Community Forums

Rockbit · 03-02-2014, 08:32 PM

Can anybody tell me the condition of CA 36 from Red Bluff to Fortuna? Have they re-built it in the recent past? Is it as good or better than CA 299 from Redding to Eureka?

I'm considering traveling that road this summer. It's been many years since I've been on it, and it wasn't a very good RV road then. Thanks

Bobs911 · 03-06-2014, 11:49 PM

NO NOT TAKE YOUR MH ON 36 WEST FROM RED BLUFF. It's a nice all day drive in a rugged car. One lane for miles.

299 is the preferred route, but be warned it is steep and twisty. There are 3 passes to get over. I have been across it many times towing our CRV. Lot's of trucks use it. Some short 10-12% grades as I recall. But we did it with 315HP & pac brake towing.

If you are not a mountain driver, go 199 or 20.

We used to live in Chico.

biosensai · 03-15-2014, 05:27 PM

299 absolutely!

1ciderdog · 03-16-2014, 11:10 AM

I crossed 299 a couple of months ago West to East. There is or was construction that held us up for half an hour or so. Otherwise very doable in my opinion.

EngineerMike · 03-16-2014, 11:19 AM

CA 36 reminded me a lot of the movie Deliverance. Some of the characters along that route don't meet the two tooth minimum.

Jwar · 03-18-2014, 09:50 PM

Has been a few years since I took an RV across Ca 36, Out of red Bluff its two mile straights with 90 degree turns, is a twisty pass and I remember tell the wife, these turns are so sharp I swear I can see my tail lights around the turn in front of me LOL

But on the pro side there are a few great vistas. Did it once and that was enough, if you go this route take your time and fuel up before.

There are a lot of state and private parks on 299, part is very scenic and parts of the forest mountains are clear cut, and what saving the redwoods is all about. Also a side trip to the trinity's is fantastic, IMHPO 299 is better, whiskey town lake is a great spot to stop and fix lunch.

Enjoy your trip

...John