California's Lost Coast - Paved?

On our extended ride through California at the end of April/early May we wish to include the Lost Coast in northern California. Is a route from Garberville-->Ettersburg-->Honeydew-->Petrolia-->Capetown-->Ferndale paved? My research says yes but I'd appreciate comment from anyone who has ridden this route in the past few years.

  [image: 12529710253_20b8838b36_o.jpg]

I was through there in June 2011 with a friend on another 5th gen. There were a few short sections of dirt. Some of it a bit challenging i.e. twisties with fairly steep elevation changes. We did them in the rain without issue though it did take us nearly 4 hours to do the hundred mile or so loop from Ferndale back around to Garberville. That's including lots of picture stops, and lunch in Redway.

 It's a wonderful route if your goal is to enjoy the ride, and scenery. If you're just interested in railing twisties not so much.

 We never did see the kid with the banjo, but I'm sure he's there somewhere.

[image: IMG_2869.jpg]

Thanks for the info. The scenery is our main interest at the Lost Coast, we'll get our twists fix elsewhere. I've got quite a few favourite roads in that neck of the woods.

It's been a while since I've ridden on this route.  But back when I did in 2005, I started the route from the Avenue of the Giants (not Garberville).  From there I remember the road being bumpy as all hell on a few sections but no dirt.  I remember passing by the community of Honeydew and crossing a bridge across a river.  Mattole Road was what I remember best.  That last crest that suddenly opens up to the coast was really quite a thrill.

You'll need a meal at the Cookhouse after that ride for sure (or before if you are traveling the other way).  Best menu ever, only three choices: breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Probably be cold and foggy, but a fun ride.

http://www.samoacookhouse.net/

Not sure if its the same road, '04 or '05, did a Lost Coast, either northern Ca or southern Oregon on rented VFRs. Good scenery, but roads were better suited to an adventure bike. 

Not sure if its the same road, '04 or '05, did a Lost Coast, either northern Ca or southern Oregon on rented VFRs. Good scenery, but roads were better suited to an adventure bike. 

 You mean like this?

[image: DSC08891_1_zps1afe8d6a.jpg]

Not sure if its the same road, '04 or '05, did a Lost Coast, either northern Ca or southern Oregon on rented VFRs. Good scenery, but roads were better suited to an adventure bike. 

 You mean like this?

Hey! I really remember that exact spot!  I was on a fully loaded and undersprung 5th gen, and I was spending most of my time working to keep the bike upright and looking for the smoothest path to ride through at a whole 20ish mph. I kinda wasnt having fun at that moment. -- I would go back, but only on a dual sport. 

btw - Thanks for the photo and a memory.   :beer:  That trip is why I bought a 5th gen, after I went home. :cool:

The 3 and the 96 in that area are fantastic too, even though they are less popular than the 36.  Granite peaks and such.  

That was the worst paved road I have ever been on, pretty oh yea its pretty but boy that was an awful road to ride a 1200 vfr on!  If you have a supermoto sure with plenty of plush travel go for it! The best part of the road was the section they ripped up and it was gravel, that was the smoothest part!  The great thing about it though is you end up in the Avenue of the Giants going Counter Clockwise.

[image: Fog over Humbolt Bay]
Fog over Humbolt Bay
Lost Coast Highway - bumpiest road in America
  [image: Honeydew Bridge]
Honeydew Bridge
after all that bumpy road the rotted boards on the bridge did not even faze us
  [image: It was spectacular]
It was spectacular
The Lost Coast
  [image: The Lost Coast]
The Lost Coast

  [image: Bumpy as hell]
Bumpy as hell

  [image: Band of Buddies]
Band of Buddies
On the Lost Coast
  [image: Above the Fog]
Above the Fog
on the Lost Coast Hwy
 
Radar and Fay take pictures
The Lost Coast Hwy
  [image: Fog in the distance]
Fog in the distance
On the Lost Coast Hwy
  [image: The Lost Coast]
The Lost Coast

  [image: Morning fog from the pacific]
Morning fog from the pacific
in the hills above the fog on the lost coast hwy
  [image: The Lost Coast]
The Lost Coast

  [image: The Lost Coast]
The Lost Coast
Perhaps one of the bumpiest roads on earth