California routing,,, hwy 101 to I-5

[Dick1142]

I will be traveling south on hwy 101 thru northern California next month. Will be cutting across to I-5 somewhere. Was wondering about the merits of hwy 299 from Arcata to Redding or hwy 20 from Calpella to Williams. Thanks, Dick

[bkphotog]

Hi Dick1142

I have driven both routes because our son went to college at Humbodt State Univ in Arcata. I have done this many times both with just the car and several times with a earlier Class C MH. Either route would be OK with your MH.

299 is longer and it does have several tight curves and some climbing as you go through the Shasta-Trinity Nat forest, but it is doable. Semi trucks use this route do get over and back from Redding. It is very scenic along the route. Just take you time and use the turn-outs when traffic is behind you and when there are single lanes each way.

As for route 20, it is also doable. I would recommend using the 29 / 53 cutoff around the Clear Lake area. This will get you back to route 20 as you continue into Williams. This is not required but it is bit less curvy around the lake. You will also have to turn off your exhaust brake (if you have one) as you go through the town of Clear Lake. As far as hills and grades it is doable as you come from Calpella into the Clear lake area and then is is relatively down hill into Williams.

Both have logging trucks moving back and forth , so just be aware. These guys really move as they get back and forth from the mills

Good luck and be safe.

Bill

[bkphotog]

Hi again

Just thought I might add that if you are traveling next month (FEB) you might be affected by snow and ice on both routes, but more so on 299 because of the elevations that you will have to cross. It really depends upon the storms. CALTRANS tries to keep both routes open due to the commerence between the coastal cities and Redding but 299 can still be closed in the middle of some of the more powerful storms. Also some times there are mud and rock slides that might affect passage. Just watch you weather reports and check with CalTrans and Highway Patrol prior to coming into that area to see if the road is clear. Both routes are better than driving 101 through or arround SAN FRAN with a large MH and toad, in my humble opinion.

Again Good luck and enjoy the scenery, be safe

Bill

[BobGed]

What is your final destination once on I-5? Depending on your answer there could be some other routes that might work for you. Unless I'm in some what of a hurry, I personally try to stay off of I-5 whenever possible.

[Rick Long]

299 is pretty but has some very twisty parts... 20 a few tight turns.. BUT WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TURN OFF ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADS IN CALIF to go down one of the boring-est roads I5... 101 all the way down through Santa Barbara is beautiful and great places to stop and see... like Solvang (just made myself hungry thinking of the fresh pastries).. Shop and have dinner in Santa Barbara...

oh well ... what ever way you go have fun

[RedneckExpress]

Frankly, I'd start at Hwy-199 from Grant's Pass, OR and take it over to the 101 and keep going south down it. Alot of the 101 is 4-lane, near interstate quality and is far more enjoyable than the very boring I-5 run. I'd avoid any east-west highway going from the 101 to I-5 shy of San Francisco's Hwy 50/I-80 or the Oregon 199, CALTRANS snorted some major crack before designing most of those highways. The mention of Highway 211 still raises my hackles...

[Rich and Cork]

Maybe he wants to stop at Harris Ranch?

[Dick1142]

Thanks folks. Haven't decided which route yet...will probably decide "on the fly". We are taking our time. Our first "designated stop" is Delano, CA, thus our crossover to I-5. From their, Las Vegas, San Antonio, New Orleans, Key West, and points in between. Thanks again for the pointers. Dick (ps...this is our first big trip with our MH purchased in October 09)

[BobGed]

Since you're in no hurry, and I-5 is one of the worst highways in the country, FWIW here is my route suggestion (may sound complicated, but it really isn't)
Hwy 101 South to Petaluma
Hwy 116 East to
Lakeview Hwy South to
Hwy 37 East through Vallejo to
I-80 South to
I-780 South through Benecia to
I-680 South through San Jose to
Hwy 101 South to
Hwy 46 East (just north of Paso Robles) to
Hwy 99 North to Delano

BTW, Hwy 101 is definitely not a four lane highway most of the way, but is an excellent very scenic route.

[traveler of california]

This is a good route and beats the heck out of I5. If you like wine, this route has several wineries you may wish to visit.

Nick

[cvrvr]

If I was driving it, I would come south on 101 to Paso Robles, take SR46 east to hwy 99 go north to Delano. Then south and east on SR58 to Barstow and all points east.

I wouldn't take any east west road north of the bay area to get to I-5. Stay off of 299 this time of year, too much chance of snow.

[BobGed]

Originally Posted by cvrvr

If I was driving it, I would come south on 101 to Paso Robles

Which would bring you across the Golden Gate bridge and through San Francisco.