US101 to I-5 Easiest ?

[bukhrn]

Early August, leaving Jedediah Smith CG, with 29 ft class C with toad on a dolly, heading to Lodi for an overnight, looking for the best (easiest) route over to I-5, 299, which looks rather mountainous with 8% grades, the road it's self looks pretty good, or 36 which doesn't look as wide, haven't checked on the grades, or farther south take 20 ?

[Just_Lee]

20

[cpaulsen]

299 is a fairly good road....some grades but not too bad. Takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Eureka to Redding. Made that trip many times with my 5ver. I would just head over 199 since you are at Jedediah Smith SP. Only a 2 hour drive from the to Grants Pass and I-5.

[msmith1199]

aerbus32 wrote:
That is a pretty big undertaking for a single day in an RV. We usually head from Redding to Eureka using 299. Last time was in a 32' Class pulling a Grand Cherokee. That is enough for one day. A very doable, very pretty drive, but you will not be doing freeway speeds. We then cut back over to 5, as others have suggested, on 20. Haven't tried using 53, but found using 16 to Woodland to be as good as going up to Williams. Once again, you are not going to be going freeway speeds. If you hit Sacramento around commuter time, you may not be doing freeway speeds. I'd encourage you to consider this as at least a two day trip.

I've only drive that route on 299 from Redding to Eureka one time and it was in a car, and what looked like a short drive on the map sure did turn into an all day trip! We stopped a few times along the way, but it was way longer of a drive than I had anticipated.

[CaFordGuy]

For 101 to Lodi, take 101 south to 37 east. Then 37 to I80 east to 12 east and into Lodi. No hills at all. But absolutely avoid commute hour.

[profdant139]

If you happen to pass through Williams around lunch or dinner, Granzella's deli makes really terrific take-out sandwiches -- I prefer the muffaletta, although it is kind of messy to eat while driving.

[aerbus32]

That is a pretty big undertaking for a single day in an RV. We usually head from Redding to Eureka using 299. Last time was in a 32' Class pulling a Grand Cherokee. That is enough for one day. A very doable, very pretty drive, but you will not be doing freeway speeds. We then cut back over to 5, as others have suggested, on 20. Haven't tried using 53, but found using 16 to Woodland to be as good as going up to Williams. Once again, you are not going to be going freeway speeds. If you hit Sacramento around commuter time, you may not be doing freeway speeds. I'd encourage you to consider this as at least a two day trip.

[othertonka]

For sure stay away from 36. it is to twisty and narrow. I always use 20 from 101 over to I 5. 299 is doable
but not enjoyable. It climbs and descends over 5 different passes and can be winding in places. If you do this route allow 3 to 4 hours driving time

[YC_1]

This question comes up frequently so I saved this. Just reverse the route when going West to east.


Take Highway 20 West out of Williams. 37.1 miles.

Watch for Highway 53 as you drop down a hill after a fairly long climb. Easy climb and multiple lanes.
Turn what would be South onto 53. You will go about 8 miles. Look for the sign to Highway 29 which leads to Kelseyville. This is a nice road and will become freeway in a few miles. Eventually you are back to two lane for a short distance and will come to a stop sign. You are back to Highway 20 again. This leg is about 30 miles. Turn left and enjoy the beautiful drive right to 101

This route will bypass the two lane twisting and winding on the North side of Clear lake. If you want a good view of the lake go ahead and stay on 20 all the way to 101.

[bukhrn]

Thanks for the quick answers.

[Executive45]

My choice would be Hwy 20....much easier drive. Stay at the casino rv park in Clear Lake...motorcyclists, Vettes and Porsches' LOVE Hwy 299.....Dennis

[jmtandem]

Early August, leaving Jedediah Smith CG, with 29 ft class C with toad on a dolly, heading to Lodi for an overnight, looking for the best (easiest) route over to I-5, 299, which looks rather mountainous with 8% grades, the road it's self looks pretty good, or 36 which doesn't look as wide, haven't checked on the grades, or farther south take 20 ?

If you don't like a very windy road stay away from 299. From what your criteria is travel south on US 101 to SR 20 and that will easily get you to IR 5.