Iron Gate

Development Route / NorCal (Yreka), California (North) / Published: Mar 2020 / Directions

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The Klamath River on rough, but paved roads. ~ mile 8

Crossing the river at Iron Gate

Iron Gate reservoir

The flats of the stair stepping climb

A steep descent at ~ mile 15

Route:

Lollipop | 53 mi

Gain:

4,000 ft

Surface:

65% gravel, 35% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Demanding

Navigation:

Attention Required

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

40mm +

Options:

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Rolling hills, long stretches along the Klamath river and a circumnavigation of Iron Gate reservoir and Copco lake.

The route features rolling hills, long stretches along the Klamath river and a circumnavigation of Iron Gate reservoir and Copco lake. We recommend that you take the time to stop at the information kiosks and learn about the history of the river and the associated dams.

The crux of the ride is series of stair steps that gain 1300 feet over 9 miles, starting at mile 10. All on gravel.

The views along this route have the potential to change radically over the next few years as several dams along the Upper Klamath river are removed including those that establish Iron Gate reservoir and Copco lake.

Caution, this is a Development Route. It has not been fully vetted or ridden by the Dirty Freehub Team. Go prepared and expect a bit more adventure. Any feedback you have would be much appreciated. You can leave it below in the comments block.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download Version 0.1

Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

The route has the potential to “go” almost anytime of the year. Our exploration ride took place in early March. The Klamath river had a roaring, beautiful flow but we were too early for the bloom of spring colors.

The Start

Lat / Long: 41.853478, -122.572609

The Randolph E. Collier Rest Area along Interstate 5. Flush toilets. Water.

Food & Water

None

Notes & Options

Route Notes

For safety, we recommend that you carry dog repellent. The dogs we encountered seemed friendly … but got our attention.
We recommend a red blinky light with rear looking radar detector (i.e. Garmin Varia)

Comments

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Help Make This Guide Better!

At Dirty Freehub, we believe the best routes are organic and driven by the riding community. This route and guide are a work in progress, and we need your help to make it great!

Provide us with route feedback, both good and bad.

Let us know about points of interest and viewpoints,
Submit pictures and videos,
Suggest a best time to ride,
Let us know about a better or alternative option,
And tell us about your favorite place to go after the ride for a burger and beer.

Submit your feedback via the comments block (tab just above the map).