Hit the Open Road

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Along this 500-mile journey from volcano to volcano you will find opportunities for adventure, exploration, communion with nature and an appreciation for the culture and history of the region. You will also find residents eager to share the beauty and mystery of this land that is dotted with evidence of an eruptive past.The southern end of the byway begins at California's Lake Almanor, just miles from the active geothermal features at Lassen Volcanic National Park.…

Bigfoot Scenic Byway

This scenic drive follows two nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers: the Klamath River and the North Fork of the Trinity River.  Both untamed waterways are known for their trophy sized steelhead and salmon, and thrilling whitewater rafting.  These rivers cut through the Siskiyou and Klamath mountains, which provide ideal habitat for wildlife such as elk, deer, black bears, river otters, bald eagles and peregrine falcons.  Hoopa, Yurok and Karuk Indian tribes have made their…

Feather River Scenic Byway

The Feather River Scenic Byway follows the North Fork of the Feather River into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The route is one of California’s earliest routes over the Sierra’s, providing the lowest elevation highway crossing during major winter storms. The byway traverses the northern Sierra Nevada and ends near the Nevada border, making it unique in its botanical and cultural diversity.The byway begins in the Lake Oroville area of Butte County. Lake Oroville, created by…

Historic Highway 99

Like other routes, Highway 99 began as a horse and stagecoach trail extending from Mexico to Canada, and was eventually improved to higher standards as time moved on. In the early 1920’s when automobiles were being mass produced, a definitive United States Highway system was needed for the promotion of commerce and tourism. In 1926 the Pacific Highway was designated to become US Highway 99. These highways brought growth to many communities, and businesses were…

Lassen National Forest

The Lassen National Forest, at the heart of one of the most fascinating areas of California, called the Crossroads, covers a wild, mountainous area of volcanic origin. It is an area of great variety offering a wide array of recreational opportunities and adventures. Some of the most outstanding attractions include:• Eagle Lake – the second largest natural lake in California, offering fishing, boating, water-skiing, sailing, hiking trails and camping.• Hat Creek Area – in the shadows…

Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway

Traversing an area unrivaled in North America for its volcanic features, the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway provides a rich mixture of geology, wildlife viewing and Indian history. This route is somewhat unique in that the entire route is only available for driving for a short four month span from June 1st to October 15th. Although the road is good, portions of the byway are unpaved. The portion of the route in the Tule Lake National…

Plumas County Fall Colors

Plumas County foliage explodes with color in the autumn season. There are two approaches for the best viewing: 1) drive to Truckee on I-80, then north on CA-89/CA-70 to Quincy. There will be spots of color along the road. Greenhorn Creek parallels the road. As you approach East Quincy, the La Porte Road is often cited as a location where good color is found. Follow the La Porte Road south to Nelson Creek where good…

Shasta Dam/Shasta Lake Scenic Byway

This byway is just seven miles north of Redding off of Interstate 5. It runs through the City of Shasta Lake which has all services. The byway begins at Shasta Dam Blvd. and Lake Blvd, and continues west to a vista point that affords the traveler a stunning view of the three Shastas, Shasta Dam, (tallest center overflow dam in the world), Shasta Lake, (California’s largest lake), and Mt. Shasta (14,179 feet). Many activities are available…

Smith River Scenic Byway

This scenic byway follows the Smith River, which is considered one of the crown jewels of the National Wild & Scenic River System. As the byway climbs away from the coast, it enters the Smith River Canyon. In a surprisingly small space, the National Recreation Area has seven distinctive plant communities. You’ll pass from a coastal redwood forest to old growth stands of Douglas fir to dense chaparral. The river has more than 175 miles…

State of Jefferson Scenic Byway

The State of Jefferson Scenic Byway derives its name from an early 1940’s movement to create the 49th state. The original purpose of this movement was to draw attention to the need for good roads in far Northern California and Southern Oregon. In 1941, locals blockaded Highway 96 and declared Jefferson to be its own state. Many believed that Jefferson would have become the 49th state in the Union had the bombing in Pearl Harbor…