Forum Discussion

Janss's avatar
Janss
Explorer II
Jul 14, 2021

Reno, NV over to I-5 north

Soon I will be going to Oregon, entering via I-5 northbound. I know that the wildfire situation can change every day. I just want to be prepared with alternate route choices in case any roads are closed on my planned route, which from Reno is up to Susanville, then 44 and 89 to Mt. Shasta/I-5.

So as an alternate, from Reno, I'm looking at I-80 then exit onto Hwy 20 across through Grass Valley, Yuba City to Williams/I-5. I'd like to know if this section of Hwy 20 is RV friendly. (MH and tow car in signature)

Also what about Hwy 36 west from Susanville to Red Bluff/I-5?

I've done another route before that is on my list.....north from Susanville, 139/39 to Klamath Falls then 140 over to I-5.

I'm fine driving on 2-lane roads through the forest, sweeping curves, a few passing lanes, some inclines/declines. But I don't like driving on the edge of cliffs or heavy duty switchbacks. (Though I've done some of both!)

Thanks for any help!
Roads and Routes
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jul 14, 2021
    MarkTwain wrote:
    Given all the unpredictable fire conditions, I would take 80 through Sacramento, up I-5 north to Hwy. 20. Hwy. 20 is an easy route for RVers even though it is 2 lanes but it is a scenic trip to hwy. 101 then north to Oregon. there is an Indian Casino 1/2 way on Hwy. 20 with a big parking lot to stay over night or just pull over to rest. No charge. As far as the Sacramento traffic cluster, I just stay in the middle lane all the way. Stay out of the right lanes to avoid the turning off and merging traffic.
    Good advice and a more scenic and slower route up 101.

    At the end of August I would like to take 5 south from Eugene OR but it will be based on fire conditions period. In Aug 2018 we were just 2 hours ahead of the fire that swept over 5 in N CA that destroyed cars and trucks. We and they were unaware of the pending disaster and fire awareness is now burned into my brain.

    Be careful, be safe.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2021
    Given all the unpredictable fire conditions, I would take 80 through Sacramento, up I-5 north to Hwy. 20. Hwy. 20 is an easy route for RVers even though it is 2 lanes but it is a scenic trip to hwy. 101 then north to Oregon. there is an Indian Casino 1/2 way on Hwy. 20 with a big parking lot to stay over night or just pull over to rest. No charge. As far as the Sacramento traffic cluster, I just stay in the middle lane all the way. Stay out of the right lanes to avoid the turning off and merging traffic.
  • NamMedevac_70's avatar
    NamMedevac_70
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2021
    like many others he/she may be trying to avoid going thru Sacramento heavy traffic most times of day and night except
  • NamMedevac_70's avatar
    NamMedevac_70
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2021
    Picking up hwy 20 from I-80 westbound the hwy 20 road is narrow two lane with slim shoulders if I remember correctly and of course scenic and twisting thru the mountains and many spots are marked where fatal crashes occurred. Highway 395 north of Reno is often closed now due to the Beckwourth Fire Complex that has crossed the hwy and buildings have burned in Doyle that is on 395. Sometimes they use a pilot car when opening the highway north of Hallelujah junction at 395 and hwy 70. Caltrans DOT road info is usually up to date on road closures with maps and sometimes photos. This is very recent info from the fire incident website at

    https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7601/60867/

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