How bad is California Rt 299 from McKinleyville to Redding?

[begete]

Hi again -

Best laid plans of mice.....

Looks like we may hit snow in the Siskyous on our current schedule so thinking about leaving Interstate 5 in Eugene for the Oregon coast and taking 101 into California. Since we are in a bit of a hurry on our way to South Eastern California, we would then like to return to Interstate 5.

New to RVing and driving a 30' Class c towing a car. Is the 299 a difficult road? or should we wait out the snow in Medford, Oregon?

[Rmiscoord]

Not sure road surface conditions currently but if it is snowing in the syskyous it may very well be snowing on 299. It is very hilly and lots of curves. It should be no problem with your rig but it can get icy because of shaded areas. Considering the cost of fuel and time to drive to the coast and back I would just wait out the pass as they are pretty quick to clear I5. I have gone over it with a 26 C towing a Jeep with it snowing with just a little slush and no ice with no problem. I just watched and see how many RV's and Trucks went past the campground from the summit and listened to the road reports from CA and OR DOT.

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmiscoord I just watched and see how many RV's and Trucks went past the campground from the summit and listened to the road reports from CA and OR DOT.

You can also call 511 from your cell phone to get road reports, including the pass over the Siskyous. (Calling 511 works in all the states we've tried it in...Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.)

Unless there's a big storm coming through, I-5 should be kept clear of snow, so your best bet may be to stick to it...or go farther south on 101 before cutting over. We've driven 299, but not during the winter, so I don't know what the conditions would be.

[450Donn]

You are far better off going farther south and taking hwy 20 back to I5. Also go farther south and cross over at Reedsport.

[1ciderdog]

You can get Oregon Highway information on this site. If you click on California you can get California highway information.
TripCheck - Road Cams, Road & Weather Conditions in Oregon - ODOT
Unless there is a real storm brewing I go along with the suggestion to wait it out. You'll add a lot of time and miles crossing to the coast and back to I-5 on 299. Since you are going to SE California you could stay on Hwy 101 to about Petaluma and get back over to I-5 north and east of San Francisco Bay.
Safe Travels
Bob

[jmtandem]

If you choose to cut over to the coast at Eugene, why not just stay on US 101 until the Bay Area or SR 20? It is probably just as fast , perhaps faster than the slow and windy road you are considering from Arcada to Redding.