As the title implies, this segment traverses from Highway 96, 19 miles to the Salmon Mountain Trailhead. Although this is a possible contender for the longest and highest climb in Humboldt County, with an average grade of 5%, it’s surprisingly forgiving. Some of the steepest pitches, over 20%, are within the first couple of miles. With just over 16 miles of climbing, less than 2 miles are 10% and over.

Bair Road extends from Redwood Creek up and over to Hoopa on 96. This segment, a category 1 climb, ascends 6.5 miles out of Redwood Valley to Pine Ridge Summit. The summit is about 1/2 mile past the Lacks Creek access road. On this segment, you’ll see very little traffic, large domesticated animals, incredible views, and maybe a couple burned up cars.

Brushy Mountain Lookout Rd is off of Friday Ridge Rd south of Willow Creek. This is a short but steep road, 2.3 miles, up to the Brushy Mountain Fire Lookout. This is an all gravel segment, with some very steep pitches! Lot's of other great riding in the area to add in.

This is a favorite segment among many locals which climbs out of Butler Valley Rd to the summit of Fickle Hill. It's about half gravel, half paved, with the steeper sections toward the end. There's also a fun, fast gravel descent a mile in.

The French Hill Trail is a little known trail near Gasquet in the Smith River Recreation Area. This segment drops from French Hill Rd to Highway 199 near the Visitor Center. Connect this segment with French Hill Rd or the Gasquet Toll Rd for some great gravel riding.

Liscom Hill, a category 2 climb just north of Blue Lake, is a local classic for masochists. This segment is 3 miles of pure pain, gaining 1,500 feet with an average grade of almost 10%. Take some low gears for this one or mash your knees to dust to the end of the county road. Enjoy the idyllic scenes at the top and the fun downhill back to Glendale Drive.

Time for school. This rarely ridden road ends about 13 miles from the Maple Creek School to Hunter Ranch. Primarily gravel, this segment undulates along ranch land high above the Mad River. A great addition to a Butler Valley loop ride, this segment would add over 3,000 feet and 26 miles out and back.

Time for some single track shredding. This segment starts at the road junction to Dollywood, continues up to and down In the Gnome of Love, and back up to the start. Taking either Black or Blue Gnome will suffice.

This is a fun little segment off Centerville Rd near Ferndale. It travels about 2 miles to a summit, ascending around 800 feet on a nice gravel road. The road is gated and not passable a short distance beyond the summit. Add this in after riding the TUC for some epic points!

Red Mountain Lookout is located in the Smith River National Recreation Area overlooking the Klamath River & Mountains. This segment is mixed paved and gravel, with about 10 miles and 3,000 feet of elevation. Extend your ride onto the G-O for a virtually traffic free adventure. Big Flat Campground is a great basecamp with a lot of other great riding in the area.

Known only to a few local cycling celebrities, Slater Road climbs about 1.5 miles above Kneeland Road near Lonestar Junction. This CAT 3 climb is a tough, gravel segment with an average grade over 9%. This would be a great extension to Lonestar loop. Please note, the county road ends at the terminus of the segment which is slightly further than the summit. Disregard the no trespassing signs at the gate about 2/3 up the climb, but do respect the adjacent land.

This is a short 1 mile segment up Humboldt Hill south of Eureka. Get your heart rate up with this 7.5% climb and enjoy the views. This is a great add-on for riding the Eureka Hikshari Trail.

This segment is part of the McKay Community Forest near the Northridge parking area. This is a two-way trail that travels along the northeast portion. The segment climbs the Triple C (Switchy) trail from the bottom of the gulch to the top meeting up with the Perimeter Trail. Northridge has some fun, shorter trails and is the future home of the McKay Bike Park.

Many folks have ridden Bear River Ridge along Monument Ridge, but few have dropped down on Upper Bear River Rd. This tough, but beautiful road drops down over 1,700 feet to Bear River. The segment comprises of the steepest portion back up from the river with an average grade of almost 10%. Stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery, you'll want to.

With steep hills, great gravel roads, and amazing views Usal has some of the best adventure riding around. There are plenty of opportunities for amazing loops in the area, and great camping at Usal Campground. The Grasshopper series also hosts a ride in late summer which you could check out.