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United States
California
Humboldt County

Westhaven-Moonstone

The best road cycling routes around Westhaven-Moonstone

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 5, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Westhaven-Moonstone, you know how many routes pop up and how overwhelming it can be to figure out which ones are genuinely worth your effort. It's tough to separate the real highlights from the filler, and nobody wants to waste a good day on the bike. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best road cycling routes in Westhaven-Moonstone.

Road cycling around Westhaven-Moonstone is a unique experience, offering a fantastic blend of rugged Pacific coastline and the serene shade of ancient redwood forests. You'll find everything from flat coastal stretches with refreshing sea air to routes winding through rolling hills, providing varied elevation profiles. The landscape truly splits into distinct zones, giving you options for sun-drenched beach views or quiet, tree-lined roads further inland.

If you only do one ride, we'd point you towards the Samoa - Eureka Bridge – Arcata Plaza loop from McKinleyville, a moderate 34.5 miles (55.5 km) route that offers fantastic coastal views and a great sense of the region. For something a bit shorter and easier, the Trinidad Lighthouse – Sue-meg State Park loop from Trinidad State Beach is an easy 14.1 miles (22.6 km) ride that delivers big on scenic payoff for minimal effort. With more than 60 road cyclists having explored these routes with komoot, you can trust you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Samoa - Eureka Bridge – Arcata Plaza loop from McKinleyville
  2. 2

    Clam Beach County Park loop from Clam Beach County Park
  3. 3

    Arcata Plaza – Arcata Theater loop from McKinleyville

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Samoa - Eureka Bridge – Arcata Plaza loop from McKinleyville

55.6 km

260 m

Moderate

Clam Beach County Park loop from Clam Beach County Park

56.6 km

560 m

Moderate

Arcata Plaza – Arcata Theater loop from McKinleyville

29.2 km

110 m

Easy

Arcata Plaza – Arcata Theater loop from McKinleyville

90.3 km

1,530 m

Hard

Trinidad Lighthouse – Sue-meg State Park loop from Trinidad State Beach

22.6 km

220 m

Easy

Roadbike loop from Mad River Bluffs

30.4 km

310 m

Moderate

Humboldt Bay Trail – Arcata Plaza loop from Little River State Beach

62.8 km

380 m

Moderate

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1.

Samoa - Eureka Bridge – Arcata Plaza loop from McKinleyville

55.6km

02:19

260m

260m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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2.

Clam Beach County Park loop from Clam Beach County Park

56.6km

02:36

560m

560m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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3.

Arcata Plaza – Arcata Theater loop from McKinleyville

29.2km

01:12

110m

110m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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6.

Roadbike loop from Mad River Bluffs

30.4km

01:21

310m

310m

This road cycling loop from Mad River Bluffs offers a fantastic coastal journey, primarily following the paved Hammond Trail. You'll enjoy continuous scenic ocean and river views, passing through areas with Sitka spruce and shore pines, and discovering bluff-top lookouts. It's a moderate 18.9-mile (30.4 km) ride with 1010 feet (308 metres) of elevation gain, making it a great option for a roughly 1 hour and 21 minute outing without extreme climbs.

To plan your visit, start near the Mad River Bluffs, which provides easy access to the Hammond Trail. Parking is typically available in this area, making it a convenient trailhead. The route is largely flat and accessible, perfect for a relaxed ride. Consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stunning coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings.

This route is notable for its connection to the historic Hammond Trail, built along a former railroad route, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and local heritage. The diverse habitats along the Mad River Bluffs road cycling path also make it an excellent spot for birdwatching. It's a popular choice for those seeking best road bike routes near Mad River Bluffs that combine ease of access with rewarding views.

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Tips from the Community

Andrus
July 15, 2025, Sue-meg State Park

Just 30 miles north of Eureka, Sue-meg State Park stretches across a forested headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Though only one square mile in size, the park is packed with natural beauty and cultural discovery. A stroll around its perimeter reveals agate-strewn beaches, vibrant tidepools, and lush coastal forest, with chances to spot seals, sea lions, and even migrating whales. Deeper within, visitors can explore a native plant garden, stop by the visitor center, or walk through a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village. Three scenic campgrounds offer peaceful spots to picnic or spend the night beneath the stars. In summer, guests can attend traditional ceremonies at Sumêg Village or join guided hikes led by docents and naturalists. Whether you're here for wildlife, history, or solitude, Sue-meg offers something remarkable around every corner.

