The wide single track just after leaving the Visitor center. Davison Trail.
Streelow trail just before intersecting the gravel road leading to the coast. ~ mile 3.
The coast. Miles 7 to 10.
Fern Canyon
The single track after Fern Canyon.
Elk in the distance.
At the top of the climb just before Drury Scenic parkway.
The Coastal Drive. ~ Mile 20.
Rolling into the finish on the Drury Scenic parkway.
The Visitor center / parking area.
A fun adventure ride with sectors of gravel / dirt road, easy single track and pavement. The route is exclusively within the boundaries of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwoods National Park. Of course, you will see big, big Redwoods but you will also ride along some beautiful and historic coastline and through two meadows. This is a not to miss route if you are in the area.
Ride Details
The ride starts at the Visitor Center, skirts along a campground, and then dumps you into Davison trail. A wide double track trail that follows the route of a retired logging road that originally was used to access a lumber mill and log deck. It is flat and fast, but hold you speed in check as it is a multi-use trail with hikers and walkers. To your left will be the open meadows frequented by Roosevelt elk.
At 1.5 miles, go right onto the Streelow trail. This is a true single track trail through second growth timber. It is less frequented by walkers and hikers. **Read More
You can skip this section (the Streelow trail) by going straight at the 1.5 mile maker and staying on the Davison Trail. In 2 miles you will come to Davison road, go right to intersect the original route in another 1.5 miles.
At mile 10, you come to Fern Canyon. An “unforgettable, natural wonder” where portions of The Lost World: Jurassic Park were filmed. Take the time to do the short hike. It is a must do.
From here it is back to single track. The first 2.5 miles is easy going skirting in and out of meadows. But the next 2.5 miles are demanding. There is a one mile section along the coast, just before the ascent to Drury Parkway, that will require a bit of hike a bike. Then there is the ascent. Pitched and steep. Rideable by some, but not a go for Gravel Girl.
Make a left onto Drury Scenic parkway. In another 1.5 miles, make another left onto the Coast Drive. “This narrow road with steep grades and sharp curves offers wide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Klamath River estuary. Whales, sea lions, and pelicans may be seen from overlooks high above the crashing surf. Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views at the High Bluff Overlook, and don’t miss the World War II radar station-disguised in the 1940s to look like a humble farmhouse and barn.” Portions of this road are now closed to all vehicle traffic.
After making the Coast Driver loop, reconnect with the Drury Scenic Parkway — a quiet alternative to U.S. 101 passing through the heart of the old-growth redwood forest in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. We recommend a red blinky light for this section of the route. Even on a bright light day, the visibility is limited due to the heavy shade from the large Redwood trees. The road is zippity do da downhill all the way back to the Visitor Center, 6.5 miles.
Ride Notes
A red blinky light is a nice to have for the paved sections of the route. Portions of the road are heavily shaded by the large Redwood trees. Also bring a bike lock if you plan on doing the Fern Canyon hike.
Adventure / Gravel Route
– Dumbbell: 36 miles / 2800 ft gain – Surface: ~ 35% gravel, 20% single track, 45% paved – eBike Friendly: No – Location: ~ Northern California (Crescent City) – Published: August 2014 (updated March 2020)
Difficulty
Moderate. Due to the some single track and one steep climb.
When we like to ride this …
Late spring through early fall, on a sunny day. This ride is a “no go” in wet conditions.
The Start
Prairie Creek Redwoods State park visitor center. Flush toilets. Water. Lat / Long: 41.363913, -124.022734
