Scott River Loop
Elevation Profile
Image Gallery
Scott Bar Community Center
Ride Description
This ride make a large loop through Yreka, Ft. Jones, and the Scott River Valley. There are many views as you follow the Scott River and Mt Shasta can be seen in the distance. The biggest climb is as you leave Yreka and head toward Ft. Jones. The average gradient of the climb is 5.5-6% with the steepest part about 10% for a short stint. There are excellent canyon views on Hwy 3 as you head towards Yreka and on Hwy 96 as you are headed back to the Rest Area. You follow the Klamath River for about 20 miles and on a hot day, there are numerous spots you can stop to cool off in the river. There are also several forest service campgrounds along the Scott River where you can stop to enjoy the views or dip in the river.
About
This ride can star in several spots but the most prevalent is the Collier Rest Area just off of I-5 at exit 786. There is also a campground called Tree of Heaven which is about 6 miles up Hwy 96 once you take exit 786.
Directions
From Medford or Ashland, just get onto Interstate 5 and head south until you get to exit 786 in California. Park at either of the selected start points and follow the map from there. Hwy 3 will take you into Yreka where thee are plenty of spots to get water or food. Continue on Hwy 3 into Ft. Jones. This is a great spot to get any food or fluids as there is very little available for some distance. At the Ray's Market, you turn right onto Scott River Road, It is 30 miles from Ft. Jones on Scott Rive Road before you will reach the Klamath Hwy (96). About 25 miles on this road follows the Scott River and is a wide single lane road for much of the trip. A few miles before you reach the Klamath Hwy, You will go through the little community of Scott Bar. There is usually water available at the Scott River Community Center but this isn't always available if the well has run low due to an exceptionally hot summer. It is 10 miles on the Klamath Hwy before you will reach Quigley's Market. This is a good place to stop and get drinks. It is 16 miles from here to the start point at the Collier Rest Area and you have several miles where you go through a canyon. This can be hot so be prepared but the view is great of the river below you as you go through this area.
Traffic
Traffic can be a little busy on Hwy 3 from Yreka to Ft. Jones but the lanes are wide and most of the time there is an emergency area. The Scott River Road has very little traffic on it. You will probably only see under a dozen cars for the 25 miles you are on it. The Klamath Hwy will have some traffic on it during the summer months but these are usually locals headed to Happy Camp.