Patrick Creek Loop Drive, California

Backcountry Adventures - Smith River National Recreation Area

Introduction

The Patrick Creek Loop Drive is a scenic tour that follows routes used by stagecoaches and pack trains bringing supplies and mail to the Oregon gold rush camps in the 1850s; a time when Crescent City was the main supply center for southwest Oregon. The total distance of the loop is about 25 miles all of which is on gravel surfaced roads. There are two trails along the route including the original 1852 Cold Springs Mountain Pack Trail, a relatively level hike that follows Elk Camp Ridge to Cold Springs Mountain.

The road log includes directions for following the tour route as well as points of interest on the region's history, geology and botany. The entire tour route is in Smith River National Recreation Area, northwest California.

The road log will help guide you through the backcountry but is not meant to take the place of a Forest Service map. The Smith River National Recreation Area topographic map and the Illinois Valley Ranger District (now Wild Rivers Ranger District) in Oregon's Siskiyou National Forest both have coverage of this tour route.

The entire route is on gravel roads, which can be traveled with two wheel drive vehicles that have adequate clearance. Vehicles with low clearance are not recommended on this tour route. Assure the tires on your vehicle are suitable for driving on rocky roads. Some parts of the drive will put you in locations that are 10-12 miles from Patrick Creek Lodge and Highway 199, the nearest center of human activity on this tour route. Carry emergency supplies, extra water, food and a day pack in case you need to walk to the nearest help.

There is no place to purchase gas within 20 miles of Patrick Creek Lodge, the starting point of the tour. If you are coming from Highway 101 or the state parks in the redwood forest, gas can be purchased in Crescent City or the Hiouchi Chevron Store on Highway 199 near Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. If you are coming from Oregon, your last opportunity for purchasing gas is Cave Junction or O'Brien, both on Highway 199.

The tour begins on Patrick Creek Road near Patrick Creek Lodge. If you are driving in on Highway 199 from Oregon, the road is on the right just before the Patrick Creek Bridge. Patrick Creek Lodge can be seen on the other side of the bridge and creek from the gravel road you will be following. If you are in on Highway 199 coming from Highway 101 or Jedediah Smith State Park, drive past Patrick Creek Lodge and turn left immediately after crossing the Patrick Creek Bridge.

SET YOUR ODOMETER TO ZERO as turning on to the gravel road. The tour begins on the next page.

NEXT...

Introduction | The Moho | Gasquet Toll Road | Wimer Road | Cold Springs Mountain Trail

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...