Biking in Crescent City & Del Norte County, California

Sail along the rugged California coast and listen to the waves crash. Mosey around river bends and through towering redwoods. Pedal in paradise with your bike-mates and then share a beverage after a long, picturesque ride.

Avid cyclists have California’s Highway 101 on their bucket list. In fact, you can build a sprawling tour of a lifetime that stretches from the Canadian to the Mexican border. Cruising just 50 miles or all 1500, you’ll pedal through some of America’s most beautiful sites. Catch the sound of sea lions barking in the distance. Soak up the shade from ancient redwoods. Your breaks will be breathtaking overlooking sprawling coastline vistas.

Explore a little deeper into the woods along Highway 199 in Del Norte County, California. This is a highly trafficked road, but it ambles along the serene shores of the Smith River. Spend a day drifting through dense forest and then settle into a secluded camping area within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park also hosts many mountain bike and gravel trail-musts. Cruise through lush fern-covered forests. Conquer climbs to reveal panoramic mountain views plus the Smith River confluence on the Elk Camp Ridge trail. Little Bald Hills trail will not disappoint. For some ocean exploration, pedal up and down the Last Chance trail of the California Coastal Trail which boasts coastal views, redwoods and minimal use.

Gravel Biking Through the Redwoods

It doesn’t get any better than biking through a misty redwood forest. Del Norte County, California is home to some super scenic gravel trails that are still a well-kept secret. Here are a few cycling routes to try:

Howland Hill Road in Hiouchi, California

Bike this historic stagecoach road from the town of Hiouchi, California, or start in Crescent City, California via Elk Valley Road. This six-mile gravel road leads you through ancient redwoods past dozens of hiking trailheads. Picnic by the creek, or take a detour with a short hike to see some of the tallest Redwoods in the world.

Pedal the Coastal Drive Loop in Klamath, California

The mostly unpaved Coastal Drive Loop starts just south of the Klamath River Bridge. This 9-mile biking route takes you past ancient redwoods and rewards you with stunning ocean views. To get there, exit Highway 101 on West Klamath Beach Road. Turn left on Alder Camp Road, which later veers north and merges with Coastal Drive, which is now a one-way road. Coastal Drive eventually merges back into West Klamath Beach Road to complete the loop.

Bike Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

This scenic stretch of pavement is a must for any road cycling enthusiast. This 10-mile scenic parkway through the Redwood National Park rivals Avenue of the Giants in nearby Humboldt County, but offers more breathtaking scenery, big trees and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. On the first Saturday of the month from October through May, the Redwood National Park opens this scenic stretch of roadway to hikers and bikers only. Hike and Bike Day at Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is an opportune time to pedal this quiet roadway sans vehicles.

Guided Bike Tours & Rentals

In need of some guidance or a mountain bike rental? You can book a mountain biking tour with Redwood Rides. They offer singletrack mountain bike tours on old mining roads to downhill thriller rides into the Smith River Canyon. And they are happy to offer bike shuttles, bike rentals or put together a custom bike tour for any riding level. Try one of their multisport tours, too!

Rent a beach cruiser and hit the sand or the downtown Crescent City pavement. Cruise to area beaches (Pebble Beach Drive is a must), restaurants and attractions in town.

Crescent City Pump Track

We’re absolutely pumped about the bike pump track now open at Crescent City’s Beachfront Park. Soak in the salt air and ocean views as you pump yourself through the course. Designed by Velosolutions and Del Norte Trail Alliance in coordination with the City of Crescent City, this bike pump track has some serious surprises to make it stand it out as one of the premier pump tracks on the West Coast. It’s the only pump track in Northern California currently and the closest Oregon pump track is hundreds of miles away. Made for more than just bikes, the pump track can be used by anyone on wheels like skates, scooters and anything non-motorized.

Part of a larger bike park project for Crescent City and a very cool master redevelopment plan that’s in progress for the entire park, the pump track is one of many kid-friendly and family-friendly attractions at the city park. Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult and don’t forget to bring a bike helmet.

Bike Shops & Repair

If you are in the Klamath area and need some quick repairs, head to the Redwood Hotel & Casino. Their emergency repair station is equipped with tool kits, tire patch kits and first aid supplies.

Wander With Us

Wander through the California redwoods, surf rugged coastline, hike the California Coastal Trail, or savor a craft brew next to a cozy campfire along the Pacific Ocean. Follow our Big Adventures journal (and tag your photos #VisitDelNorte so we can follow along!) for things to do and ideas for exploring all parts of Del Norte County — from the Oregon border to Crescent City to Klamath, California.

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