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 Village Inn, which National Geographic Traveler calls ‘…one of the world’s top ten great places.’ Dinner is on your own tonight in Ferndale.

Ride through Panther Gap to the “Lost Coast” for a spectacular panorama of wild and rugged coastline. The Lost Coast is the only section of California’s coast that doesn’t have a major highway. Serene redwood forests lead to beautiful remote valleys. Be surprised by sudden ocean vistas of shimmering blue waters and milk-white beaches. Up for a challenge? Tackle “The Wall” – a hill whose first quarter-mile appears to go straight up, then dishes out an average grade of 18% for over a mile. Reward yourself with the sweeping coastline panoramas as you follow the road back to Ferndale. This optional ride is only 18 miles with fantastic vistas and no traffic. But it does include another 8-mile climb up yet another challenging sweep called the “Endless Hill.” Riders who do it will understand why the locals’ “Tour of the Unknown Coast” is billed as California’s toughest century ride. Stay 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.