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Country Coach Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums => Country Coach Archive => Topic started by: John on January 17, 2011, 07:50:37 am

Title: Ca. Hwy 299 from Redding to Arcata
Post by: John on January 17, 2011, 07:50:37 am
Yahoo Message Number: 67517 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/67517)
We are planning a trip this spring along the ca. coast and would like to have some info on Hwy. 299 from Redding, Ca. to Arcata, Ca. I am trying to get from I5 to 101 and then south along 101. I am in a 42' Magna with a toad. Please let me know the condition of the highway and if it would be ok to travel with my settup.
Thanks for any input.
John 05 Magna 6456.
Title: Re: Ca. Hwy 299 from Redding to Arcata
Post by: Dcote76@aol Com on January 17, 2011, 09:20:20 am
Yahoo Message Number: 67521 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/67521)
Drove it three years ago. Road was shut down for while because of forrest fire. I did not think that it was difficult. Some sharp curves as I recall. Girl friend said it was a "B---h and we would never go that way again. I guess it depends on how you like narrow roads and hilly mountains.
Title: Re: Ca. Hwy 299 from Redding to Arcata
Post by: Lyle on January 17, 2011, 10:26:39 am
Yahoo Message Number: 67523 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/67523)
Quote
Quote from: John"
John,

This is one of those questions the answers of which will cover a broad spectrum. We were told "under no circumstances should you take that road." We did and enjoyed it. Lots of tight curves and ups and downs but quite a nice ride. The driver will work but go slow and enjoy. There is a small town, up high, along the way that was having a regional rodeo and parade. We had to circumnavigate a few blocks but enjoyed the local crowd. Given the alternative routes (much longer) I would take this road again. But then, we haven't found many roads that we would not challenge except maybe hiwy 1 along the CA coast.
Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740
> We are planning a trip this spring along the ca. coast and would like to have some info on Hwy. 299 from Redding, Ca. to Arcata, Ca. I am trying to get from I5 to 101 and then south along 101. I am in a 42' Magna with a toad. Please let me know the condition of the highway and if it would be ok to travel with my settup.
Thanks for any input.
John 05 Magna 6456.
Title: Re: Ca. Hwy 299 from Redding to Arcata
Post by: DEAN_1 on January 17, 2011, 12:38:03 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 67531 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/67531)
I have driven the first 40 miles west from Redding to Lewiston Road many times with a 38' and towing a 22' boat.
From WhiskeyTown Lake to the top of Buckhorn Pass is the tough part of my trip.
The rise to the top of 3000' Buckhorn Pass is about 10 miles of tight 160 degree turns in the inside lane. 25 to 35 mph in my rig with a few posted 20 mph curves. Slow but doable. West Bound has a few turnouts, but not many.
You will meet trucks. There is a posted trailer length limitation. So, with a longer wheel base, you will need to carefully manage your lane travel in left hand curves when there is oncoming traffic.
I did have my most scary moment driving a coach when a tractor-trailer did not manage his lane on 299 and I nearly met the rear end of his trailer at 25 mph.
4 wheelers tend to get a bit impatient during the "rush" hour so mid day is a better time than 4:00 PM.
I have not driven west of Weaverville, CA on 299 but understand it is a better experience from there to the coast.

Dean

95 Magna 5280
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