
Here are some more resources:

• BLM King Range Information HERE


• Sinkyone Wilderness Information HERE


• Asana Cycling Surly Big Dummy Tour has a fun description of the ride and some video of the adventure


• John Zilly's "Wild Pigs: The Mountain Bike Adventure Guide to the Pacific Coast" published in 1995 details the route. I used this for my adventure. The only real changes are there are a couple sections of road that have been paved since 1995. It details mountain bike rides all along the west coast and is available at Amazon


• Amy L's Northern California Bike Loop Advice Blog where she road the Usal road from south to north and then headed east towards Redway.
  

Somes Bar Gravel Loops

Distance:  20-50+
Elevation:  3,669’-7,000’+
Difficulty: Hard
Start:  Somes Bar, California

The Klamath National Forest near Somes Bar, CA, has miles and miles of backroads to explore as well as great campgrounds.  The Klamath and Salmon Rivers are a bonus for a great cool down after a long bike ride.  Plus there are remote backcountry campsites perfect for bikepacking or backpacking adventures.  Shown below are two loops that start and end in Somes Bar at the Somes Bar Outpost.  These are just two examples of the potential riding the area has to offer.  You could ride them in any direction, skipping, or adding the lookouts along the way.  I haven’t provided a ton of turn by turn directions so you can choose your own adventure.  I do recommend a gravel bike or a mountain bike with good climbing gears.  There are springs and streams along the way so bring your water filter.  Summer temps can reach into the 90s.

Offield Mountain Lookout (site) Loop

This 20 mile loop includes a few miles of Highway 96.  It can be completed clockwise or counterclockwise.  If you do it clockwise you will do the highway segment first, climb up gravel road 12N52, and descend on paved Camp Three road.  If you do it counterclockwise, the climbing is easier on the pavement, you descent gravel, but have to ride the highway back.  There are pros and cons to each way.  The Offield Mountain Lookout is an optional out and back (1.5 miles each way) with a steep grade up to the old lookout site. There is no longer a lookout at the location, just a rock monument.  There are however great views on the way up to the site. It makes a good picnic stop halfway through the ride.

Ukonom Lookout Loop

This 53 mile loop is tough with over 7,000 feet of climbing.  It would make a great overnight bikepacking trip.  There is a nice campground with picnic tables at Stanshaw Campground on the edge of the Marble Mountain Wilderness.  You could camp there and then hike into the wilderness from the trailhead located a the campground.  We did discover a slide at about road point 40, but you can safely walk across the creek.  The lookout is a permanent structure that is staffed during fire season.  It is a 4 mile one-way ride out to the lookout with a steep final climb.

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

Showers Pass

Distance: 75.26 miles
Climbing: 12,506 feet
Difficulty: Epic
Start: Freshwater


Miles of gravel roads like this await your exploration.

This is another Humboldt County classic training ride. It has approximately 40 miles of gravel roads. Many of these gravel roads have steep climbs which can reach 18% in many places. This route follows a clockwise direction. Some locals like to do it in a counterclockwise direction, but I think this makes it harder. By doing it in a clockwise direction you can do the last hard climb on pavement rather than on gravel. After 10,000 feet of climbing, the pavement seems much easier.

The best bike for the ride is a cyclocross bike or mountain bike set up with fat knobby tires and plenty of gears. I would recommend a compact crankset with a mountain bike cassette or a triple crankset. A standard road bike with a 53/39 crankset would make the ride nearly impossible, but I'm sure it could be done. Make sure to take lots of food and water. I would recommend at least 3 large waterbottles and/or a hydration pack. During the summer you could encounter 90 plus degree days and even 3 waterbottles may not be enough. This ride inspired the name of the clothing brand Showers Pass, which makes high quality outerwear.


The ride starts at "Three Corners" and heads up to Kneeland Airport and beyond. Once you get beyond the Kneeland Airport there is hardly any traffic. You could also drive up to the Kneeland Airport and start there, saving 26 miles or so. The ride starts in the redwoods but you are soon riding through open oak woodland and Douglas fir forests with magnificent views. The land is all privately owned and used for cattle grazing. During the ride you will likely see a lot of wildlife, especially deer.

