Take This Scenic Back Road For A Beautiful Northern California Adventure

When you feel like going for a scenic drive around Northern California, the number of potential routes seems endless. Just pick a highway and you’re bound to end up somewhere good! However, you’re in for an especially lovely adventure when you hop on California State Route 3. This state highway runs north-south between the small towns of Peanut and Montague, treating drivers to incredible viewing opportunities along the way. Every drive on this scenic back road is bound to result in a memorable trip, so consider choosing it for your next outing!

Stretching through both Trinity and Siskiyou counties, California State Route 3 presents an awesome opportunity to explore a region of Northern California that a lot of people haven’t seen.

Wikipedia

California State Route 3 (SR 3) starts at the intersection with State Route 36, just south of the town of Peanut. It then stretches north through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, paralleling the Hayfork River, before snaking through the mountains of Douglas City.

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

From here, SR 3 keeps running north through the historic Gold Rush town of Weaverville. Located at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, this community is just one example of the charming towns that can be discovered along this scenic back road.

Ken Lund/Flickr

Next, the route makes its way along the eastern side of Trinity Lake. For a brief side adventure, you can branch off onto Trinity Dam Boulevard for a fantastic view of the massive body of water - considered one of the largest reservoirs in all of California.

daveynin/Flickr

This section of the route also provides access to the beloved Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. A nature lover’s mecca, this area boasts recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking.

Ron Lute/Flickr

Once in Siskiyou County, the highway passes through a handful of awesome little towns including Callahan, Etna, Greenview, and Fort Jones. Along the way, travelers will find themselves immersed in the stunning scenery of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Klamath National Forest.

Virginia Hill/Flickr

Nearly 150-miles later, SR 3 approaches Yreka and turns directly east towards Montague, where it finally terminates. If you’re looking for a day trip filled with gorgeous natural scenery and delightful small towns, look no further than this underrated highway.

Saltysailor/Wikipedia

Have you traversed this scenic back road yet? What’s your favorite highway to explore in Northern California? Let us know in the comments below.