Adventures in history: The Old Redwood Stage Road of Oregon and California

The Old Redwood Stage Road Guide

The historic road between Crescent City, California and Kerbyville, Oregon

Introduction

If you were in Crescent City in the early 1900s and wanted to go to Oregon, the route you followed consisted of a series of wagon and stagecoach roads constructed between 1856 and 1886. This route went through the mining town of Gasquet and climbed over Oregon Mountain where it crossed the Oregon border and descended to the gold mining towns of Waldo and Kerbyville. The total distance from Kerbyville to Crescent City on this road was about 60 miles.

When Highway 199 was constructed in 1922 the Old Redwood Stage Road obsolete. However, this historic route has continued to be maintained in fair-good condition and offers an interesting backcountry drive for those who like to get off the beaten path and enjoy scenery as it may have appeared to riders on stagecoaches and horse-drawn freight wagons in the 1880s. All but about ten miles of the original road can be followed from Crescent City, California to Kerbyville, Oregon.

Two versions

This guide is divided into six sections with each section having two versions. One version is for those who are traveling form California toward Oregon and the other for those traveling the opposite direction. The orange block in the upper left tells you the travel direction for the guide you are currently viewing. The tan bar in the upper right provides a link that will switch you to the other direction. The "NEXT" button at the bottom of each page will go to the next sequential page for what ever direction you are traveling.

Preparing for the trip

The road log will help you find features along the way but it is not intended to take the place of a topographical map or Forest Service map. Always carry a map of the area to be certain to know your location in case you encounter an emergency and need to find the quickest route back to town.

The total distance of this tour is about 60 miles with about half being on gravel surfaced roads. High clearance is recommended although people with experience driving in the backcountry may have no trouble going over this route with a vehicle that has moderate clearance. Pictures of the road can be found in each of the following sections so the reader has an idea of what the road surface looks like and can judge whether or not they want to take their car over this route. Assure your car has tires that are suitable for driving over rough, gravel roads.

The route will put you in locations that may be up to 10 miles from the nearest help. It is best to carry emergency supplies such as extra water and a warm jacket. A day pack is recommended if you need to carry water. Cell phone reception in this region is sporadic but it is recommended that you take a cell phone with you and assure your cell phone battery is charged.

The last opportunity for getting gas before starting on the tour is the Crescent City. The next gas is in O'Brien and Cave Junction, Oregon.

Beginning the Tour

The tour begins south of Crescent City at the intersection of Highway 101 and Elk Valley Road.

SET YOUR ODOMETER TO ZERO as you turn on to Elk Valley Road.

Next...

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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...