It was a logging truck road - Georgia-Pacific Haul Road, California

Sunset, Dec, 1984

It was a logging truck road

Edging a spectacular stretch of California coastling that ranges from rocky cove to sandy, dune-backed beach, the Georgia-Pacific Haul Road ranks among the state's most scenic coastal drives. Little known, it was formerly the private byway of redwood logging trucks to Fort Bragg.

Severe storms the last two winters changed all that. With a 1/2-mile section of road demolished by waves, these trucks have had to use State Highway 1. Now closed to all motor vehicles, the paved, 6 1/2-mile route through MacKerricher State Park (with picnic areas and 143-unit campground) has become a favorite destination for hikers, joggers, and especially cyclists.

Though sand has drifted across the road in spots and you have to push bicycles through soft dunes around the washout, the scenery is worth extra effort. Access points are through a yellow gate about 100 yards past the bridge over Pudding Creek, north of Fort Bragg, and at the park campground. The road ends at another gate on the north end at the highway --an area that's unsafe for biking.

Right now you can bike the road any time; clear days between winter storms can be brisk but glorious. Plans exist, however, to rebuild the stretch next spring for use again as a private haul road on weekdays. Public access would still be allowed on weekends, but motor vehicles would also be permitted. For an update next spring or park information, call (707) 937-5804.

Photo: Beach-hugging road leads bikers along 6 1/2 miles of coastline; fat tires on all-terrain bikes help in sand drifts near washout