From snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades to the fertile plains of the Sacramento Valley, Northern California is one of the most scenic sections of Historic Highway 99. It is also home to the largest remaining bridges on US 99. Many small towns still lie along the old highway with great cafes and antique stores still waiting for travelers. Old Highway 99, both US 99W and US 99E, can be traveled with little interruption throughout the Sacramento Valley. Other sections offer scenic detours from I-5, such as Shasta River Canyon from Yreka to Hornbrook. They are worth the drive!
Siskiyou County
Shasta River Canyon
Along State 263 between Yreka and Hornbrook
Scenic section of old US 99, first constructed in 1915 and completely realigned between 1928 and 1931. The bridges on the “new” road are quite spectacular as well. A stop at the Pioneer Bridge, a steel deck truss span 794 feet long and 290 feet above the river, is a must. The old road, Shasta River Road, provides access to the river below.
Siskiyou County Museum
910 S Main St, Yreka, CA 96097
(530) 842-3836
Opened in 1951, the museum has exhibits highlighting the regions native cultures, transportation, and historic buildings.
Black Bear Diner
401 W. Lake St, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-4669
While only going back to 1995, this place has become a 99 breakfast staple. Started in Mt Shasta City, it has expanded to cover a lot more of old 99 and other areas. Be sure to check out their wide selection of breakfasts. Bring a big appetite!
Mt Shasta Sisson Museum
1 N. Old Stage Rd, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-5508
Great museum with exhibits on local history and geology. Learn the geologic history of Mt Shasta and how the region developed.
Mt Shasta
Weed, CA
Topping out at 14, 179′, Mount Shasta is, by far, one of the most scenic mountains in all of California. It is a dormant volcano which last erupted around 1250 CE. The mountain is the subject of many legends of mystical spirits as well, adding to its the intrigue. In winter, skiing is available near Mt Shasta City.
Pluto’s Cave
Approximately 10 miles north of Weed on Highway 99-97 Cutoff (County A12)
See website for specific directions
1200′ lava tube dating back over 190 kya, which is rare for such features. Bring a flashlight if you want to descend into the depths of the cave as it is unlit.
Railroad Park Resort
100 Railroad Park Rd, Dunsmuir, CA 96025
(530) 235-4440
Unique resort just south of Dunsmuir made out of railroad cars. You can sleep in a fully outfitted caboose and dine in a real dining car. They have a Shay-type steam locomotive on display here, which is a geared locomotive built for mining and lumber railroads.
Shasta County
Castle Crags State Park
Exit 724 on I-5 in Castella
(530) 235-2684
Castle Crags is an interesting geological feature along old US 99. It is a large outcrop of Mesozoic granitic rocks surrounded by Ultramafic metamorphic rocks. This difference creates the stark contrast which gives the crags their name. Camping and hiking are quite popular here.
Lake Shasta
Between Exits 690 and 702 along I-5 north of Redding
Lake Shasta is the largest reservoir in California and is impounded behind Shasta Dam. The lake is a very popular recreation site for water skiing, boating, swimming, and fishing. It started forming in 1944 and inundated a couple of small towns, Kennett and Baird, in the process. The construction of the dam also required the relocation of the Southern Pacific Railroad and US 99. The Pit River Bridge was the tallest double-deck bridge in the world when it was completed in 1941.
Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark
20359 Shasta Caverns Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051
(800) 795-2283
Located adjacent to the McCloud River arm of Lake Shasta, these caverns offer a different sort of adventure to your normal lake visit. The caverns were formed in rock that is about 200 million years old and have a lot of interesting features. Stay for a dinner cruise!
Shasta Lake Heritage and Historical Society
1525 Median Ave, Shasta Lake, CA 96019
(530) 275-3995
Small museum located at the Shasta Lake Visitors Center / Chamber of Commerce. Exhibits on Shasta Dam and many other local historical sites can be found there.
Diestelhorst Bridge
2292 Benton Drive, Redding, CA 96001
1915 concrete arch bridge over the Sacramento River in Redding. This was the first concrete bridge over the Sacramento River in Northern California. Replaced in 1935.
Shasta State Historic Park
15312 Highway 299 West, Shasta, CA 96087
(530) 243-8194
Small “ghost town” along former US 299 west of Redding.
Tehama County
Helen and Joe Chew Foundation
Red Bluff, CA 96080
(530) 385-6785
Learn about the rich and vibrant history of the Chinese culture and former Chinatown of Red Bluff, CA. Self-guided tours available.
Vina Chinatown
26240 7th St, Vina, CA 96092
Wine tasting and Tehama County history just off US 99E in the town of Vina.
Sacramento River Discovery Center
1000 Sale Ln, Red Bluff, CA 96080
(530) 527-1196
Corning Musuem
1110 Solano St, Corning, CA 96021
(530) 824-5550
Glenn County
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Colusa County
Delevan National Wildlife Refuge
Sacramento Valley Museum
1491 E St, Williams, CA 95987
Arbuckle Revitalization Committee
Arbuckle, CA 95912
Local group working to revitalize the town of Arbuckle. Their projects include restoration of the former Southern Pacific railroad depot and car shows.
Butte County
Chico History Museum
141 Salem St, Chico, CA 95928
Sutter County
Sutter Buttes State Park
Sutter, CA
Sutter Buttes are the remnants of a mid-Pleistocene volcano which was last active about 1.4 million years ago.
Sutter County Museum
1333 Butte House Road, Yuba City, CA 95993
Yuba County
Mary Aaron Museum
704 D Street, Marysville, CA, 95901