Northern California boasts an endless amount of adventure. All you have to do is pick a road and follow it to wherever it goes. One of the best backroad drives in the state is the amazing Trinity Scenic Byway. Not only does this road boast stunning natural beauty and diverse scenery, but you’ll come across all sorts of historical and cultural landmarks as well. This byway has a little bit of everything for everyone, and you’ll definitely want to do it.
The Trinity Scenic Byway encompasses 140 miles of California State Route 299. Stretching all the way from Redding to Arcata, this backroad journey takes you on a wild adventure full of beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, charming towns, and lots more.
The 140-mile drive is definitely manageable in one day and takes most people four hours to complete. However, we definitely recommend stretching this out into a multi-day journey so you can truly appreciate each and every unique stop.
As you begin the drive westward from Redding, the first notable place you'll come across is Shasta State Historic Park. The park is a fascinating preservation of what was once considered the "Queen City" of California's northern mines. You'll come across both remnants of century-old buildings and restored structures that you can enter.
As you continue west, you'll come across the Shasta – Trinity National Recreation Area. Be sure to get out of the car and peruse a portion of the 36-mile shoreline around Whiskeytown Lake. Surrounded by mountains and rugged granite cliffs, the beauty here is tremendous.
After you get back on the road, the next stop is the wonderfully charming town of Weaverville. This historic gem boasts 19th century buildings and businesses. Be sure to check out the wonderful museums in town featuring amazing artifacts, including the iconic Joss House—an 1874 Taoist temple.
The scenery really amps up after you depart from Weaverville. This section of the highway runs parallel to the Wild and Scenic Trinity River. Here you can observe dramatic canyon walls, lush forestry, and glimpses of the sparking clear river.
This portion of the road is more remote, but definitely find somewhere to stop and enjoy all that the river has to offer. Strawhouse Resorts & Cafe in Big Flat boasts some delicious coffee, baked goods, and cafe-style food.
Next on the itinerary is a town that boasts itself as the "Bigfoot Capital of the World". Willow Creek is perfectly charming and contains quirky attractions like the Willow Creek-China Flat Museum and a bigfoot-themed restaurant.
The final stretch of the scenic byway ends in the delightful community of Arcata which is an exciting attraction in itself. Wander the town, grab a bite to eat, and bask in the incredible adventure you just had!
Have you driven along the Trinity Scenic Byway? There so much to do and see along this backroad drive! Here at Only In Northern California we’ve compiled a ton of unique roadtrip adventures for you to take advantage of. Check out this list of 11 Unforgettable Road Trips for a quick look at them.
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