NorCal coast - what rides to hit

[frorider]

It’s been years since I’ve camped / mtn biked on the coast. Thinking we will start in Arcata (trails east of town), down to Shelter Cove (newish trails near there I think), down to Mendocino (lots of trails, never ridden there).

Open to suggestions.

Coulda sworn I saw a pic of a new single track right on the ocean cliffs somewhere along the Cal coast in Bike magazine but can’t find anything in Trailforks or MtbProject that looks similar.

This’ll be a #vanlife thing with the GF, so stealth or other camp ideas welcomed

[GiBo]

I've only ridden in Mendocino. Manly Gulch is like downhilling through the Ewok forest.

These guys are really cool. Stop in and they'll give you all the info you need.
https://catchacanoe.com/mendocino-big-river-maps/

[Dantheman]

If you'll be anywhere close to Mt. Shasta on the way there or back, I'd highly recommend riding Deadfall Meadows to Sisson-Callahan. 8 miles and 4,500' of backcountry descending. Let me know if you want more details.

[evdog]

If you go a bit north of Arcata there is a cool loop you can do in Redwood NP/Prairie Creek Redwoods state park. Drop down Ossagon trail, ride along the beach where there is a resident herd of elk, then finish the loop on pavement through redwood groves in the park. More of a ride for scenery than the trail itself.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/415/fi...nalWeb2016.pdf

Shelter cove is worth a stop for sure. Haven't done the new trail. Campground there was $8/night.

I liked Mendocino but found it hard to navigate. Maybe it is better now, was there before trailforks existed...