Route suggestions from the west to Lake Almanor, NorCal please

[SagaCapt]

Newbie here. For our first longer road trip with our Bambi Quicksilver 16' we're heading to the north shore of Lake Almanor in lower Lassen Park. Google Maps shows 3 routes from the west to get up there and I'd like your suggestions.

The northern route goes up Rt 36. The middle up Rt 32. The southern up Rt 70 then Rt 89.

It looks to me like the southern route has the least climb but maybe more tight curves and switch backs.

Thanks!

[WaLee]

Don't go on 32 for your first trip! 70 brings you up easily to the dam at the south shore. From there head west along the lake to the North Shore. 36 is fine and brings you right into Chester.

It really depends on your starting point. From Redding or Red Bluff take 36. From Chico or points south take 70.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Kamiak]

We've taken that trip dozens of times, and prefer highway 36 out of Red Bluff. It's a good road (rare in CA), and not especially curvy, except in one very brief spot where the road is changing canyons. It's best to avoid driving east from Red Bluff up the mountain in the afternoon in triple digits. It is a long, steady climb, with about a 5,000 foot change in elevation from Red Bluff. We nearly always drive I-5 first to Red Bluff, spend the night there, then make the climb out of Red Bluff in cool of the morning. Returning home, we use the same route, but since it's all downhill, heat is not an issue, so no need to stop in Red Bluff.

[WaLee]

I know all to well how long and steady that grade is. Have ridden it twice on a bicycle! Over 50 miles of steady uphill grade. Either 36 or 70 are good routes depending on your starts point.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[mcd23]

We live in Chico and my husband would rather take the extra 20-30 min. and drive north to Hwy 36 when pulling our 25' FC.