best drive from mammoth to redding without a lot of winding roads (Sacramento: live in)

[bunchl]

We are going to drive from Mammoth and ultimately get to Oregon spending a few days getting there. Some of us get car sick and I'm wondering if anyone has driven a route that does not have a lot of winding roads? Thank you for your help!!

[BayAreaHillbilly]

What do you mean by winding roads?

Are we talking winding like the 2 up into the mountains (e.g. lots of switchbacks and tight blind curves) or just the normal interstate type curves (like the Grapevine).

At some point you need to cross some mountains.

The lowest pass between the 395 and the 5 is Tehachapi (e.g. the 58). There are some curves on that road but it's not extreme. One other way to do it would be going way, way up north then cutting West (e.g. through NE CA). The 395 does have a few somewhat winding stretches along that route, for example, north of Lee Vining plus a few other short stretches between Reno and far NE CA.

[jr6035]

Originally Posted by bunchl

We are going to drive from Mammoth and ultimately get to Oregon spending a few days getting there. Some of us get car sick and I'm wondering if anyone has driven a route that does not have a lot of winding roads? Thank you for your help!!

For the love of God,don't stay in Redding over night.

[Electrician4you]

395N to 80W to 5N

[boulder2015]

Originally Posted by Electrician4you

395N to 80W to 5N

Yes. Thread over. Lets not overcomplicate this... though you know somebody will....

[Zelva]

I live in Bishop (40 miles south of Mammoth on 395) and my dad lives in Klamath Falls OR. Not that I've made the trip in recent years, just because, but I don't recall it being very winding roads (but I don't get car sick either). And my last trips were from Sacramento, so up Hwy 5 - pretty much a straight shot.

Hwy 395N may have some twists and turns, but it's not like a mountain pass.

Now if you want to cross the Sierras, to 'catch' 80 or 5 north, I would consider 80 West out of Reno area, or (a little winding) Hwy 88 and 89 out of Gardnerville over to Jackson CA. My hubby rides a motorcycle (and I've followed in a car) and that road is largely 55+ MPH turns vs. hwy 50 via Tahoe to Placerville, which has much slower, sharper turns.

Post #4 may well be a nice route you're looking for. 395 N to Reno, then 80 west - and I'm not sure where 80 intersects Hwy 5 north - near Sacramento I think.

Happy Trails!!!

[boulder2015]

Originally Posted by Zelva

I live in Bishop (40 miles south of Mammoth on 395) and my dad lives in Klamath Falls OR. Not that I've made the trip in recent years, just because, but I don't recall it being very winding roads (but I don't get car sick either). And my last trips were from Sacramento, so up Hwy 5 - pretty much a straight shot.

Hwy 395N may have some twists and turns, but it's not like a mountain pass.

Now if you want to cross the Sierras, to 'catch' 80 or 5 north, I would consider 80 West out of Reno area, or (a little winding) Hwy 88 and 89 out of Gardnerville over to Jackson CA. My hubby rides a motorcycle (and I've followed in a car) and that road is largely 55+ MPH turns vs. hwy 50 via Tahoe to Placerville, which has much slower, sharper turn

Happy Trails!!!

80 crosses the sierras. Sigh.... No way 80 is more windy than 50,88, or 89. Op, you have your answer. 395-80-5. Dont waste your time considering other options.

[HockeyMac18]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

What do you mean by winding roads?

Are we talking winding like the 2 up into the mountains (e.g. lots of switchbacks and tight blind curves) or just the normal interstate type curves (like the Grapevine).

At some point you need to cross some mountains.

The lowest pass between the 395 and the 5 is Tehachapi (e.g. the 58). There are some curves on that road but it's not extreme. One other way to do it would be going way, way up north then cutting West (e.g. through NE CA). The 395 does have a few somewhat winding stretches along that route, for example, north of Lee Vining plus a few other short stretches between Reno and far NE CA.

Good suggestions and post.

Also, sidenote: it seems like you have a SoCal mode - who would of thunk?

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

The lowest pass between the 395 and the 5 is Tehachapi (e.g. the 58). There are some curves on that road but it's not extreme..

The OP is driving north. It would not make sense to drive south two hours (and then an extra two hours on 99N then cut over to 5) to begin the trip.

Yes, 80W is the best option as far as curves go.

[boulder2015]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

What do you mean by winding roads?

Are we talking winding like the 2 up into the mountains (e.g. lots of switchbacks and tight blind curves) or just the normal interstate type curves (like the Grapevine).

At some point you need to cross some mountains.

The lowest pass between the 395 and the 5 is Tehachapi (e.g. the 58). There are some curves on that road but it's not extreme. One other way to do it would be going way, way up north then cutting West (e.g. through NE CA). The 395 does have a few somewhat winding stretches along that route, for example, north of Lee Vining plus a few other short stretches between Reno and far NE CA.

Pretty amazing that someome would call themselves bay area hillbilly who hasnt heard of i80.