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! We know you are going to love it!

Stretching through both Trinity and Siskiyou counties, California State Route 3 (SR 3) is an awesome opportunity to explore a region of Northern California that a lot of people haven't seen.
California 3, CA-3, Yreka, CA, USA
Wikipedia
It starts at the intersection with State Route 36, just south of the town of Peanut.
Riverview Road, Riverview Rd, Hayfork, CA 96041, USA
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
It then stretches north through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, paralleling the Hayfork River, before snaking through the mountains of Douglas City.
From here, SR 3 keeps running north through the historic Gold Rush town of Weaverville.
Trinity Alps Wilderness, Junction City, CA 96048, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
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.

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Next, the route makes its way along the eastern side of Trinity Lake.
Trinity Dam, Lewiston, CA 96052, USA
daveynin/Flickr
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 the State of California.
This section of the route also provides access to the beloved Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA
Ron Lute/Flickr
A nature lover's mecca, this area boasts recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Can you see now why we think this route is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Northern California?
Once in Siskiyou County, the highway passes through a handful of awesome little towns including Callahan, Etna, Greenview, and Fort Jones.
Siskiyou County, CA, USA
Virginia Hill/Flickr
Along the way, in addition to these small towns, travelers will find themselves immersed in the stunning scenery of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Klamath National Forest.
Nearly 150-miles later, SR 3 approaches Yreka and turns directly east towards Montague, where it finally terminates.
Wikimedia/Saltysailor(talk)
If you're looking for a day trip filled with gorgeous natural scenery and delightful small towns, look no further than this underrated highway!

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.

Sounds like you are a road trip kinda person! So you will definitely enjoy reading The Best Sight In The World Is Actually A Road Sign That Says Welcome To California.

And while you’re at it, if you’d like to explore hikes around any of these stops you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more California adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Northern California Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 16, 2023

Where can we find other scenic drives in Northern California?

  • State Route 160 takes you through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and offers a wealth of wildlife sightings, waterways, vineyards, and more.
  • State Route 89 begins in Lake Almanor and continues toward Mount Shasta, which also traverses through the Lassen National Forest.
  • State Route 254, also known as Avenue of the Giants, winds through Northern California’s spectacular redwood forest areas.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scenic drives in Northern California.

Where can we find waterfront restaurants in Northern California?

  • Moe's Original BBQ in Tahoe City is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Northern California.
  • Cafe Waterfront in Eureka is known for its views and great Bloody Marys.
  • The Tides Wharf Restaurant in Bodega Bay serves up delicious seafood, fish, and other dishes

Read on to learn more about some of the many other stunning waterfront restaurants in Northern California.

Where can we find railway adventures in Northern California?

  • The Niles Canyon Railway makes several stops between San Francisco and Santa Clara and features themed rides throughout the year.
  • The Napa Valley Wine Train is very popular with those who want to stop at several of this region’s major wineries.
  • The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a historic, open-air railroad that operates steam train locomotives.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun railway adventures in Northern California.

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