The best MTB trails around Forestville

The El Mariachi Cafe – Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental offers a diverse mountain biking experience, winding through dense woodlands and open spaces. You'll ride on sun-dappled dirt paths, fire roads, and singletrack, with views of rolling green hills and the possibility of distant ocean vistas. The route takes you past the Old Barn, a notable landmark, and through varied ecosystems including oak groves, grasslands, and creeks.

This moderate 17.5-mile (28.1 km) loop involves a substantial 2483 feet (757 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 39 minutes. The El Mariachi Cafe in Occidental serves as a convenient and pleasant starting or ending point, known for its authentic Mexican food and outdoor seating. While no specific permits are required, always check the weather and carry sufficient water for the duration of your ride.

This trail is a great way to explore the rich natural environment of Sonoma County, showcasing a blend of forest and open terrain. It incorporates sections of other routes, like the Willow Creek Fire Road, and provides a good challenge for riders with solid fitness. The diverse scenery, from deep forests to open grasslands, makes it a compelling option for those seeking a varied and engaging mountain biking adventure near Occidental.

The El Mariachi Cafe loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience near Occidental, guiding you through rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open spaces on a mix of fire roads and singletrack. You'll navigate varied terrain, passing by the namesake cafe and an old barn trail, making for a scenic and engaging ride that truly captures the essence of Sonoma County's natural beauty. It's a journey through changing landscapes, from shaded forests to sun-dappled clearings.

Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward, with the El Mariachi Cafe serving as a key landmark and likely a good starting point for your adventure. While specific parking details aren't provided, the cafe's presence suggests convenient access. Given the significant elevation changes and the route's length, ensure you're well-prepared with water and snacks, and consider riding during cooler parts of the day or year for a more comfortable experience.

This 21.3-mile (34.3 km) loop is considered difficult, featuring a substantial 3060 feet (933 metres) of elevation gain that will test your legs over an estimated 3 hours and 22 minutes. It's the most popular mountain bike trail around Occidental for a reason, combining challenging sections with picturesque surroundings, making it a standout option if you're seeking a rewarding and physically demanding ride in the region.

The Westminster Woods – Monte Rio Creekside Park loop from Occidental offers a deep dive into Sonoma County's redwood forests and rolling hills. You'll pedal through majestic redwood groves, open meadows, and along forested hillsides, with the chance to see Salmon Creek. The route combines fire roads and singletrack, providing a diverse riding experience through the recently expanded Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park.

This is a challenging mountain biking adventure, covering 43.5 miles (70.0 km) with a significant 3970 feet (1210 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 10 minutes. Parking is available at Creekside Park in Monte Rio for an $8 fee, where you'll also find restrooms, bike racks, and a café. Starting early is advisable to make the most of this extensive loop.

What makes this route particularly exciting is its integration with the Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park, which saw a significant expansion in June 2025, opening up miles of previously private trails to public access. This transformation provides a unique opportunity to explore a vast network of trails that were once exclusive, making this a standout mountain biking experience near Occidental, California.

The Dutch Bill Creek Trail – Westminster Woods loop from Occidental offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through Sonoma County's varied terrain. You'll navigate rolling hills, dense woodlands, and fire roads, with sections of singletrack winding through majestic redwood groves, particularly around Westminster Woods. The route provides a good mix of challenging ascents and rewarding descents, making it a solid choice for riders who appreciate diverse scenery and a good workout.

This moderate 20.7-mile (33.3 km) loop involves a significant 2025 feet (617 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. While the dedicated Dutch Bill Creek Trail is pedestrian-only, the broader Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, where this route largely lies, has an extensive network of trails open to mountain bikers. It's recommended to ride into the park from Occidental and always consult current park maps for specific trail designations.

This area is a growing mountain biking destination, with recent expansions to the Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park adding more trails and logging roads. The region's appeal lies in its blend of natural beauty, including redwood forests and potential coastal views, and its diverse terrain suitable for experienced riders. The route's difficulty and length make it ideal for those seeking a substantial ride rather than a casual spin.

If you're seeking a mountain biking route that truly showcases the diverse beauty of Sonoma County, the Salmon Creek Beach – Gleason Beach loop from Monte Rio delivers. This moderate 35.7-mile (57.5 km) journey, with 2274 feet (693 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 3 hours and 31 minutes, blends the serene, towering redwood forests of Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park with the expansive, windswept coastal views near Salmon Creek Beach and Gleason Beach. You'll navigate everything from singletrack through dense woods to open stretches along the coast, making for a dynamic and engaging ride.

Planning your ride means preparing for varied conditions; while the Monte Rio Redwoods offer challenging climbs, the Salmon Creek Beach Trail can be sandy. Parking is typically available in Monte Rio, but always confirm trailhead access and any specific regulations for the park areas you plan to explore. The best time to visit for mountain biking along the Sonoma Coast is often during the milder spring and fall months, avoiding summer crowds and winter rains.

This route stands out for its unique combination of ecosystems, allowing you to experience both the deep forest tranquility and the rugged Pacific coastline in a single outing. The Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park, a relatively new preserve, features well-maintained trails, while the coastal sections offer glimpses of the Russian River estuary and opportunities for beachcombing. It's a fantastic option for mountain bikers who enjoy a mix of terrain and scenery, connecting natural wetlands, rural roads, and dedicated trails.