Northern California Loop

This part goes through pretty remote areas. Make sure that you are well stocked before leaving Orleans / Somes Bar.

You start off with a 40 mile (65 km) ride along the (South Fork of the) Salmon River during which you gain about 2000 feet (700 m). The first segment is on the Salmon River Rd to Forks of Salmon. Here you cross the river and stay on the paved road which is Cecilville Rd. There's a general store in Forks of Salmon, but are no services in Cecilville.

Eventually you climb out of the river valley passing over Carter Meadows Summit at 5700 feet (1900 m) and descent into Callahan which is at about 3100 feet (930 m).

Trinity Alps from Cecilville Rd (just East of Carter Meadows Summit)

Cecilville Rd terminates at a T-intersection with Hwy 3. You turn right into Hwy 3 pass through Callahan and climb Scott Mtn Summit at 5400 feet (1650 m). There doesn't seem to be too much traffic on Hwy 3.

Trinity Alps from Park's Creek Summit

Once you reach the Trinity River, you turn left into IP Rd and start climbing along the river. Eventually you will get to Park's Creek Summit at 6850 feet (2085 m). From there it's all downhill with stunning views of Mt Shasta.

First Glimpse of Mt Shasta

In total, this segment has three major climbs with a total of more than 10 000 feet (3000 m).

Services