Explore another side of Northern California and take a drive on this rural road. Get off of Interstate 5 and jump on the small California State Route 45, also called SR45. This roughly 70-mile road meanders through Northern California’s Central Valley. You’ll pass by small towns, protected wildlife areas, and tons of farmland. The entire drive takes about an hour and a half without stopping. But of course, you’ll want to stop and explore this lesser-traveled, scenic back road in Northern California.

This road travels through three counties– Yolo, Colusa, and Glenn counties.

Much of this two-lane road passes through vineyards and small farm communities. Along the way you’ll also find several wildlife areas, small markets, and even a casino.

SR45 starts at Knights Landing, not far from Woodland. Travel north on this road that runs parallel to the Sacramento River. Along the way, SR45 will temporarily become other roads. Continue north and you’ll stay on SR45 all the way to its endpoint at Hamilton City, not far from Chico.

SR45 passes right through downtown Colusa– a charming town located on the Sacramento River. Even if you don’t stop here, you’ll be able to see the historic Colusa County Courthouse from the road.

Just north of the town of Colusa is the Colusa Casino Resort. Stop here to play some slot machines or have a meal at Jack's Place.

They also have a gas station if you need fuel.

Packer Island Wildlife Refuge is a little-known refuge in a well-preserved riparian area.

In Packer visitors will find 1.5 miles of marked trails from which native bird species can be spotted.

There are not many places to shop along the way, so imagine our surprise at finding this beautiful garden center in Glenn.

If you’re a gardening aficionado or just love garden decor, check out the Songbird Landscape and Supply store. They also sell homewares, like handmade soaps, hanging baskets, and pretty baskets.

As you continue your drive on SR45, you’ll pass by many orchards as well as riverfront areas.

There are numerous places to stop and take photos, and several places to hike. Ord Bend Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge is the second place on our list where you can park and hike. This is a quiet wildlife area with a 0.9-mile trail.

After Ord Bend, it is a 10-minute drive to Hamilton City, where SR45 ends. Hamilton City is a small town with several good restaurants and a drive-thru coffee shop.

From here, you are about a 15-minute drive from Interstate 5. Now that you’ve seen the rural NorCal countryside, take the fast route back home.

The next time you think you've done everything there is to do in California, consider driving some of the lesser-traveled rural roads. These country roads might expose you to places you've yet to explore in NorCal. Tell us about a rural route or scenic back road in Northern California that you think more people should know about.