Your Northern California Moto Base
We Love Motorcycles at Kidder Creek Cottage
Northern California is home to some of the best motorcycling roads in the country, if not the world. There are several great riding loops easily accessible from the Kidder Creek Cottage for all types of riding adventures, including off-road, dual sport, adventure, cruising, and sport bike enthusiasts.
Be aware that many loops described below do not have service stations for fueling up. So ensure you have plenty of gas when you head out and be aware of your bike’s range when fueled so you don’t get stranded in the boondocks without cell service. We will be happy to provide you with any advice if you have any questions about any of the routes described below.
The Scott Valley Country Loop
62 mi ・ 1 hr, 27 min
This short ride will take on a quick tour through Quartz Valley and around the perimeter of Scott Valley. There are several roads that cross the valley between Highway 3 and Eastside Road (Eller lane, Horn Lane, and Fey lane) that you may want to explore as well. Most of the roads are in fair condition however, you’ll still need to be watchful for cattle, wildlife, and local farm equipment while riding. If you come across a cattle drive or slow moving farm vehicles please be patient and be respectful of the locals. Remember you’re on vacation. On this loop you’ll pass through Mugginsville in Quartz Valley where the views of the Marble Mountains are spectacular.
The Yreka → Gazelle → Callahan Loop
84.6 mi ・ 1 hr, 46 min
This short loop can be taken in either the clockwise or counter clockwise direction. We recommend riding clockwise since this will have you riding up the steep winding grade between Gazelle and Callahan. To begin take Highway 3 from the cottage to Yreka. From Yreka, this short loop take you through the farm lands along west side of Shasta Valley between Yreka and Gazelle. The pavement is all pretty good and there are some nice curves in some reaches. The road between Gazelle and Callahan takes you over a steep pass with some very tight turns. Although the pavement was improved recently, you’ll need to be aware that you might come across some patches of gravel or sand in some areas. Once on top, the road and scenery are great. This section does have free range cattle so be aware of this potential hazard. Highway 3 will take you along the west side of Scott Valley from Callahan to the cottage. If your looking for a great burger or shake after the ride we suggest a stop at Dotty’s in Etna.
The Scott River → Klamath River Loop
102 mi ・ 2 hr, 20 min
This loop will take you down the Scott River through the lower canyon where the river is designated both wild and scenic under state and federal designations. Scott River Road is unmarked and can be extremely narrow in some sections of the canyon, so be careful when navigating through some of the slow and tight turns through this section. There are several places to pull over and admire the river so take your time. Although the entire road is paved, you’ll still need to watch out for pot holes and gravel at times. At the mouth of the Scott River you’ll turn east on Highway 96 where you’ll enjoy a pleasant ride up the Klamath River until you reach the confluence of the Shasta River. Here, you’ll turn south on Highway 263 which will take you up the Shasta River canyon towards Yreka. From Yreka you’ll take Highway 3 back to Greenview and the cottage.
The Salmon River Wilderness Loop
115 mi ・ 3 hr, 23 min
The Salmon River loop will take you through some of the most remote country in America, so make sure you have plenty of fuel before starting this loop. In addition, you won’t have any cell phone reception for most of this ride, so help is NOT just a phone call away. This loop will take through Etna on Sawyer’s Bar Road up to Etna Summit. Make sure you stop at the summit to take in the breath taking view of the Salmon River drainage. From the summit you’ll ride down a fairly steep grade until you reach the bottom near the North Fork Salmon River. From here you’ll ride down the North Fork Salmon River through the small town of Sawyers Bar until you get to Forks of Salmon. The road between Sawyers Bar and Forks of Salmon is perched along very steep mountain sides and can be hundreds of feet above the river. This section of road has several blind curves with only one narrow lane in several areas. The river is beautiful in this reach and if your lucky you might see a few adult spring run Chinook salmon holding in the deeper pools. You won’t see them if you don’t stop and look. The Forks of Salmon is good location to stop and enjoy the lunch you packed with you. From the Forks of Salmon you’ll drive up the South Fork Salmon River towards Cecilville and Callahan. This section also has a few blind and narrow sections so ride carefully. The roads improves dramatically between Cecilville and Callahan and makes for a nice change after riding over rough and narrow roads along the both forks of the Salmon River.
The Mount Shasta Loop
175 mi ・ 4 hr, 16 min
This loop will take on a ride around Mount Shasta. Much of the ride is on well paved roads or highways. However, when riding the section along the eastern portion of Mount Shasta on Forest Route 14 (Deer Mountain Road) in the north to Forest Route 13 (Military Pass Road) in the south, you will encounter fairly rough dirt roads, sand, gravel, and paved sections. There are also a few off road detours that avoid washed out sections of road. We do not recommend this section of road for larger cruiser bikes or sport bikes. The road between Gazelle and Callahan takes you over a steep pass with some very tight turns. Although the pavement was improved recently, you’ll need to be aware that you might come across some patches of gravel or sand in some areas. Once on top, the road and scenery are great. This section does have free range cattle so be aware of this potential hazard. Highway 3 will take you along the west side of Scott Valley from Callahan to the cottage.
