Best Route from Sacramento, CA to Fortuna?

[Woodtroll]

This is not exactly an RV post, so I hope you will forgive me.

My wife and I are flying into Sacramento in a couple of days, and then driving a rental car to the northern coast to see the redwoods. We then plan to follow the coastline south, taking in the sights.

Due to flight changes, we will now end up not arriving in Sacramento until about 1 PM. Our first night's hotel reservation is in Fortuna, so due to the timing and distance we are looking for the most direct route between Sacramento and Fortuna. We would like to take in the scenery as much as possible as we travel, but not at the cost of extra hours in travel. We're really not going to have time to tinker around much on this particular leg. I was looking at I-5 north, then across Rt. 36 west to Fortuna. It looks like 36 crosses a fair expanse of the mountain range, so I was wondering what the road was like? Would it be efficient to travel this route?

Alternatively, would it be better to cross towards the coast via Rt. 20, then up 101?

What would be the average price for regular gas I might expect to pay along this route? Any differences in fuel cost as we drive south along the coast?

Thank you,
Regan

[msmith1199]

Woodtroll wrote:
Thanks very much for the quick responses! Google Maps suggested I-5 to 36, but I was suspicious of it based on the terrain it crosses. We are fond of donkeys, but don't have time for them this trip!

Thanks again, safe travels,
Regan

Google maps doesn't always take road conditions into consideration. I checked the same route also and it suggested 36. But it's the exact same distance taking 20 so I don't know why Google maps would pick 36 over 20. But 20 is the road you want to take.

[Woodtroll]

Thanks very much for the input, everyone! Headed out in just a couple hours, and looking forward to a great trip!

[Executive45]

Another vote for Hwy 20 crossing. Gas in Sacramento averages about $3.70/gallon. Expect to pay about 10 cents more as you move closer to the coast. Cheapest fuel price we found on Hwy 20 was at the Konocti Casino right on Hwy 20 in Clear Lake....enjoy the trip..

For a unique experience, try to get accommodations at any one or more of the lighthouses along the coast. Many of the caretaker houses have been converted to hostels and the rates are really reasonable. and the views are unbelievable...reservations can be made on line...we stayed at Pigeon Point and it was beautiful....here's link......Dennis

Hostels

[othertonka]

I say NO to hwy 36, but hwy 20 from I5 at Williams is good. There is a safeway store that has gasoline in Willits ON THE right side on HWY 101 at the junction of Hwy 20, probably the cheapest on that section of`Hwy. Then take 101 up to Fortuna. On the way back south, you can catch Hwy 1 at Leggit and go over to the coast.

[CA_Traveler]

Yes take 20 across. CA fuel is high. The best you can do is use Gas Buddy and not buy the highest price fuel.

Well second best as I get 5% cash back on all fuel and propane purchases on my CC.

[Woodtroll]

Thanks very much for the quick responses! Google Maps suggested I-5 to 36, but I was suspicious of it based on the terrain it crosses. We are fond of donkeys, but don't have time for them this trip!

Thanks again, safe travels,
Regan

[MarkTwain]

Due to flight changes, we will now end up not arriving in Sacramento until about 1 PM. Our first night's hotel reservation is in Fortuna, so due to the timing and distance we are looking for the most direct route between Sacramento and Fortuna. We would like to take in the scenery as much as possible as we travel, but not at the cost of extra hours in travel. We're really not going to have time to tinker around much on this particular leg.
I was looking at I-5 north, then across Rt. 36 west to Fortuna. It looks like 36 crosses a fair expanse of the mountain range, so I was wondering what the road was like? Would it be efficient to travel this route?

1.NO NO NO rt. 36 is for donkeys and motorcyles or cars who have unlimited time:(

2. You can take hwy. 20 over to 101 which is my usual choice when I am towing my 5th. wheel. The Sac. Airport is right on I-5 and you have a straight shot on the freeway to hwy. 20 so you can make some good time. 20 is an easy drive and follows right next to the Clear Lake. Once you hit 101, you have a easy straight shot to Fortuna. There is some pretty scenery all the way up to Fortuna
3 You can take hwy. 299 out Redding but coming from Sacramento will not be as direct and quick. Hwy. 299 has some mountains and other scenery. You get to see some Redwoods the last 20 miles. There is alot of 2 lane traffic so you have to keep your eye on the road. The road is good.

What would be the average price for regular gas I might expect to pay along this route? Any differences in fuel cost as we drive south along the coast?

Fuel tends to be higher along the coast. You should have a full tank and shoud be able to get over to 101 before you need fuel. There is a Casino half way across hwy. 20 if you want to get lunch.
enjoy:)

[korbe]

I would take I-5 north to hwy 20 west to 101. Then 101 to Fortuna