Shasta area & Hwys. 89 & 44 to 395 questions

[LovesToWine]

This October, we are making our way down to S. Cal from Portland, OR this October and hope to mainly go on Hwy. 395 after getting over there from I-5.

We are thinking of going down 5 to the Shasta area and then going east on 89 which turns into 44 and meets up with 395. We have never gone this way in a car. We have the Mountain Directory and this looks ok. However, we would like to go the short hop on 44 over to Mt. Lassen and stay at Manzanita Lake and explore a couple of days (a bit SW of the main 44).

1. Any experience on these roads?
2. We would be there the first week in October and I realize that we could get some chilly weather/ snow. Any experiences driving this and 385 South this time of year?

Thanks!
P.S. We know the central and west part of the state really well as we both were born and raised in S. Cal and took many trips in our '60 VW Van- so no desire to go up 101 etc.

[Cousin Ed]

We have used that route from Yreaka, CA to Fallon, NV. It's mostly a nice ride. There is a 15 MPH section coming down into Susanville which is fine as long as you do 15.