The best cycling routes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park

The primary touring cycling experience in Navarro River Redwoods State Park is along Highway 128, often referred to as the 'redwood tunnel.' This section offers a smooth, paved surface winding through dense second-growth redwood forests. While the park is narrow, the routes provide a scenic and shaded pathway. Expect varied terrain as routes often connect the redwood environment with coastal areas, offering both forest and ocean views.

The touring cycling routes listed for Navarro River Redwoods State Park are generally rated as 'difficult' due to their length and elevation changes. For example, routes like Big River 🌉- Mendocino – Agate Beach Cove loop from Little River, while shorter at 22.8 miles, still present a challenge. Families with younger children or those seeking very easy, flat rides might find these routes demanding. The scenic Highway 128 itself is paved and beautiful, but cyclists should be mindful of traffic.

As you cycle through Navarro River Redwoods State Park, you'll be immersed in magnificent second-growth redwood forests, some towering over 150 feet. The Navarro River itself is a prominent feature, supporting diverse wildlife. At the river's mouth, you can find coastal access with a sandy beach, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sea lions, harbor seals, and migrating gray whales in winter. You might also spot 'fairy rings' – circles of redwoods growing around old stumps – and various bird species like ospreys and herons.

Yes, all the touring cycling routes highlighted in Navarro River Redwoods State Park are designed as loops. This includes longer options like the Big River 🌉- Mendocino – Jack Peters Creek bridge loop from North Fork Navarro River (55.5 miles) and the Greenwood State Beach – Agate Beach Cove loop from Point Arena Lighthouse (99.8 miles), allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path.

The 'redwood tunnel' section of Highway 128 offers a shaded pathway, making it enjoyable even on warmer days. Spring brings higher water levels to the Navarro River, enhancing its beauty, while winter offers a chance to spot migrating gray whales near the coast. Generally, spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for cycling, though the shaded redwood groves offer a cool escape in summer.

The touring cycling routes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the enchanting 'redwood tunnel' experience along Highway 128 and the diverse scenery that combines lush forests with coastal views.

Within the park, the Paul M. Dimmick Campground offers campsites for those wishing to stay overnight amidst the redwoods. Near the Navarro beach, the historic Captain Fletcher's Inn, now serving as the Navarro Visitor Center, is a notable landmark. For more extensive options for accommodation, cafes, and pubs, you would typically look towards nearby towns along the Mendocino Coast or in the Anderson Valley wine country, which Highway 128 connects.

Navarro River Redwoods State Park is part of the California State Parks system. Generally, dogs are permitted in developed areas, campgrounds, and on paved roads, but often not on unpaved trails or in natural preserves. Since the primary cycling experience is along paved Highway 128, it may be suitable for cycling with dogs on a leash, but it's always best to check the most current regulations directly with California State Parks for specific rules regarding pets on trails and in different areas of the park. You can find more information on their official website: parks.ca.gov.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed, the park is described as being 'designed for driving,' implying accessible points along Highway 128. The Navarro Beach Campground and Paul M. Dimmick Campground are known locations within the park that may offer parking facilities. For detailed information on day-use parking fees and specific trailheads, it is advisable to consult the official California State Parks website or local signage upon arrival.

All five touring cycling routes listed for Navarro River Redwoods State Park are rated as 'difficult.' For instance, the Elk Creek Beach Overlook – Greenwood State Beach loop from Greenwood State Beach covers 44.4 miles with significant elevation changes, making it a demanding ride. The longest route, Greenwood State Beach – Agate Beach Cove loop from Point Arena Lighthouse, spans nearly 100 miles and involves over 2,100 meters of ascent, offering a substantial challenge for experienced touring cyclists.

Navarro River Redwoods State Park is located in a relatively rural area of Mendocino County. Public transport options directly into the park are limited. Visitors typically access the park by private vehicle, especially given that the main cycling experience is along Highway 128. It's recommended to plan your journey with personal transportation or look into regional shuttle services if available from larger nearby towns.

The park is home to various wildlife. In the redwood forests, you might spot black-tailed deer and raccoons. Along the Navarro River and at the coastal access point, keep an eye out for river otters, and a variety of birds including buffleheads, egrets, herons, ospreys, and red-tailed hawks. Near the ocean, sea lions and harbor seals are common, and during winter months, you might even catch a glimpse of gray whales migrating south.