Bigfoot Panoramic Road Itinerary
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest on the Bigfoot Panoramic Road. Starting in Yreka, California, this 247 km road trip takes you to the small town of Willow Creek, and passes through the beautiful cities of Salinas, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the coastline, and experience the best of California's nature.
The best time to drive this road trip is in the summer, when the weather is mild and the days are long. You will be able to enjoy the lush green rolling hills and the vibrant blue ocean views all along the way. The roads are in good condition, though you should be aware that some sections of the route are curvy.
This road trip is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and lasting memories. It is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. So, why not take the Bigfoot Panoramic Road and explore the best of California's nature?
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number of days
247 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Yreka
Distance 247 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: fast
74.0 kWh
Airports
RDD
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Yreka, a small city located in the northern part of California, United States, is an ideal starting point for the "Bigfoot Panoramic Road" road trip. It is surrounded by the magnificent Siskiyou Mountains and is renowned for its rich history and culture.
Visitors can explore the area's natural beauty by visiting the Yreka Creek Trail, a 4.5-mile loop trail through a picturesque canyon, or the Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge, a 3,500-acre refuge that is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Aside from its natural attractions, Yreka is home to a number of historical sites and museums, such as the Miner Street Historic District, the Yreka Historic Cemetery, and the Yreka Railroad Museum.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), located about 50 miles away. Car rental options are available at the airport, making it easy to start the "Bigfoot Panoramic Road" road trip from Yreka.
From Yreka, travelers can explore the area's stunning natural beauty, historical sites, and museums. With car rentals available at the airport, it is the perfect starting point for a memorable road trip.
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Yreka
- Salinas
Distance 116 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: fast
34.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Yreka to Salinas? This scenic drive of 72 miles will take you less than two hours. You'll find winding roads in some sections, so drive safely. As you make your way from Yreka to Salinas, take some time to explore the attractions in these two cities. In Yreka, be sure to check out the Siskiyou County Museum, the Yreka Historic Downtown District, and the Greenhorn Park. In Salinas, you can visit the National Steinbeck Center, the Salinas Valley History Museum, and the Toro County Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Salinas - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Salinas - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Salinas
- Willow Creek
Distance 131 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
39.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Salinas, United States, and take the scenic route to Willow Creek. This 81-mile stretch will take you less than two hours to complete, and you'll be able to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the area.
The first stop is the National Steinbeck Center, where you can learn about the life and works of the Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. You can also explore the nearby First Mayor's House, built in 1867, and the John Steinbeck House, where Steinbeck was born.
Continue your journey to the Salinas Valley, known for its rich agricultural history. Here you can visit the Toro Park, where you can take a hike or explore the nearby trails. You can also visit the nearby San Lorenzo Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Salinas Valley.
As you make your way to Willow Creek, you'll pass through the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains. Here you can explore the stunning scenery and take a break at the Big Sur River Inn.
Finally, you'll arrive in Willow Creek, where you can explore the historic downtown area and take a stroll along the banks of the Russian River.
This is just a brief overview of the sights and attractions on this stage of your road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Willow Creek - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Basin Recreation
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Willow Creek
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Willow Creek in the United States is the perfect ending point for the “Bigfoot Panoramic Road” road trip. Located in Humboldt County, California, this town is full of interesting places to visit.
One of the most interesting attractions is the Bigfoot Museum, where visitors can learn more about the local legend of Bigfoot and see artifacts related to the creature. While in the area, take a trip to the nearby Klamath River, where you can relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the riverbank and take part in activities such as fishing and kayaking.
The Redwood National and State Parks are also close by and make for a fascinating day trip to explore the area's natural beauty. If you're looking for a more thrilling experience, head to the Six Rivers National Forest, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
If you're traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), which is just a short drive away from Willow Creek. Enjoy your stay in Willow Creek and make sure to take in all the sights and sounds of the area for a truly unforgettable experience.
Bigfoot Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Yreka
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End:
Willow Creek
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Distance:
247 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Redding Municipal Airport (RDD)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Bigfoot Scenic Byway, also known as the Bigfoot National Scenic Byway, takes travelers on an extraordinary journey through the dense forests and untamed wilderness of Northern California, stretching from Happy Camp to Willow Creek. Covering approximately 89 miles (143 km), the route is named for the legendary Bigfoot or Sasquatch, a cryptid reputed to inhabit this area. The byway winds through the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests, offering drivers a chance to immerse themselves in the region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Happy Camp: This community, nestled in the Klamath National Forest, is a welcoming starting point for the byway, providing an authentic small-town atmosphere and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Klamath National Forest: Discover a variety of ecosystems, ranging from coniferous forests to mountain meadows, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as black bears and elk.
- Six Rivers National Forest: Renowned for its scenic beauty, with multiple rivers cutting through rugged terrain, it's an excellent spot for fishing, hiking, and camping.
- Willow Creek: Known as the Bigfoot capital of the world, this town is home to the Bigfoot Museum where enthusiasts can learn more about the history of Bigfoot sightings and lore.
Best Time to Go:
Late spring through early fall is the best time for the Bigfoot Scenic Byway Road Trip, providing the most favorable weather conditions and access to all attractions. Summertime offers warm temperatures ideal for exploring the great outdoors.
Potential Risks:
Mountain Roads can be narrow and winding, with occasional steep grades; drivers should exercise caution, especially in inclement weather. Wildlife crossings are common, so remain alert.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Bigfoot Scenic Byway features numerous trailheads leading to serene spots like the Marble Mountain Wilderness and the Siskiyou Wilderness.
- Local Native American tribes, such as the Karuk, have legends and traditional stories about Bigfoot-like creatures, which add a rich cultural dimension to the area.
- The route offers an excellent opportunity for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
- Willow Creek's annual Bigfoot Days festival celebrates the town's association with the creature, featuring parades, contests, and Bigfoot-themed activities.
A good choice for:
Embarking on the Bigfoot Scenic Byway offers adventurers a unique combination of natural splendor, folklore, and outdoor recreation. It's a journey that connects the mysteries of ancient legends with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest's landscapes, making it a memorable Road Trip destination for those seeking both thrill and tranquility.