Sometimes you want to experience all the beauty Northern California has to offer without actually going outside. Luckily enough, we live in a state with a countless number of scenic roads that boast the most epic windshield views you could imagine. If you have yet to explore one of our region’s beautiful highways, you should get started ASAP. With so many different landscapes, it can be hard to choose just one. We can help with that. Check out these 7 roads that boast the most incredible views.
Howland Hill Road is one of the most iconic drives through Northern California's redwoods. The unpaved road is extremely narrow and completely surrounded by towering redwood trees. Driving down the road, you can't help but feel like the forest is engulfing you. The 6.9-mile road is located in Crescent City and a must for redwood lovers.
The Feather River Scenic Byway takes you through the beautiful Plumas National Forest. It takes about 7 hours to traverse the 344 miles but is totally worth it. No matter what time of year it is, the scenery does not disappoint. The road follows the Feather River and boasts jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada Range.
The famous 17-Mile Drive provides some of the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. Non-residents of the Pebble Beach area do have to pay a toll to drive on the road, but that's just a testament to what an experience the drive is. There are various entrances to the road, with the main entrance off of State Route 1. From there, you'll have the opportunity to stop at several overlooks with drop dead gorgeous views of the beach.
U.S. Route 395 stretches from Southern California all the way to the Canadian border, but the stretch along the Sierra Nevadas is arguably the most beautiful. This route has it all: waterfalls, mountain backdrops, volcanic landscapes, forests, and more. This route is perfect for the adventurer, since it provides easy access to hiking, skiing, and multiple lakes along the way.
This scenic byway is a 160-mile loop that takes you through the vast and extraordinary Tahoe National Forest. Showcasing several peaks in the Sierra Nevada, you'll pass through a handful of Northern California's charming communities like Downieville, Nevada City, and Truckee. This is a great road for the history enthusiast, since many historic museums and state parks are located along the byway.
Coming in at 27 miles, the Silverado Trail is the shortest drive on this list. However, this stretch of road definitely packs a punch. Located in the wondrous Napa Valley, the road winds through rolling hills while showcasing amazing views of the country's vineyards.
This scenic drive highlights one of Northern California's greatest treasures—Mount Shasta. This loop stretches for a whopping 445 miles and takes about 9 hours, making it the perfect weekend adventure. The drive begins in Redding and takes you along one of the most scenic sections of I-5. On this highway you'll pass by amazing landmarks like the Shasta Dam, Castle Crags State Park, and the one-and-only Burney Falls.
