Branscomb Rd, Laytonville, CA
- Tim Mayhew
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Branscomb Rd is the northernmost "up-and-over" mountain pass before Highway 1 hits the final pass we call ‘The Leggett Section’. Riding Branscomb westbound from Laytonville to the Pacific is a masterclass in Mendocino variety.
The journey begins at Boomers Saloon in Laytonville along Highway 101, quickly transitioning from a fast, wide two-lane into the shaded groves of Admiral William Stanley Sate Recreation Area. Here, the road narrows to a single lane as it squeezes between towering old-growth redwoods—a brief, cool flash of forest before you pop out into the Branscomb Valley.
Passing through the tiny community of Branscomb, you'll see the remains of the old timber mill and the shuttered country store, remnants of a bygone logging era. For many years, the price of gas at 69 cents/gallon was left up on the Branscomb store/post office/fuel station in Branscomb, then a few years later, it changed to 80 cents. Last time gas was 80 cents/gallon?
West of Branscomb, the double yellow line disappears entirely. The road becomes a narrow single lane ribbon that wastes no time throwing out its first 15-mph hairpin climbing the Coast Range. The climb to the 3,500-foot summit of Packard Ridge is short but punchy, rewarded with a graffiti-covered crest (ala Graffiti Bridge on Wards Ferry Rd) and a sudden, breathtaking view of the Pacific coastline through a break in the trees.
The six-mile descent to the ocean is a swoopy joy ride. Slalom left, slalom right, repeat. It’s an 8-10% grade that swoops down a mountainous finger, offering three-directional views through the trees. Giggles. During summer, the temps drop 10 degrees as you near the ocean.
Whether you're met with endless blue skies or a wall of cool coastal fog, it’s the perfect way to reach Highway 1 and the rugged beauty of Westport Landing State Beach. Turn north at Highway 1 and ride the 22-mile Leggett Section to create a loop, or head south on Highway 1 into Fort Bragg.
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