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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.

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Biber-Radler
November 26, 2023, Arcata Plaza

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.

Translated by Google

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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.

Translated by Google

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“The Pinc,” as the new owners now affectionately call it, has seen plenty of history through its jewel-toned stained glass windows at 202 M Street in Eureka. Located on Humboldt Bay, the majestic, historic home was built in 1889 by lumber magnate William Carson as a wedding gift for his son J. Milton Carson and his wife Mary Amelia (Bell) Carson. William lived across the street in the famous Carson mansion, considered one of the most magnificent Victorian homes in America. The J. Milton Carson House, known locally as “The Pink Lady” over the years, is crowned with iconic, ornamental Victorian features. Famous as a classic example of the Queen Anne architectural style, its large bay windows, delicate cornices, graceful spires, and lace gingerbread trim attract tourists and architecture lovers alike.

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Traveler
December 22, 2020, Arcata Plaza

One block square park in the center of old town

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Maps, restrooms, drinking water fountain at this trailhead, with the northern trail looping north an then west to the beach, while the sandy trail at the south end of the parking area is shortest distance to the beach

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Long bridge with a wide shoulder lane between Eureka and the outer bank peninsula at Samoa, with a section on another sand island in between.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Westhaven-Moonstone?

There are over 10 dedicated road cycling routes around Westhaven-Moonstone, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars.

Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Westhaven-Moonstone?

Yes, Westhaven-Moonstone offers a couple of easy road cycling routes. A great option for beginners is the Arcata Plaza loop from McKinleyville, which covers about 29 kilometers with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant ride for those new to road cycling.

What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes in Westhaven-Moonstone?

Road cycling in Westhaven-Moonstone offers incredibly diverse scenery. You can expect routes that hug the rugged coastline, providing breathtaking ocean views, as well as paths that lead through coastal dunes and even into areas shaded by ancient redwood forests. The region also features prairies and oak woodlands, ensuring a varied visual experience.

Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Westhaven-Moonstone has a couple of difficult routes. One such route is the Arcata Plaza – Arcata Theater loop from McKinleyville, which spans over 90 kilometers and features significant elevation changes, providing a demanding yet rewarding ride.

Can I find loop routes for road cycling in Westhaven-Moonstone?

Many of the road cycling routes in Westhaven-Moonstone are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular loop options include the Ma-Le'l Dunes Trailhead – Samoa - Eureka Bridge loop from McKinleyville and the Clam Beach County Park loop from Clam Beach County Park, both offering scenic coastal rides.

What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along the road cycling routes?

While cycling, you'll encounter stunning natural landmarks. Routes often provide views of the rugged Pacific coastline, including areas near Moonstone Beach and Trinidad Bay. You can also experience the unique environment of coastal dunes and, on some routes, ride through the majestic, shaded roads near the ancient redwood forests, offering a truly awe-inspiring perspective.

What is the best time of year for road biking in Westhaven-Moonstone?

The diverse climate of Westhaven-Moonstone makes it suitable for road cycling throughout much of the year. However, for the most pleasant conditions, late spring through early fall generally offers milder temperatures and less chance of rain, making it ideal for enjoying the coastal and forest routes.

Are there any family-friendly road cycling options in the area?

While specific 'family-friendly' routes are not explicitly highlighted, the easier, shorter loop routes with minimal elevation gain, such as the Arcata Plaza loop from McKinleyville, could be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with road cycling. Always consider the distance and traffic conditions for younger riders.

Where can I park my car when going road cycling in Westhaven-Moonstone?

Many routes in the Westhaven-Moonstone area start from locations with available parking. For example, the Clam Beach County Park loop begins directly from Clam Beach County Park, which typically offers parking facilities. Similarly, routes starting from McKinleyville or near Little River State Beach often have accessible parking options.

Are there any road cycling routes that pass through or near redwood forests?

Yes, the region's proximity to Redwood National and State Parks means that some road cycling routes offer the unique experience of riding through or alongside these magnificent ancient forests. While not all routes go directly through the deepest parts, you can find shaded roads that provide a glimpse of the towering redwoods, offering a distinct contrast to the coastal rides.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Westhaven-Moonstone?

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Westhaven-Moonstone, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse terrain, which allows for rides along rugged coastlines with stunning ocean views, through serene coastal dunes, and even near ancient redwood forests. The variety of elevations and scenic vistas are frequently highlighted as major draws.

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