• 0- Start at Three Corners and head east on Kneeland Road. To get there take Myrtle Avenue from downtown Eureka for approximately 4.5 miles. You can park your car in the gravel parking lot on the south side of Kneeland road near its intersection with Myrtle Avenue.
• 3- Freshwater Park. This is the start of the Kneeland Hillclimb.
• 7.6- Kneeland Post Office. This is the end of the Kneeland Hillclimb. A fast time is less than 30 minutes from Freshwater Park. Continue climbing.
• 9.25- Bear right at the intersection heading for the Airport.
• 11.9- Kneeland School. There is a water fountain near the playground.
• 12- Continue straight at the Barry Rd intersection.
• 12.3- Turn left onto Mountain View Rd.
• 13.2- Kneeland Airport. You could park here and cut 26 miles off the ride.
• 14.23- Cattle Guard and start of gravel. Be cautious on the descent because there are steep grades.
• 20.4- Continue strait at the Jack Shaw Rd. intersection.
• 22.75- Bear right at the Butte Creek Rd. intersection.
• 23.88- Turn left on Showers Pass Rd. (Note: if you are tired you can go straight to the Kneeland Rd. via Lone Star Jct. and then turn right to go back to Kneeland, which cuts significant mileage. However, you have not truly done the Showers Pass ride unless you complete the second loop.)
• 30.25- Go right towards Bridgeville at the Kelly Rd. intersection.
• 31.6- Continue straight (lower road) at the Gorden Rd. intersection (poorly marked).
• 33.4- Bear right at the Stapp Rd. intersection.
• 35.95- Bear right over bridge.
• 37.8- Bear left at the Dairy Ridge Rd intersection (unmarked).
• 42- Turn right at the Kneeland Rd intersection.

You are closer to Bridgeville than Kneeland at this point.

• 42.9- Continue straight at the Redwood House Rd. intersection.
• 51.5- Continue straight at the intersection with Lone Star Jct.
• 54- CAUTION- over the next few miles you may encounter dogs at the ranch houses.
• 62.9- Continue straight towards Kneeland and retrace you path back to Three Corners. If you parked at the airport you need to turn right here.
• 75.26 Three Corners. Congratulations, you have completed one of the most difficult rides in the area.

RideWithGPS route, note, mileage varies a bit from my notes above.

Lone Star Junction Alternative

The more popular alternative is to just do the Mountain View Road portion of the ride counterclockwise starting from Freshwater Park.  This is the route for the annual Banana Slug Training ride hosted by the Redwood Coast Mountainbike Association.  Don't underestimate the difficulty of this shorter ride which is 48.7 miles and 7526 feet of climbing.  The last long climb on Mountain View Road has steep gravel pitches.

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

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 :)

Dyerville Loop Long

Distance: 64 miles
Climbing: 6,206 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Start: Weott

This ride is an extension of the shorter Dyerville Loop, which is only 23 miles. The long ride is much more challenging and includes about 18 miles of gravel road. There are no services from mile point 4 to mile point 40 so be sure to have plenty of food and water. Expect the ride to take at least 4 hours, but most likely it will take 5 to 6 hours depending on your condition. I have completed the ride on a road bike, cyclocross bike, and on a 29er mountain bike. The best bike is a cyclocross or touring bike set up with 35 mm tires and a triple chainring crankset. The ride includes quiet country roads, gravel roads, and old growth redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants. Once you reach Garberville you have the completed all of the difficult climbing. There are many options for refueling in Garberville, Miranda, or Meyers Flat.

Notes / Cue Sheet
0- Start at Humboldt Redwoods Visitors Center located at 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA. Head north on Avenue of the Giants.

4-Right Dyerville Loop Rd

4.13-Founders Tree stop with bathrooms. No other facilities until Garberville at mile point 40

10.04- Start Gravel

10.65- Continue straight at McCann Rd

13- Right on Dyerville Loop Rd at Sequoia Rd intersection (End of Gravel)

14.12- Straight at 4-way intersection to continue on Dyerville Loop Rd. Turning right takes you back to the Avenue of the Giants.

16-Check out the cool yard art!

17.3-Bear right to stay on Dyerville Loop Rd

18.39- Start of gravel

25.7-Bear right to stay on Dyerville Loop Rd at the Fort Seward Rd intersection

33.2- Right Alderpoint Rd (End of Gravel)

40.24- Left Redwood Drive

40.54- Left to Highway 101 North or straight into Garberville for food and water

46.81- Exit Highway 101 to Avenue of the Giants

47.27- Chimney Tree Attraction

49.4- Phillipsville

53.21- Miranda- food and water

59.33- Meyers Flat- food

64- End

Below is a link to the Garmin Connect website which has ride data and a Google map of the ride.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Dyerville Loop Long


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. However, MayMyRide.com now charges to print out the map.



