Touge’s, Byways, and Country roads
March 2024:
A Dash of Touge’s, plus a series of byways and deep country roads from Oregon through Northern California.
Touge in Southern Oregon
Tiller trail Highway
Episode 1
If you're looking for a solid drive in Southern Oregon then take the roughly 50 mile drive from Canyonville to Trail on Tiller Trail Highway (Oregon Route 227). It's a well maintained two-lane road with plenty of curves, twists, turns, short straights, climbs and scenery. You might get stuck behind some less assertive drivers, and there's some small towns to watch out for, but it overall this is a solid drive with a lot to offer. I didn't notice any conspicuous LEO presence, but weather and time of year could be a big factor there. If you get the chance, I don't think you'll be disappointed. See you out there!
“Roads were made for journeys, not destinations
”
Ashland to i-5 / Old 99’s Touge Gem
Old highway 99 / Siskiyou hwy
Episode 2
If you’re looking for a short alternate route on your way to California from Oregon, and one that gives you a break from the semis and LEO on I-5 - This is a great 11 1/2-ish mile choice Don’t worry it will eventually reconnect with you the interstate and get you across the border, but it does provide a welcome driving experience to I-5. The quality of the road was slightly rough, but no egregious potholes or other suspension testing features. You’ll notice that during my drive the road was wet, and while not slippery, with all the grit on the road from melted snow, I could feel a hint of rocks rolling under the tires during some of the turns. I could imagine a car that wasn’t AWD having a different experience.
Skip i-5 - South to Weed from Hornbrook
Montague, CA
Episode 3
After you cross from Oregon to California, just past the Agricultural Inspection Station is the first exit/overpass. Take that exit and begin a series of roads that lead to Weed, and take you from the monotony of I-5 (and maybe the overwatch of the CHP) to a nice easy driving experience through small towns and wide open views.
A short but sweet drive on CA SR 36
Tehama county
Episode 4
Heading South, south east-ish from Redding I found myself on a pretty typical set of Northern California country roads. Two-lane straights, consistent elevations, a few mild curves, and a turn here and there. Generally, not the kind of roads I’m looking for, but more just an alternate route out of Redding; it’s pretty forgettable driving-wise. So after about 20ish minutes I pass through Cottonwood before crossing over the freeway and heading southwest on Bowman Rd before connecting with California State Route 36. 36 is the real highlight: It was a great set of interlocking curves and twists paired with elevation changes, and some nice straights where you can push it a little. I had a smile on my face during that short segment, it really is a drivers road. Unfortunately, it had to end. As you get closer to Red Bluff, 36 straightens out and you find yourself in a much more populated and well-traveled area.
Deep Backroads in Tehama County
Tehama county
Episode 5
Leaving highway 36 I head south into the outskirts of Red Bluff to turn right/west on Walnut St or the A7. This begins an almost 6 mile series of mostly straight 2 lane country roads. I’m heading further and further into the western areas of Tehama County. At the end of that first sequence, I turn onto Red Bank Rd and head South West about 10 1/2 miles until finally linking up with Lowery Rd. I go another about 20ish miles on Lowery road. The quality of the road is mixed, with plenty of elevation changes, blind curves, pavement and gravel. It will keep you on your toes! Leaving Lowery road I head east 20 miles to Corning to finish off my two days of side-roads and backroads that I started in Oregon on Tiller Trail Highway.