Featured Itinerary: Biking Through Yurok Country

Images courtesy of California Bicycle Coalition, Redwood Casino Hotel & visitcalifornia.com.

Each year, thousands of avid cyclists from all over the world come to California’s North Coast to ride portions of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route for the thrill of the ultimate riding experience.  A favorite among bicyclists, this route is well known for it’s unsurpassed natural beauty, unique coastal towns and exhilarating hills and climbs.

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to ride the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route due to lighter motorized traffic and cool temperatures.  When you plan you trip- plan a stop in Klamath CA in Del Norte County.  This bike friendly town, conveniently located on US Route 101 inland from the mouth of the Klamath River, is a refuge for tired bicyclists making the journey along Highway 101 through the Redwood National and State Parks.

Cyclists come here to rest and rejuvenate as they prepare for the next leg of their journey.  An emergency repair station equipped with tool kits, tire patch kits and first aid supplies is available to cyclists at The Redwood Hotel Casino.   There are picnic tables for those who need to rest and refuel after a long ride.  If you need to call it a day and stay the night, you can bring your bike to most hotels or camp out in one of our beautiful camp grounds.

While you are here, take in the majesty of the Redwood groves of Yurok Country, home to the Yurok Tribe, California’s largest Native American Tribe. The tribe’s ancestral lands include much of the coastline near Klamath, and extend up the Klamath River for over 40 miles.

Adventure travelers are a short distance of the more than 200 miles of trails that wisps along the beaches and through the centuries old forests—forests where some trees approach over 350 feet in height and 2,000 years of age.

Points of interest to see while you are here:

YUROK COUNTRY VISITOR CENTER
Now open, this new facility is a hub for tourist information and local businesses. The visitor center will educate visitors about the Yurok Tribe’s heritage and culture.

ENDERTS BEACH AND CRESCENT BEACH OVERLOOK
Stand before outstanding Pacific Ocean views from the overlook; you may even see a gray whale! Walk 1-mile to Enderts Beach, an access route to multi-colored, myriad tidepool creatures. Be sure to check low tide times. Trailers not advised.

KLAMATH RIVER OVERLOOK
Drive to Klamath River Overlook, a prime spot for watching the gray whale migration. Look for other marine mammals and a host of seabirds any time of year. Hike ¼ mile down a steep trail to the lower overlook and more dramatic views.

HIDDEN BEACH TRAIL
Part of the Coastal Trail. This beautiful 4 mile hike follows coastal bluffs to Lagoon Creek. Turn West from Highway 101 onto Requa Road to get started

TOUR-THRU TREE
Klamath (Terwer Valley exit from Hwy 101) Located North of Klamath Bridge. Address: 430 Highway 169, Klamath, CA 95548 – 707-482-5971

SCENIC BYWAYS
The Yurok Scenic Byways Program (YSBP) was established in 2011. Its mission is to share the Yurok story with the people traveling through Yurok Ancestral Territory and to educate those visitors on environmentally responsible ways to enjoy the recreational activities.

REDWOOD NATIONAL & STATE PARKS
JEDEDIAH SMITH STATE PARK
NEWTON B. DRURY SCENIC PARKWAYS
TREES OF MYSTERY
TRADITIONAL YUROK VILLAGE
PAUL’S FAMOUS SMOKED SALMON

The natural amenities and welcoming hospitality makes Yurok Country among the highlights of a cyclist’s ride along Highway 101 on their way to or from San Francisco (or beyond).  Join us this autumn or any time of the year for a spectacular ride!  For more information, please visit visityurokcountry.com.