9.2 hr
Overview
To get to the start, head 40 miles north from Arcata to Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway. Go approximately 1.2 miles and turn left and park near the visitors center at Elk Prairie.<br><br>From the parking, head north on Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway. The route travels along 6 miles along the paved road, but there's usually not much traffic. Watch out for cars anyway. Elevation is almost even, only very moderate climbing. Enjoy the impressive drive right through old growth redwoods and coastal forest<br><br>At mile 6.3, turn left on the Ossagon trail (there's a sign explicitly allowing bike riding on this path). This is a really good fun section. After a short climb on perfectly soft forest soil, the singletrack becomes a fast twisty downhill with some features and lots of flow. There's a rideable creek-crossing (if the water is not too high) right at the end of the downhill at mile 8.<br><br>Reaching the plain now, take the first trail left on the left, which is the Coastal Trail and veer left through a swampy area. The landscape changes to prairie and coastal vegetation, while you ride parallel to the beach and always close to the edge of the woods.<br><br>Ignore all trail intersections to the left (hiking only) and continue straight, among others at the West Ridge Trail intersection at mile 9. Half a mile later, stop to check out the cool 100 foot waterfall on your left hidden in the woods. There might be some fallen trees across the Coastal Trail, so be prepared for short stops and hike-a-bike sections. <br><br>Next highlight at mile 11.5 is the famous Fern Canyon, a narrow canyon where the walls are completely covered by luxuriant ferns and mosses dripping with moisture. Stop to checkout this beautiful place and unforgettable natural wonder that Steven Spielberg chose as a location for his movie Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World. Coming back to the canyon's end, bear left to stay on the Coastal Trail . <br><br>A few minutes later at mile 12 you'll reach the end/beginning of Davidson Road, a loose gravel forest
Trail Stats
32.8 km
568 m
223 m
5 m
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Photos
This giant bull elk, owning the trail. We had to walk out into the meadow to get around him and his herd.
This giant bull elk, owning the trail. We had to walk out into the meadow to get around him and his herd.
Trailhead for the Ossagon Trail at miles 5.7. Leave the road and turn left here.
Trailhead for the Ossagon Trail at miles 5.7. Leave the road and turn left here.
Fun ride on a very smooth segment of the Coastal Trail. Watch out for elk!
Fun ride on a very smooth segment of the Coastal Trail. Watch out for elk!
In March, this area is beautiful but be prepared to go through cold water!
In March, this area is beautiful but be prepared to go through cold water!
Usually little traffic on this paved road segment with beautiful Redwood trees left and right.
Usually little traffic on this paved road segment with beautiful Redwood trees left and right.
Yield to elk, they can be much faster than you on your bike. Do not approach and give them some space, they're fun to watch!
Yield to elk, they can be much faster than you on your bike. Do not approach and give them some space, they're fun to watch!