California Route 36, an epic highway in California

California Route 36
California Route 36

Through the center of Northern California, California Route 36 is a beautiful and storied road. This route traverses some of the most stunning and varied landscapes in the state, passing through dense redwood forests, rocky mountains, and rolling valleys as it travels from Humboldt County to Susanville in Lassen County. Along the route, you’ll get to see all the outdoor activities Northern California has to offer, as well as attractive little towns, historical sites, and state parks.

Where is California Route 36 located?

Approximately 380 kilometers (235 miles) of California’s northern region are covered by California State Route 36, a state route. The road travels east through the picturesque Lassen National Forest along the western slope of the Cascade Range after starting at the intersection of State Route 299 in Redding. Before arriving at Susanville, it travels via the communities of Mineral, Paynes Creek, and Manton. The highway then travels farther east until coming to an end at State Route 89, not far from Susanville. It offers access to a number of recreational destinations along the road, including Lassen Volcanic National Park and the southernmost portion of the Warner Mountains. The trail offers chances for hiking, camping, and fishing and is renowned for its breathtaking landscape.

You can also locate this road on the map below:


Enlarge the map

Information about California Route 36 :

Northern California’s scenic and untamed landscape is traversed by the two-lane rural highway known as California Route 36. It is kept up by the California Department of Transportation and is a part of the State Highway System of California (Caltrans). Driving conditions on the highway, which are notorious for their winding alignment and steep grades, can be difficult, especially in mountainous regions.

History of the State Route 36:

The road was established in the 1909 First State Highway Bond Act as a component of Legislative Route Number 28. And it was fully paved and available to traffic in the 1930s. State Route 36 was one of the roads that were developed during this period when the state of California started a program of highway construction and development in the 1930s. To meet the increased traffic, the road was enlarged and rerouted, and additional bridges were constructed across streams and rivers. The state of California improved the road throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

A number of new road segments were constructed, including one that went through Lassen Volcanic National Park. And it allows traffic to avoid the steep and winding parts of the previous route.

State Route 36 preview:

You can obviously have a preview of that drive. Here is a YouTube video that shows a part of the road:

How to get to State Route 36 road?

Depending on where you start, you may have access to California State Route 36. Indeed the roadway may be reached from the north by taking U.S. Route 101 in Humboldt County and continuing on SR 36 to the east. You may take SR 299 to California Route 36 and travel west if you are approaching from the south. Also, you may take SR 44 and proceed south to SR 36 if you are coming from the east.

California Route 36 is, all in all, a beautiful and enjoyable drive that provides a glimpse of the diversity and beauty of northern California. Although drivers should be prepared for winding and possibly tricky road conditions, the trip’s rewards, which include breathtaking views and access to natural and cultural attractions, make the effort well worth it.

Not so far from this road, you can also drive the Donner Pass.

You can obviously visualize how to get there on this approximative map of the drive:

Is California Route 36 open?

California Route 36 has an asphalt surface that is generally in good condition, but it can occasionally be winding and narrow, so drivers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Depending on the curves in the road and the presence of other traffic, the speed limit on the highway varies. With some areas being posted at 55 mph and others at 35 mph. There are many pullouts along the route that provide beautiful views and places to stop for a break.

California Route 36 is a scenic road that also serves as a vital transportation road connecting a number of rural communities and giving access to recreational areas and other natural attractions. The highway is well-signposted and offers convenient access to the cities and communities it serves, making it a well-traveled path for both locals and visitors to the region.

Picture credit: kenlund on flickr.com / daveynin on flickr.com


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