Scott Valley drives and bike loops from Etna
Etna sits at the southwest edge of Scott Valley, with quiet ranch roads crossing the valley floor and two mountain roads climbing out of it. These are the drives we send our guests on, from a short loop before dinner to a full day on the Salmon River. Every one of them is a bike ride too.
Tap a drive on the map to see it, or open it in Google Maps for directions. Distances start and end on Main Street in Etna.
Tap a drive to see it on the map. Distances start and end on Main Street in Etna. Every route is a bike ride too.
Back roads to Fort Jones
12.5 miles one way, or about 24 as a loop. If you'd rather stay off the highway, this is the way to Fort Jones. From the north end of Main Street, follow Island Road up the middle of the valley, past hay fields and ranches, for about 5 miles. Turn right on Eller Lane and cross the Scott River at Black Bridge, a one-lane steel bridge built in 1910, then turn left on Eastside Road and follow it about 6 miles north into Fort Jones.
Plan to eat there. Five Marys Burgerhouse, in a historic bar on Main Street, serves dry-aged burgers from the family's own ranch, so book a table ahead. Come home on Highway 3 through Greenview to make it a loop.
By bike. Mostly flat and quiet, with a few gentle rises on Eastside Road and wide views back across the valley. Black Bridge is one lane, so wait your turn.
The short loop
14 miles. A favorite short drive, and the best one for sunset. Take Island Road to Black Bridge as above, but turn right on Eastside Road. It runs south along the foot of the hills on the east side of the valley, so the whole valley and the mountains behind Etna are in front of you as the light goes. After about 5.5 miles, turn right on Horn Lane, cross the river again, and turn right on Highway 3 to come back into town.
For a longer version, stay on Eastside Road past Horn Lane, where it becomes East Callahan Road, all the way to Callahan, and come back north on Highway 3. That's about 35 miles. In Callahan, stop at the Callahan Emporium, a historic general store, restaurant and bar, before you head home.
By bike. Flat to gently rolling, about an hour for most riders, and one of the nicest easy rides in the valley.
The Valley Loop
About 48 miles. The whole valley in one loop. Take Highway 3 north from Etna through Greenview to Fort Jones, about 11.5 miles. In Fort Jones, pick up Eastside Road and follow it south along the east side of the valley. Past Horn Lane it becomes East Callahan Road and carries on to Callahan, about 23 miles from Fort Jones. From Callahan, Highway 3 brings you back north to Etna, about 12.5 miles.
Give it a slow afternoon. The east side is the quiet side, all ranches, hay fields and long views, with mountains on every side.
By bike. A classic valley ride, mostly flat with rolling hills on the east side. Highway 3 carries more traffic, so ride single file.
Up to Etna Summit
About 10 miles each way. From downtown Etna, Sawyers Bar Road climbs about 3,000 feet to Etna Summit, at about 5,960 feet, where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the road. The Marble Mountain Wilderness is to the north and the Russian Wilderness to the south. Walk a little way along the trail in either direction, then come back the way you came.
On the way up, past the Klamath National Forest sign, Etna Creek runs beside the road, a lovely place to stop and listen to the water. In wetter years, coho salmon spawn in this gravel from late fall into winter, so please leave the rocks as you find them. The creek is closed to fishing.
Want a lake? Just past the summit, a paved forest road leads 2.4 miles to Taylor Lake, a short, easy walk from the parking area.
There is no water or restroom at the summit trailhead, and snow can close the road in winter. Unless you're doing the full Salmon River loop, turn around at the top.
By bike. One of the great climbs in Northern California: about 3,000 feet in 10 miles, with the steepest pitches over 10 percent. Bring a layer for the long descent.
The Salmon River loop
About 100 miles. Plan the whole day. This is the big one: out over the Scott Mountains, down the South Fork of the Salmon River, up the North Fork, and home over Etna Summit. Much of it is narrow mountain road, steep and winding, with long one-lane stretches and turnouts, so take your time and enjoy the river.
Etna to Callahan on Highway 3: 12.7 miles.
Callahan to Carter Meadows Summit, about 6,100 feet, where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses: 11.9 miles.
Down to Cecilville on the South Fork of the Salmon River: 18 miles.
Cecilville to Forks of Salmon, along the South Fork: 17.7 miles.
Forks of Salmon to Sawyers Bar, up the North Fork: 14.8 miles.
Sawyers Bar to Etna Summit: 14.5 miles.
Etna Summit back down to Etna: 10.1 miles.
Along the way are forest campgrounds with picnic tables and vault toilets on both forks, swimming holes in summer, and the old gold-rush town of Sawyers Bar, where St. Joseph's Catholic Church has stood since 1855. The Salmon River is the ancestral home of the Karuk people, and of the Shasta and Konomihu on its upper forks.
Fill up in Etna, because there is no reliable gas on the loop, and bring food and water. Expect little or no cell service, and pull into the turnouts to let oncoming cars by. The road over Etna Summit is not suited to RVs or trailers, and snow closes the high passes in winter, so this is a late spring to fall trip.
By bike. About 100 miles and roughly 9,000 feet of climbing, on narrow roads with blind corners. For strong, experienced riders with support.
Good to know
Fall is hunting season in the national forest. On trails and roadside walks, wear something bright.
Cattle, deer and farm equipment share the valley roads. Slow down on blind corners and at cattle guards.
Most land along the valley roads is private ranch land. Enjoy the views from the road.
Check current fire restrictions and road conditions with the Klamath National Forest before heading into the mountains, and expect little or no cell service once you leave the valley.
Coming in the fall? Our fall color guide has the best weeks for leaves and an ideal day in Etna. When you're ready, see open dates and prices for your stay at Blossom Sanctuary.