CA Hwy. 36 Red Bluff to Susanville

Having practical, useful, on-point road information - almost mile by mile in this case :B - can make a trip an easy ride; thanks very much for all the pointers and tips!

No gas in Mineral. There is fuel in Chester and Westwood.

Steady grade Red Bluff to Mineral. A few sharp curves from Lassen Lodge to Mineral. Curves climbing the pass east of Mineral, then flat and straight all the way to ~5 miles east of Westwood. Minor curves over Fredonyer Pass to Susanville. One sharp curve just entering Susanville.

Easiest fuel in Susanville for a big rig is almost through town, on the left, right where Main Street makes a gentle curve to the right (Spirit Station). There is a casino in town with cheaper gas but is off Main Street and hard to find if you do not know the streets. There is a way to bypass Main Street traffic. PM me if you want instructions. From Susanville to Reno the highway is flat and straight, good road. Can be windy at times.

Large turnout with a restroom at the top of Morgan Summit east of Mineral (snowmobile park). Another snowmobile park just west of Fredonyer Summit for another break.

Chester is a full service town with all the amenities.

I worked Red Bluff CHP for four years, 1994-1998 and patrolled SR36 east regularly. Very scenic but gas up in Red Bluff. Pretty sparse east of there. Very good road. Watch for deer entire route and range cattle east of Mineral.

Do not take 36 to the west. Very crooked, narrow, remote, with logging truck traffic.

Thank to all who replied; you experience reports are appreciated!

Very nice two lane road with paved shoulders.

I agree its a good road. We have used it for years pulling our trailers and now our MH that about the same size as yours. Take your time and enjoy...

Thanks for the information!

I prefer highway 36 to highway 42.
Usually, less traffic, more vistas. There can be lots of deer to watch out for.
I stay in the Red Bluff RV Park, and start out early on highway 36. I tow a 31' trailer. The curves on the highway are okay, not too tight.
With a 24' Class C, check out the Forest Service camps along the route. If you have time, drive around Lake Almanor, and look for views of Mount Lassen.
There are several roadside rest areas open during the season.