The best road cycling routes in Six Rivers National Forest

Crescent City is a coastal town known for great ocean views, redwoods, and laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to base yourself while doing day-rides out to the coast and through redwood forests.

Stretching approximately 6.5 miles along the bay's shoreline, the trail passes by salt marshes and sand dunes. Interpretive signs add some nice context about the area’s natural and cultural history. If you’re in Eureka and want to stretch your legs with a view, this trail is a solid pick, and it's a great option for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Harris State Park is home to the largest island off the Oregon Coast, known as Bird Island or Goat Island. It is a designated National Wildlife Sanctuary and is a crucial breeding ground for rare birds, including the tufted puffin. The park includes picturesque sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings with fascinating tide pools filled with a wealth of marine life. There is a spacious campground with multiple site options, including yurts and a hiker/biker camp, making it a fantastic spot for day visits and overnight stays.

This beautiful little park is open from sunrise to sunset and is free to the public. Just off Hwy 101, it features a wonderful collection of plants from around the world. There is a butterfly garden, a native plant area, and an impressive variety of succulents and blooming trees. Despite its compact size, the park includes several paths and benches throughout the grounds, making it a lovely place for a casual stroll to admire the scenery.

Crissey Field State Park is a scenic 40-acre park named after the former airfield that once existed here. Situated on the California border beside the Winchuck River, it's the southwesternmost point in Oregon. The park features sandy beaches, wetlands, and a grove of mature trees, with an impressive 4,500-square-foot Welcome Center that offers tourist information to thousands of visitors. There are several trails, including paths that run through driftwood and wetlands, and while exploring the beach, you'll likely see harbor seals and California sea lions. During the summer, tides are low enough to ford the Winchuck River to reach Winchuck Beach. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and ample room for parking (day use only).

Clam Beach County Park is a popular public park in McKinleyville, California. The beach area is sandy, and there is so much space that you can absolutely find some solitude on the shore if you want to. There are also a handful of picnic areas for you to park your bike at and check out the views.

The Plaza, with its lawns and flowerbeds, is the social and commercial center of Arcata. Charming shops selling locally handcrafted goods, sporting goods, boutiques, and restaurants line the Plaza and the streets beyond. Arcata is a college town with particularly interesting bookstores and coffeehouses. Stop at Arcata Artisans on the Plaza. Don't miss Jacoby's Storehouse. This restored historic building features shops and a delightful central area where you can sit, enjoy an ice cream cone or a snack, and relax.

The Ma-'e'l Dunes offer a range of recreational opportunities that allow visitors to experience a diverse and dynamic coastal landscape of forests and salt marshes, sand dunes and beaches. The northern portion of Ma-le'l is part of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (HBNWR). Access to the trails is limited to pedestrians only. The road to the north parking lot is closed to vehicles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to provide visitors with a "wilderness" experience. The southern portion of Ma-le'l, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), allows dog walking and equestrian activities on designated trails. Please protect natural and cultural resources by following visitor guidelines.