Reviewed by: local , from Kneeland

Summary:
Despite what some may think, this is Redwood National Park for the fine people of the world. There is no local vibe here. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Fern canyon is incredible and there is even a natural shower right after the muddy down hill on the ossagon trail. This is the place to go if you are visiting from out of town. Definitely a scenery run and too nice a place to cop a vibe or be a jerk (for most people.) This trail is good for intermediate riders who can handle a little uphill.

Recommended Route:
counter clockwise

Other recommended trails in the same area:
For more technical riding and jumps, try one of the many branches of Jacoby Creek (couch trail,) or ask for Rowan at adventures edge in arcata for the freshest info.

Reviewed by: Tim Daniels , from Eureka, CA, U.S. of A.

Summary:
It's not the best ride in the area but it's fun none the less. Last time I rode it was during a storm in the winter. We too chose to ride through deep swampy water in the flats (it dries up in the summer). It was raining hard enough on the way back down NBD Parkway that we didn't need to shower. Near Fern Canyon, we came across a full grown bull elk standing in the middle of the trail. We rolled carefully on by wondering if we had made a wise choice. As it turned out he left us alone. We came within about ten feet of him. I was a bit spooked but the drive to finish the ride was too strong.

Recommended Route:
Mom's right follow her directions.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
For a good climb and screaming fast descent try Lost Man Creek/Holter Ridge. It's all forest service road but it's closed to traffic. I've hit 40+ mph on that road.

Reviewed by: Mom , from Southern Humboldt

Summary:
Y'all are whiners! This is the trail we take our girly-girl riding friends on; heading out on the Davisson trail starts you out with virtually NO climbing, puts plenty of road in your route and saves the best for last, flying through the redwoods to get back to dry socks. You should be plenty warmed up by the time you get to the slick climb back up from the coastline (3 out of four 4 girls made this climb). We did this as a ladies' ride in mid-January and rode through thigh-high water (much quicker than bush-whacking) for a good section of the coastal trail. The water has the stench of swamp methane and elk manure, which may make some consider a shower back at the campground. Be sure to pack baby wipes for the back-seat bath, otherwise. Also, repack your hubs and greaseand oil your whole bike after a submersion like that. An epic day for a beginner, a fast 20-mile loop to hammer for an intermediate rider.

Recommended Route:
Depends on who you ride with. Drop in off the parkway and ride trail to Fern Canyon as an out and back to avoid all cars

Other recommended trails in the same area:
If you have the time, continue south on 101 and check out the fire roads in Rockefeller forest. Look Prairie takes you up into the fog line and shows you what local logging looks like. Give us a couple days notice and (maybe) ride our private trails, because there's nothing legal north of Benbow around here...(yet).

Reviewed by: April , from Redwood City, ca

Summary:
To the east coaster, yes, it's technical especially when wet! We went when it's "semi-wet". The roots and rocks got slippery on the downhill section. The loose down leave didn't help much with traction either. But the scenery...it's awesome! Single track winding among the lovely redwood forest and lush green fern all over the place. Great change of scenary from the dried-up hillsides we've got down in South SF Bay. And the Fern Canyon is plain fun! We did the trail both ways. The downhill on the rutted, slippery Ossagon section is probably not for beginers. But anyone who have riden single track downhill would do fine, by going cautiously and slowly. On my way down, I saw plenty of people climb it. And I mean riding, not pushing their bike. So we climb it too, though I had to stop a couple times to catch my breath. The climb up is actually kind of fun in a sick way. Although it look steep, I was amazed that most of it is ridable, however brutal. You feel your lung is about to explode. But somehow you keep inching your way up, ever so slowly on the granny gear. It helps if your peddling style is smooth, or you'll loose traction at times.

Recommended Route:
Counter-clockwise

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lost Man Creek trail, Cal Barrel Rd are both very scenic, but not technical.

Reviewed by: Fred , from East Coast

Summary:
This trail is not technical, the actual Ossagon trail is a very fast downhill to the ocean through redwoods. The along the ocean the trail is a dirt road to a bit of single track to the ranger station. This ride is about a 15 mile loop, mostly dirt and paved road. I am not sure why anyone would consider it technical. It is however a very scenic ride, with huge redwoods, waterfalls, cliffs, ocean views, streams and elk to check out. 3 tires for the overall ride, 5 for ambience.

Recommended Route:
Clockwise from ranger station, 7 mile paved road to Ossagon trail head. This trail isn't very technical just long with a healthy climb from the ocean to the ranger station.