Lost Man Creek Trail Loop

The primary access point for this trail is near the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trailhead. Parking is available there, and the trail begins with a gentle, unpaved section along Lost Man Creek.

Generally, there are no specific permits required for cycling the Lost Man Creek Trail itself. As the trail is located within Redwood National and State Parks, which includes Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, entrance fees may apply to the park system depending on the entrance point and vehicle type. It's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current fee information and regulations: nps.gov.

The trail can be enjoyed during many seasons, but spring and summer are often ideal for cycling, offering pleasant weather and the chance to see rhododendrons and other wildflowers in bloom. Be aware that during windy seasons, there can be considerable tree debris on the trail due to its less frequent use.

The Lost Man Creek Trail primarily follows a gravel logging road, making it a doubletrack suitable for touring bicycles. The first mile is wide, smooth, and has an easy grade. After this, the trail begins a significant ascent with sections reaching grades of up to 30%, climbing approximately 3,000 feet to Holter Ridge.

The trail offers diverse scenery. You'll start in dark, lush groves of impressive old-growth redwoods, with Lost Man Creek nearby. As you climb, you'll pass through second-growth forests, showcasing a landscape recovering from past logging. Along Holter Ridge, you might see views of rocky ridges and a stark contrast between protected parkland and actively logged areas. An interpretive sign also marks where Redwood National Park was designated a United Nations World Heritage Site.

While the first mile is gentle, the full loop is rated as difficult due to a significant 3,000-foot climb to Holter Ridge and steep grades. The full 22-mile loop option, which includes riding on Highway 101, presents additional challenges and is not recommended for beginners due to safety concerns with high-speed traffic. Many cyclists opt for an out-and-back ride to avoid the highway section.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on trails within Redwood National and State Parks, including the Lost Man Creek Trail. This is to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official National Park Service guidelines for specific regulations regarding pets in the park: nps.gov.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. Notably, it covers significant portions of the Lost Man Trail, and also intersects with parts of the California Coastal Trail - Orick, Pacific Coast Bike Route (North and South), Rhododendron Trail, Davison Trail, Karl Knapp Trail, Foothill Trail, and Elk Prairie Trail.

This trail is unique because it's one of the few places in the old-growth areas of Redwood National Park where cycling is permitted. It follows a historic logging road, offering a direct view of forest restoration efforts and the ecological recovery of the landscape. You'll also cross several salmon-friendly bridges, highlighting ongoing conservation work.

Yes, for safety, many cyclists choose to ride the Lost Man Creek Trail as an out-and-back route, turning around at Bald Hills Road. The full loop option involves riding down Bald Hills Road and then a potentially dangerous section of Highway 101, which has a narrow shoulder and high-speed truck and RV traffic. An out-and-back avoids this hazardous highway portion.

Beyond the stunning old-growth redwoods at the start, you'll find an interpretive sign marking the location where Redwood National Park was formally designated a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1980. The trail also showcases numerous salmon-friendly bridges, installed in the 1990s as part of riparian restoration efforts.