The drive on I-5 between southern Oregon and northern California can be terrifying or beautiful, depending on the weather. The interstate goes through the Siskiyou Pass and about 30-40 miles of mountainous driving that can be icy and snowy and require chains in winter, but if you drive it on a warm and sunny day as we did on this day, it can be spectacular. Luckily, there are a series of webcams throughout this area so you can check the weather if you are concerned.
Here are a series of photos taken while driving from north to south. It starts out with only a slight incline and not too curvy.
In the distance, however, you can see higher, snow-covered mountains.
Mt. Shasta can surprise you even from a very long distance. Last time I drove this route, it was late October, and I was fighting to get down to the level California Central Valley while a rain and snow storm followed me. On that trip, I could see almost none of this impressive mountain. Today, it was clear and still partly snow-covered.
Just before you get to Mt. Shasta, there is a very nice scenic Shasta Valley Vista Point pullover that I often stop at, as shown below. The view is nice in all directions from this place.
From this scenic viewpoint, you can see the city of Yreka, California, in the distance.
A closer view of the towns of Hawkinsville and Yreka.
Mt. Shasta in her glory!
Just as you pass Mt Shasta, is the town of Weed. About 5 miles south of the town is something called Truck Village, which is truck dealer who has set up a line of trucks along the fence that separates his business from the exit ramp to Truck Village Drive. It is better seen from the northbound side of the freeway, but each of the maybe 15 trucks is painted a different color and looks very much like a very long rainbow! One of these days, I need to get off the freeway and take some better pictures of this, but if you drive I-5 north, look for this display!
There are another 20 miles or so of mountains past Mt. Shasta and Weed, but eventually things level out, and the chances of being stuck in the ice and snow are significantly reduced.
It was a beautiful day for a drive, but I was glad to get on more level ground.