2. Shelter Cove to Rio Dell
SHELTER COVE TO RIO DELL – 74 MILES
Ride a loop around lovely Shelter Cove and visit the iconic black sand beaches, Seal Rock and the Mendocino Lighthouse. Kings Peak Road features tight dirt through the forest, with an optional advanced section on Saddle Mountain featuring steep, narrow switchbacks rewarded with fantastic views of the coast.
Take a side trip to the Kinsey Ridge viewpoint and a rest at the quaint Honeydew Store. The optional extension to Windy Point Knoll provides a stunning ride on a primitive 4wd road, dropping down to an impressive grassy knoll right along the raging Pacific. While not technical, this road is steep and would be nearly impossible when wet.
After a stop in Petrolia, Mattole Road features some of the best views of the ocean yet along blissful pavement. Enjoy the final stretch of scenic dirt on Bear River Ridge before descending into Rio Dell, the crossing point of this figure-8 loop.
2. Shelter Cove to Rio Dell
SHELTER COVE TO RIO DELL – 74 MILES
Ride a loop around lovely Shelter Cove and visit the iconic black sand beaches, Seal Rock and the Mendocino Lighthouse. Kings Peak Road features tight dirt through the forest, with an optional advanced section on Saddle Mountain featuring steep, narrow switchbacks rewarded with fantastic views of the coast.
Take a side trip to the Kinsey Ridge viewpoint and a rest at the quaint Honeydew Store. The optional extension to Windy Point Knoll provides a stunning ride on a primitive 4wd road, dropping down to an impressive grassy knoll right along the raging Pacific. While not technical, this road is steep and would be nearly impossible when wet.
After a stop in Petrolia, Mattole Road features some of the best views of the ocean yet along blissful pavement. Enjoy the final stretch of scenic dirt on Bear River Ridge before descending into Rio Dell, the crossing point of this figure-8 loop.
A W Way Park & CG
Bear River Ridge Tree Canopy
142 Bear River Ridge Rd Ferndale, CA, 95536, USA
Black Sands Beach
Black Sands Beach A striking black sand beach on California’s Lost Coast known for its dramatic scenery, tide pools, and wilderness access.
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Historic lighthouse located near Cape Mendocino marking one of California’s westernmost points, offering coastal views and maritime history.
Fleener Creek Viewpoint
7294 Centerville Rd Ferndale, CA, 95536, USA
Guthrie Creek Trail
Honeydew Store
Kinsey Ridge Viewpoint
Kinsey Ridge A scenic coastal ridge along the Lost Coast route offering panoramic views of rugged terrain and the Pacific Ocean.
Little Black Sands Beach
Mattole River Beach & CG
Mattole River Beach A sandy riverside beach where the Mattole River meets the ocean, popular for peaceful scenery and beach access.
Petrolia - Food & Gas
69 Sherman St Petrolia, CA, 95558, USA
Petrolia Oil Plaque
Rio Dell - Food, Gas, Lodging
556 Wildwood Ave Rio Dell, CA, 95562, USA
Saddle Mtn Viewpoint
Seal Rock
Seal Rock A dramatic coastal rock formation and viewpoint along the Lost Coast Highway, popular for scenic ocean views and photography.
Shelter Cove - Food, Gas, Lodging
Shelter Cove Beach
Steamboat Rock Viewpoint
Windy Point Knoll
Windy Point Knoll An elevated viewpoint along the Lost Coast known for strong ocean breezes and expansive views of sea and shore.
LCX2 - Shelter Cove to Rio Dell
LCX2 ALT Harder - Saddle Mtn
LCX2 EXT - Kinsey Ridge Viewpoint
LCX2 EXT - Shelter Cove Loop
LCX2 EXT - Windy Point Knoll
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