California North Coast

Motorcycle Route Author

By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 17, 2011

Rider Reviews

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JCZ

January 22, 2012

Hwy. 1 north is the ultimate road to ride and you…

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cealbrecht

February 11, 2014

This is an incredible ride. Allow a full day to…

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Written Directions

Start in Bodega Bay, about 30 miles north of San Francisco on CA HWY 1. Stay on CA HWY 1 north to Legget where it will meet US HWY 101 and go north towards Eureka. The Avenue of the Giants is well marked by signs (CA HWY 254) and parallels US HWY 101 for about 35 miles from about 2 miles north of Garberville to about 2 miles south of Scoita. Get back on US HWY 101 for the remainder of the ride to Eureka.

Scenery

The beautiful coastline and the awe inspiring redwood groves. Added by "ridgernr" in April of 2015: "This route begins as a rolling coastal road with sweeping curves and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. As you progress northward, it climbs in and out of the mountains with hairpin turns and stunning cliffs above and cliffside views of the pounding surf. Note: Low-hung cruisers are likely to drag running boards on both left and right twisties. Some were tight enough to cause my Garmin to "recalculate" as it thought I turned around. Caution: Locals warn that there are frequent wrecks involving sport bikes gettting in over their head. The turns are THAT tight in places."

Drive Enjoyment

Road winds along the coast and enters the "twisties" north of Westport as you cross the Coast Range to HWY 101. Avenue of the Giants is preferred over the freeway so you don't miss the groves.

Tourism Opportunities

After crossing the Russian River about 20 miles into the ride you come to historic Fort Ross. Mendicino is a pretty coastal town to wander through. From Leggit to Eureka there are numerous places to stop and wander through the groves of Redwoods. Added by "ridgernr" in April of 2015: "Many small towns with quaint restaurants overlooking the surf. Plenty of gas stops. Scenic overlooks will all be on the left when heading north. Southbound traffic will be looking at the view, not you. Use caution."