Noob friendly route east out of Covelo

[Map8]

Looking for a recommendations on gravel roads going East from Covelo into the Valley toward Road 306/Lodoga Rd. before heading south toward Hwy 20. According to my Benchmark Atlas, Alder Springs Road looks like a good option but I'm open to suggestions.

The day's ride will start in Fortuna and finish in Calistoga so I'm looking for a scenic route that won't take all day. Any hints on how much time it would take to ride your recommended route at a very leisurely pace would be appreciated.

There will be three or four us on Dual Sports and Supermotos. Ride is planned for mid-September.





Edit: I realize this doesn't fit the Adventure category but this seems like the best place to ask for help on this route.

 

[HiggyB]

There are lots of options, a relatively easy one that's a straight shot is to take NF-7 east to west through the northern end and it will spit you out just a few miles north of Elk Creek. Along the way there are tons of side roads to shoot off and explore if you're looking for more fun and adventure, but NF-7 itself is very noob friendly.

FYI: despite being dirt it's in fact also known as Hwy 162. And it looks something like this on Google Maps.

 

[Map8]

That looks perfect. Thanks.

 

[boney]

Looks like Higgy got you sorted, but here's a *generalization* tip:

If the road has a name, or a 1 digit designation, it's likely to be a dirt/gravel road and passable most of the year. So, Twin-Valley road and M-7 fit the bill.

When you get to 3 and 4 digit designations, you can be in for it, depending on the road.

 

[Map8]

Thanks. Thats a great tip.

 

[luckett]

Alder Springs is an easy wide well graded road. Plenty of chances to get WFO on that road.

Maybe take the M3 south where it becomes paved. and the 18N02 over to 306. Walker Ridge is nice road with good views over the reservoir. More fun than Bear Valley.

16 down to Reiff/Ray House is fun. The gate might be closed there, but it's easy to get around.

 

[boney]

16 down to Reiff/Ray House is fun. The gate might be closed there, but it's easy to get around.

At last check, discussion on ADVRider suggested that the gates were not going to open any time soon. It also appeared that enforcement of motorcycles going around the gate was not being given any kind of priority (or attention) BUT DON'T QUOTE ME ON THAT. Ride it at your own risk.

 

[snake shack]

Just in time for Deer season! Just remember it's against the law to harass a hunter, so if you see someone stalking up on a deer, don't blow your horn or try to chase the deer off. Waite a minute...he has a gun! Forget about it being illegal :banana

I've been going up there for 15+ years for hunting, 4 wheeling and riding. Lots of opportunities to explore the roads and trails off of 162, you will love it! If you go up before the 3rd weekend of September, you won't hardly see anyone. If you go during deer season it is fairly crowded, and you will come across slow moving 4x4s road hunting.

Have fun!

 

[Map8]

I've been on the northern section of Berryessa Knoxville during the first weekend of deer season. Same for some roads in the Sierra foothills. Yes, they get crowded. We'll passing through on a Tuesday if all goes according to plan so we may miss some of the 4WDs. In any case we'll respect others.

 

[Map8]

Alder Springs is an easy wide well graded road. Plenty of chances to get WFO on that road.

Maybe take the M3 south where it becomes paved. and the 18N02 over to 306. Walker Ridge is nice road with good views over the reservoir. More fun than Bear Valley.

16 down to Reiff/Ray House is fun. The gate might be closed there, but it's easy to get around.

I think I'm going to go up that way in the next few weeks to just put around. I'll check out Walker Ridge and and I've always wanted to ride Reiff/Ray House.