Northern California: The Coast Range
The Mapquest route from Ashland, OR, to San Francisco, CA, heads due south for 350 miles, covering the distance in a little over five hours. You could go that way.
However, if you’re up for a slight detour—only an extra 600 miles and three more days—you can take in the best motorcycle roads in the Coast Range.
Yeah, I think you should go that way instead.
The Emerald Forest
From Ashland, take the Old Siskiyou Hwy (SR 273) over the mountains the way your folks did it before freeways, making the kids carsick. Some 25 miles on, you’ll descend into the dry canyon of the Klamath River.
Follow its sweeping turns to Scott River Rd and the idyllic Quartz Valley. Ever wonder how the pioneers decided they’d gone far enough? It was arriving at places like this.
I recommend grabbing a bite to eat in Etna before twisting up the mountain on Sawyer’s Bar Rd. Roll back down on Salmon River Rd and flow along SR 96 all the way to Willow Creek. Don’t forget to take a selfie with Bigfoot at the Bigfoot Museum.
Heading out of town, chase the log trucks chasing their tails on the hairpins of SR 299. Cool off in Eureka and before rolling into Fortuna for the night.
If you still have it in you, though, go a few miles farther to Scotia for a stay at the historical Scotia Lodge.
The Lost Coast
After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to head into the foggy redwood forest on SR 36 for 52 miles of curves before you arrive at Van Duzen Rd. This one is a bit of an ugly duckling but it’ll grow on you. The two paved lanes devolve into a crudely paved cow path, which in turn soon crumbles into well-graded gravel.
Zig-zag down into the golden, oak-studded hills of the California savanna before turning around to climb the woodland chaparral on Alderpoint Rd. It’s still only one lane wide, but the road now sports a comical center stripe.
Once you reach Garberville, I recommend having a late breakfast at the Eel River Cafe. Do not be put off by the name—they crisp the hash browns and actually toast the toast.
Leaving Garberville on Sprowl Creek Rd, cruise the Marshall Ranch hill country before climbing to Thorn Junction. From here, you’ll wind down the mountain face to check out Shelter Cove.
Congratulations, you’ve found the Lost Coast!