Trail Overview

As you enter from this northern part of the trail, you'll be surrounded by trees covered in moss, beautiful views of the ocean peaking in through the trees, and well-grated gravel. There are parts of the trail that are narrow with some wash-out sections and some drop-off sections on the west side of the trail. As you get close to Usal Beach, the trail will start being surrounded by berry bushes until you turn off to head to the beach. This trail does have a gate that is closed when bad weather affects the trail condition.

Photos of Usal Road (Northern Portion)

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Difficulty

It is not advised to drive this trail during heavy rains due to washouts and ridgeline trails. It is otherwise accessible for high-clearance vehicles, though 4WD is recommended for certain sections due to loose gravel.

Technical Rating

Christian Suarez

Dec 29, 2025

Open

Soft muddy

Matt c

Aug 29, 2025

Open

Very dusty with some deep ruts. In my opinion high clearance and 4x4 probably essential but not too difficult otherwise. Personally I did not enjoy this trail, it was extremely dusty and monotonous. No views of anything at any point.

Sean b

Aug 15, 2025

Open

The northern portion is a lot longer than it seems plan from usal beach up till the end of the dirt trail (going northbound) for at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours lots of little spots to pull off. On the north end of the trail we did not run into a single soul Did it with no problems in a Jeep Wrangler, Rubicon, and four-wheel-drive only DO NOT do this in anything other than a four-wheel-drive vehicle

Daniel Heffernan

Jul 14, 2025

Open

Fun winding road through the forest. 2wd with a locker is enough to get through with current conditions. You will rub some branches in narrow spots but a full size Silverado made it through with minimal consequence. My small tires made one or two ruts spicy

Stanislav Levental

Jul 04, 2025

Open

Josh Moen

Jun 20, 2025

Open

The north portion of Usal was quite a bit more challenging than the southern portion. While the majority of the trail is in pretty good condition, there were a few sections that were washed out and required a spotter to navigate. Even with my suspension in its highest setting, we were on three wheels multiple times. The trail is considerably narrower and pinstripes are unavoidable, but you wouldn’t be on this trail if you weren’t ok with a few scratches.

Tess Mazur

Jun 13, 2025

Open

We came in from the north end and drove the whole trail. I would say it more appropriately was a 3-4/10 technical because of a few spots. Otherwise easy ride and beautiful through the redwoods. We didn’t see a soul.

Chris paras

May 19, 2025

Open

Lee BaltimoreBaja

May 07, 2025

Open

North Usal seems to be in somewhat better shape than the south portion -- likely due to being closed in the winter.

Heorhii Kozlovskyi

May 04, 2025

Open

Glenn Reeve

May 03, 2025

Open

Easy on a bike, lots of sticks though. Stock 4x4 good enough.

Ariel Jacklyn

Feb 07, 2025

Open

Alison Kuchta

Nov 10, 2024

Open

1 mile in the yellow gate is closed.

Alberto BarJim

Oct 18, 2024

Open

fun. a bit more challenging than the south section, but easy. I saw wolfs

Jonathan Flores

Oct 13, 2024

Open