The Three Rivers Loop
170 mi ・ 4 hr, 29 min
This loop ride will take you along the North Fork and mainstem of the Salmon River, along the Klamath River upstream of the Salmon River, and along the Scott River. This loop can be taken in either direction. You’ll take the Sawyers Bar Road alon the North Fork Salmon river and the Salmon River Road along the main Salmon River. The Sawyers Bar Road downstream of Sawyers Bar and the Salmon River Road both have sections with very narrow blind curves and rough pavement. This area is remote and you may not have any cellular service along much this ride. Highway 96 along the Klamath River is a great ride with great views of the river and surrounding areas. Cell service is sporadic along this route, so be advised. The Scott River Road is unmarked and can be extremely narrow in some sections in the canyon, so be careful when navigating through some of the slow and blind turns through this section. There are several places to pull over and admire the river so take your time. Although the entire road is paved, you’ll still need to watch out for pot holes and gravel at times. Make sure you have a full tank before starting and if your bike has limited range, plan your stops accordingly. Fuel is usually available in Orleans (which requires you to take a short detour down river at the junction of Salmon River Road and Highway 96) or in Happy Camp.
The Trinity River → Redding → Mt Shasta Loop
245 mi ・ 4 hr, 44 min
This loop will take through Shasta Valley, along the upper Sacramento River and Lake Shasta, up Highway 299 to Weaverville, up Highway 3 by Trinity Lake and the upper Trinity River, and then over Scott Mountain to Scott Valley. The entire loop has good pavement and you’ll enjoy the views of Lake Shasta, Whiskeytown Lake, and Trinity Lake, in addition to the beautiful Trinity Alps Wilderness. You need to be advised that Highway 3 does get very steep and winding when riding up the south side of Scott Mountain. If your bike struggles with ground clearance there is a good chance you’ll drag a peg on a couple of the steep 180 degree curves in this section. You won’t be counter steering on these corners, they are slow! If you’re interested in place to stop for lunch we recommend the Trinity County Brewery located on the western side of Weaverville on Highway 299.
The Happy Camp → Cave Junction→ Jacksonville → Yreka Loop
245 mi ・ 5 hr, 33 min
This loop will take down the Scott River and Klamath River to Happy Camp. From Happy Camp you’ll take Grayback Road up Indian Creek and into Oregon where the road meets up with Highway 199 just south of Cave Junction. The pavement on Grayback Road is fairly good and should be suitable for all types of bikes. We highly recommend a stop at Taylor’s Sausage in Cave Junction for a great lunch. From Cave Junction you’ll take Highway 199 east to Wilderville where you’ll turn south on Fish Hatchery Road. Fish Hatchery Road will join Highway 238 to Jacksonville which follows along the Applegate River for much of the route. From Jacksonville you’ll take South Stage Road to Phoenix and Highway 5. On this final leg of the ride you’ll take Highway 5 to Yreka where you’ll take Highway 3 south back to the Scott Valley and the cottage.
The Trinity River → Klamath River Loop
287 mi ・ 6 hr, 18 min
This loop can be ridden in either direction and basically takes on a long loop along the Trinity River, Klamath River and the Scott River. The majority of the ride is on well paved highways and there are several locations to get gas, but if your range is limited you won’t want to miss fueling up when available. You need to be advised that Highway 3 does get very steep and winding when riding up the south side of Scott Mountain. If your bike struggles with ground clearance there is a good chance you’ll drag a peg on a couple of the steep 180 degree curves in this section. Another section where you must be careful is along the lower Scott River. Scott River Road is unmarked and can be extremely narrow in some sections with in the canyon, so be careful when navigating through some of the slow and blind turns through this section. There are several places to pull over and admire the river so take your time.
Trinity River → North Coast → Smith River Loop
435 mi ・ 8 hr, 1 min
This loop and next loop (Crater lake NP - Klamath Lake Loop) are not for the faint of heart. These are both long rides that will test your stamina. This loop will take from Scott Valley to the Pacific Coast and back again. The entire ride is on well paved highways, however road construction along the Pacific Highway is common north of Trinidad. The loop can be taken in either direction, your choice. If you’re going clockwise you’ll take Highway 3 south, over Scott Mountain and along the upper Trinity River to Weaverville. You need to be advised that Highway 3 does get very steep and winding when riding on the south side of Scott Mountain. If your bike struggles with ground clearance there is a good chance you’ll drag a peg on a couple of the steep 180 degree curves in this section. From Weaverville you’ll take Highway 299 along the Trinity River to Highway 101 in Arcata. From Arcata you’ll go north on Highway 101 where you’ll experience fantastic views of giant redwoods, lagoons, herds of elk, and the rugged Pacific coastline. There are several spots where you can find lunch along this section. We suggest you stop in Crescent City at either the Charthouse for great fish or if you prefer a good beer we suggest SeaQuake Brewing or Port O’Pints Brewing Co. Just north of Crescent City you’ll take Highway 199 east which will take you through more redwoods and up the Smith River, another wild and scenic river. You’ll stay on Highway 199 to Grants Pass where you’ll take Highway 5 south back to Yreka.
Crater Lake NP → Klamath Lake Loop
361 mi ・ 8 hr, 7 min
This loop is another long run from the cottage. It’s worth the effort but you might pay the piper in the end. The loop we put together will take you around Crater Lake (The park does require a day use fee) and south along the west side of Upper Klamath Lake before heading back towards Ashland on Highway 66 (Green Springs Hwy). If you’ve never been to Crater Lake you will not regret this ride. The roads are good with plenty of curves and great scenery and the lake itself is spectacular. There are other options or loops that you could ride that are not as long as this loop. If you’re interested, we would be happy to show you a few shorter alternative routes that would exclude Upper Klamath Lake. We want you to have a great experience and we don’t want you to feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
