AboutTracy Chatters Expertise I can answer any questions relating to Sacramento, Gold Country, Northern California and the Sierra Foothills. I can also assist with itinerary planning, restaurant advice and off the beaten path ideas.
Experience I was born and raised in the Sierra Foothills and currently live in Sacramento. As a local teacher, I have visited just about every museum and tourist attraction in the area. We also travel extensively and take many day trips to local cities.
Education/Credentials CA Secondary teaching authorization in Social Studies
Question We'll be flying to Oakland July 2 ...then driving to wedding in Yreka ...hanging around there til Monday am July 7 ... then heading to reno & flying from Reno to Virginia early July 9. I lived in SFO & reno in 70s, but haven't been back much. Group will be me & husband (late 50s, fit & mobile) and 21 yr old son. Could you suggest:
-- a general route or some sites we might want to take in as we drive from Oakland to Yreka. Could do NAPA. Other ideas?
-- places to see between Yreka & Reno? Lassen? Gold country? Other
-- neighborhood restaurants on the suggested routes?
We’ll see Shasta s part of the wedding & reunion. Also doing Hels gates boats & Lake Shastina.
Any ideas welcome. If you can give general tips, I can research more.
Thanks much.
Answer The best route to get from Oakland to Yreka is to take Hwy 80 to Interstate 5 and go north to Yreka. It's not a pretty drive exactly, but it's fast and easy. Napa is going to be about an hour off the highway and may not be worth the detour unless you plan on staying the night.
I highly recommend that you make a stop at Turtle Bay in Redding. http://www.turtlebay.org/ It's a new and beautiful park and one of my favorite things to do in Northern CA!
From Yreka to Reno, there isn't much to see and do unless you want to hike in Lassen or make a visit to Eagle Lake (outside of Susanville)or Lake Almanor (outside of Chester). The Timber Lodge in Chester is a very nice restaurant with a charming, small town atmosphere.
If I were driving this route, I'd hurry along to Reno where you'll find more entertainment and dining options.
