There’s three route length options for this ride. On any of them, you’re just about guaranteed to see more wildlife (or at least cows!) than you will people. The rides begin up in the bigger timber around Howard Prairie Lake at the Klum Landing boat ramp and campground, climbs up in to the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument and then drops you down the Jenny Creek drainage towards Hwy 66. If you go before the dead heat of summer, there’s a much appreciated creek crossing that will cool you off, knock the dust down, and provide plenty of opportunity to snap the ‘grams. After the creek crossing, you’ll move into the high desert pines and cinder roads of Johnson Prairie. Later in the summer, it can be a bit toasty as you climb the gentle grades back to the big timber. If its warm, I recommend two water bottles and a portable filter to top off out of Jenny Creek before you hit Johnson Prairie or carry a hydration pack. The water you’ll encounter in the last 10 miles of the ride is a popular bathing spot for the local bovine population, so it wouldn’t be my first choice to quench my thirst. This ride usually gets free of snow fairly early compared to other rides in the high country so it makes for a great early summer excursion.
The short route is a quick 20ish mile option of the Jenny Creek route. You won’t get as much of the cinder roads of Johnson Prairie or the creek crossing, but you’ll get back to the car a bit quicker and still get a nice feel for the terrain. If you need a shorter ride that still touches all the high points of the classic route, this is a good option.
If you like the medium length Jenny Creek Loop and enjoy the canal stretches of the Greensprings Honey Badger, this is the ride to do. It’s a bit over a metric century on almost all gravel and dirt. For over half the ride, you’ll be soaking in the views of the greater Jenny creek drainage with Mt Shasta as the backdrop. Probably the hardest part of the ride will be resisting the siren call of a cold beer and lunch at the Greensprings Inn around the halfway point. During the summer months when it’s warm down in the valley, this ride is a nice respite. Be aware that much of the route is south facing, so the afternoon sun can get pretty warm. If you start your ride earlier in the day, you stand a fair chance of seeing quite a bit of wildlife. especially along the canal. I’ve encountered bear, cougar, fox, eagles, hawks, deer, and even some baby skunks on this ride. (I definitely gave the skunks their distance!)
All routes start and finish at the Jackson County operated Klum Landing boat ramp and campground. There’s plenty of parking, water, and even showers if you want to know the dust off after the ride. Please make sure you purchase a day pass if you park there.
Ride With GPS Links
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Short
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Medium
Length
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Short 21.6 Miles
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Medium 38.6 Miles
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Long 64.4 Miles
Altitude
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Short 1970ft
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Medium 2714ft
Jenny Creek Honey Badger Long 4270ft
Honey Badger Rides 