Our last trip out to the Redwood Coast was another gem. We rode a challenging gravel loop that included Lost Man Creek Trail in the Redwood National Forest.
Lost Man Creek Trail is an old logging road that is closed to cars which makes it particularly appealing as a gravel route. We incorporated it into a loop by climbing up it and descending Bald Hills Road and taking Highway 101 to the paved Davison Trail. It’s a lot of climbing but it’s through the quiet forest with most likely nobody else around. We did see a couple and their dog at the start but that’s it. The gravel is a bit rough and chunky in spots and it’s steep too! A redwood, maple and fern lined creek runs in the canyon below – making it a cool climate.
We added on a little out and back to the overlook. I admit, I was disappointed. I was hoping to see the water. The overlook boasts expansive sights of thousands of acres of ancient forest, coastal mountains, and ocean horizons(on clear days). There was a fog layer hugging the tree line so no view of the water this day.
Yowzer, the paved descent back down to the ocean is a real treat. It was fresh pavement and smooth sailing down the twisty blacktop. Right before Highway 101 there is a parking lot with a short trail to walk out to the elk viewing area. We didn’t know it, passed it, and glimpsed the elk lounging about from our 1 mile nerve-wracking highway ride back to the start.
I highly recommend this loop if you have the legs.
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