Day R-2, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Klamath Falls to Sparks.

 

I left my HIE at 0613, trying to find my way to US-97. I only had to double back twice, so I guess the signage was OK. I sailed along on US-97 for 20 miles with Mt. Shasta in my window, then crossed the California border. Initially, the terrain was flat, with sage growing where it wasn’t irrigated. The mountains were partially shrouded in smoke from a major fire.

Shortly after passing Mt. Hebron Summit (elev 5202) came the first of about an hour’s worth of delays for construction. This one, of about 25 minutes, was for an animal overpass. The next one, much shorter, at least provided a view of Mt. Shasta.

 

I got to Weed about 0800 and switched to I-5 for 10 miles to the town of Mt. Shasta, where I picked up CA-89. I was surprised at how quickly the traffic moved, as I didn’t expect a modern mountain road. It passed through a lot of wooded areas, some logged and some not. The mainstay of the sparse traffic was logging trucks. One clear-cut corridor followed power lines. As I approached Lassen I started to note burnt areas (more on that to come).

I reached the Park about 1000 and stopped at the visitor center. The Loomis Museum wasn’t open, but I did buy an overpriced T-shirt at the store. My first photo stop was at a field of shattered rocks from an avalanche.

The Dixie fire in 2021 did considerable damage throughout the park, turning trees into crisp tombstones. While the most devastating view lacked a pull off, here’s a couple of samples – note the hillside in the distance in the second picture.

 

I passed many piles of logs from salvage logging operations. The best mountain views are from a major parking area at about 8500’ altitude.

 

I passed an area with some fumaroles – sulphurous fumes! Finally got out of the park about noon. I knew civilization was nigh when Lake Almanor had a DG. Just past it, more road work – this one is getting totally rebuilt from the base course on up. More road constriction followed.

Finally, I crossed into Nevada, with a nice playa to the left. Traffic into Reno was fast and congested for 3 PM. I missed my side road and managed the I-80 junction. I-80 took me about 20 miles to my hotel, a Courtyard by Marriott. The room is nice but I don’t think I’ll stay at another.

For the day: 269.6 miles, for the trip 2684.3.

Tomorrow: Ely, NV, via US-50, “the loneliest road”