Overall Route Rating
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4.72 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.72
18 Reviews

California North Coast

Motorcycle Route Author

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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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FJR Traveler
2 McR Points
October 12, 2018
One of the most scenic and breath taking routes…
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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."
 

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cealbrecht
February 11, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This is an incredible ride. Allow a full day to stop at the many scenic rest areas. The road is smooth. Traffic isn't as bad as you see from San Fran to Monterey. It's a little dangerous at times when the scenery is so beautiful that you stop watching the road. Some sharp turns along the coastline with 'infinity-edge' style curves that lack guard railing. Highly recommended. Bring all your gear in case the fog rolls in on you.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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BMW_Dave
May 23, 2015
13 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Unsurpassed views of the coast and tons of twisties to make your 243 mile ride an all-day adventure. Not a technical challenging ride, but one where you can have some fun and really enjoy the scenery.

Traffic can be a little frustrating around San Francisco, but it thins out the further north you get.

Plenty of places to stop for fuel or food.
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2 riders found this road review useful
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ridgernr
April 26, 2015
6 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I rode this as part of a 5000 mile 2-week road trip. I chose to stick to the coastal roads the whole way. Stunning views, great ride. I rode the coast all the way from Napa to Port Angles, WA.
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