California Redwoods Bike Tour

Kayak Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, then ride the South Jetty on to Ferndale. Kayak Humboldt Bay , one of California’s most pristine wetlands. After a quick lesson, paddle through archaeological sites, an egret rookery and windswept cypress trees. After lunch, continue on to historic Ferndale, which posed as the ideal 1950s town for Jim Carrey’s movie The Majestic. You’ll love the Victorian Inn, which National Geographic Traveler calls ‘…one of the world’s top ten great places.’ Dinner is on your own tonight in Ferndale.

Ride from the “Lost Coast” over Panther Gap and through the Bull Creek Redwoods. The wild and rugged Lost Coast is the only section of California’s coastline that doesn’t have a major highway. Despite some rough sections of road on today’s route, this is an unforgettable ride you won’t want to miss! Begin cycling along shimmering blue waters and utterly deserted beaches. Along here, it’s not hard to imagine the relatively undisturbed California coast of a century ago – essentially, you are looking at it! Eventually the road veers inland following a remote river valley that feels likewise “lost in time.” After about 25 miles the grade kicks up dramatically as you begin the 2500’ ascent to Panther Gap – the summit for today’s ride. Or you can choose to do like many folks and opt for a scenic and relaxing boost over the pass in the van instead. Whichever method of transportation you choose, dizzying views over the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests await. After the descent, pedal a quiet road through the massive redwoods of Bull Creek before shuttling back to Ferndale for a second night at the Victorian Inn.

Ride through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Pedal along the banks of the Eel River amongst ancient redwood forests on the “Avenue of the Giants.” These magnificent Coast Redwoods can live more than 2,000 years and are the tallest living things on earth, reaching heights of more than 350 feet – taller than a football field is long! Ride your bike through a giant space between the roots of a living redwood. Options today range up to 50+ miles, if you’d like to do them all. Relax on the banks of the Eel River at the historic Benbow Inn tonight.

Slow down and wind down with a hike along Bull Creek in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Savor the quiet serenity of the forest primeval – the largest old-growth redwood forest remaining in the world! Wander through cathedral-like groves and enjoy their magic spell one more time before shuttling back to Eureka for your trip home.

*Bicycle Adventures operates under special use permits while on Federal Lands managed by the National Forest Service (USDA), National Parks and Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.