Click on the picture below to print out 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.

Bald Mountain Road

Distance: 46.86
Climbing: 5237 Feet
Difficulty: Hard
Start: Arcata



View of the distance Pacific Ocean from Snow Camp Road.

This route is sometimes called the Snow Camp ride, but I chose to call it Bald Mountain Road because a true Snow Camp ride would involve several more miles of dirt roads. This route follows the gravel surface of Snow Camp Road for about 4 miles before turning on Bald Mountain Road. The ride involves just over 5,000 feet of climbing, including some short 15% gravel stretches. Most riders simply use road bikes with standard tires because 94% of the ride involves pavement. The best seasons to ride are in the fall, late spring, and early summer when the road is clear of snow, but before the temperature rises and the road surface gets loose and full of washboards. The maximum elevation is just over 3100 feet near Bald Mountain, which can lead to significant amounts of snow in the middle of the winter. The majority of the ride follows low traffic roads. However, some riders may not like spending 10 miles riding on Highway 299, so this should be considered before taking on this challenging ride. There is a low traffic alternative that follows "Old 299" but this involves traveling through private timberlands, which I do not advocate. However, I will say that "Old 299" is a popular alternative of local riders.


The following route is based on one Garmin GPS so make sure to look for road signs and don't rely on the mileage markers down to the 100th of a mile.


Detailed Route:

• 0- Start at Adventure's Edge, 650 10th Street, Arcata, CA. Head west on 10th Street and turn right onto G Street.


• 0.7- At the stop sign at Sunset Ave. turn right and then immediately left onto L.K. Wood Blvd.


• 1.4- Turn right onto St. Louis Road.


• 1.55- Turn right onto West End Road.


• 2.7- Go straight at the intersection of Giuntoli Lane (next stop sign).


• 8.85- Left on Hatchery Road.


• 9.8- Bear Right on H Street towards the "Famous Logger Bar." Turn right on 1st Street and merge onto Railroad Avenue.


• 10.43- Turn right onto Blue Lake Blvd. and almost immediately left at the intersection of Blue Lake Blvd. and Korbel Road. This takes you up the "Scales Hill" to the CHP truck scales on Highway 299.


• 12.28- Turn right onto Highway 299. The road has a narrow shoulder averaging 2 feet wide.
Lord Ellis Summit, Elevations 2263 feet. The summit was named after Blue Lake businessman Edward Ellis and gold mine owner William Lord. Both depended on packtrains for business survival. They petitioned the government for improved access across these mountains.



• 22.3- Lord Ellis Summit Elevation 2263 feet. Turn right off the highway and head up Snow Camp Road. This is the dirt road on the right side of the road that immediately begins to climb. You will have just over 4 miles of gravel road that winds its way along the ridge to Bald Mountain. There are some great views coutesy of the clearcuts along the ridge. The condition of the road varies throughout the year depending on the weather, traffic, and road maintenance. Often during the winter the gravel is pounded down and smooth from traffic. During the summer the gravel is often loose and the road surface has lots of washboards.


Climbing Snow Camp Road on road bikes.



• 26.5- Turn right onto Bald Mountain Road. This road is paved most of the way, but has small sections of dirt and lots of pot holes so be cautious.


• 32.4- Turn right onto Maple Creek road and begin the descent down towards Korbel.


• 36.3- Turn left onto Railroad Avenue back towards Blue Lake.


• 36.9- Turn left onto H street, which turns into Hatchery Road.


• 37.9- Turn right onto West End Road. Stay on West End Road all the way to the roundabout on St. Louis Road.


• 45.27- Turn left onto St. Louis Road.


• 45.5- Turn left at the stop sign and continue over the highway and bear right onto L. K. Wood Blvd.


• 45.97- Turn right onto Sunset Avenue.


• 46.1- Turn left onto H Street.


• 46.75- Turn left on 10th Street.


• 46.86- End at Adventure's Edge.

Here is a printable route sheet

Here is a link to GPS 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 print a copy of the map with step by step notes too.