Origin
San Francisco, CA
Afternoon in San Francisco on Sunday
Local time
1:42 PM
PDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from San Francisco, CA to Willow Creek, CA
Drive Time
6h 2m
Distance
315.5 mi
508 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$73
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 49m
★
6 AM
6h 2m
8 AM
6h 28m
10 AM
6h 11m
12 PM
6h 9m
3 PM
6h 12m
5 PM
6h 27m
8 PM
5h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
San Francisco, CA
Abhishek Navlakha
Willow Creek, CA
Gu Bra
Trip Overview
Embarking on the 315.5-mile journey from San Francisco to Willow Creek is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 6 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Because this route is primarily highway-focused, it is manageable as a single-day trip if you are comfortable with a full day behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $73 for fuel to cover the distance, though it is wise to keep an eye on fluctuating prices. The drive stays within the Pacific Coast region, transitioning from the urban environment of the Bay Area toward the more remote northern reaches of California. While you can complete the trip in one go, planning for at least one stop will help keep you refreshed for the final stretch. This route offers a direct path for those looking to reach Willow Creek efficiently without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
157.8 miles from San Francisco, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mix of driving styles as you navigate this route, which is comprised of 80% highway travel. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-505 and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 157.7 miles. CA-299 serves as a key component of the journey, shifting the character of the drive as you move away from the major interstate corridors. The experience is defined by these fast highway segments that make up the bulk of your travel time. Behind the wheel, you will notice the transition from high-speed, multi-lane roads to the winding nature of the regional highways that characterize the approach to Willow Creek.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 505 is the longest continuous segment at about 157.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 505 and CA 299. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 315.5 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.6 miles (I 80 / Eastshore Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
8.7 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward I 80 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 80 East
8
12.6 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
I 80 / Eastshore Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 / Eastshore Freeway toward I 80 East: Vallejo, Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 80 East: Vallejo, Sacramento
7
55.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding
8
55.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding
7
214.3 mi into trip
|
~4h in
Keep slight left at fork toward CA 44 West: Eureka, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 678
Toward CA 44 West: Eureka, Whiskeytown National...
Towns Along This Route
Between San Francisco, CA and Willow Creek, CA, road signs point toward Redding, Susanville and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Redding
55.6 mi in
|
~1h 9m
Susanville
214.1 mi in
|
~4h
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
214.3 mi in
|
~4h
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 505 | 157.7 mi | 2h 49m |
| CA 299 | 74 mi | 1h 28m |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 34 mi | 41m |
| Eureka Way | 25 mi | 29m |
| Eastshore Freeway | 14.3 mi | 16m |
| Linus F. Claeys Freeway | 3.5 mi | 3m |
| CA 44 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| Carquinez Bridge | 1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 505
— 157.7 mi, about 2h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Francisco, CA and Willow Creek, CA.
1
Start on Market Street
312 ft
·
7 sec
·
Market Street
2
Turn right onto 11th Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
11th Street
Use the none lane.
3
Turn left onto Bryant Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Bryant Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 80 East: Oakland
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Merge onto I 80
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 80
Use the none lane.
6
Continue on I 80
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the none lane.
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 80 East
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 880
407 ft
·
6 sec
·
Nimitz Freeway
9
Continue on I 80; I 580
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Eastshore Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Eastshore Freeway
Toward I 80 East: Vallejo, Sacramento
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 80
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Eastshore Freeway
Exit 21
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
12
Continue on I 80
3.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Linus F. Claeys Freeway
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on I 80
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
Eastshore Freeway
Use the none lane.
14
Continue on I 80
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Carquinez Bridge
15
Continue on I 80
14 mi
·
16 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 505
158 mi
·
2 hr 49 min
·
I 505
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 678
Toward CA 44: Eureka, Susanville
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 678
Toward CA 44 West: Eureka, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
22
Merge onto CA 44
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
CA 44
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto CA 44; CA 273; US 99 Hist
489 ft
·
17 sec
·
Pine Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto CA 44; CA 273; US 99 Hist
25 mi
·
29 min
·
Eureka Way
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on CA 299
74 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
CA 299
Use the none lane.
26
Turn right onto CA 96
69 ft
·
1 sec
·
Bigfoot Scenic Byway
27
Arrive at destination
CA 96
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion when leaving the San Francisco area. Since you have a 157.7-mile stretch on I-505, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before hitting the interstate to minimize unnecessary stops. Planning for one dedicated break will provide a necessary reset, especially as you transition onto CA-299 for the remainder of the trip. Keep in mind that while the route is highway-heavy, the final portions require steady attention as the road profile changes. Staying flexible with your pace is your biggest advantage, so prioritize comfort and safety over speed to ensure you arrive in Willow Creek ready for your destination.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 157.8 miles from San Francisco, CA, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.8 miles or 2h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Willow Creek, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving San Francisco, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from San Francisco, CA
This is one driving day of about 315.5 miles and 6h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from San Francisco, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 505 for about 157.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 157.8 mi from San Francisco, CA · 2h 59m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
158 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 157.8 miles from San Francisco, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 505 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.7 miles.
Arriving in Willow Creek, CA
The final approach into Willow Creek, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Willow Creek, CA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$73.06 one way
$146.12 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
110 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $75.35 | $150.69 |
| premium | $6.24 | $77.55 | $155.09 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $70.09 | $140.19 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 94.6 | 1 | $33.13 | $15.14 |
| Efficient EV | 78.9 | 0 | $27.61 | $12.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 126.2 | 1 | $44.17 | $20.19 |
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Willow Creek, CA
Afternoon in Willow Creek on Sunday
Local time
1:42 PM
PDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
28 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 2m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from San Francisco, CA to Willow Creek, CA covers 315.5 miles and takes about 6h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 505, CA 299, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 157.8 miles from San Francisco, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $73.06 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 315.5 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.6 miles (I 80 / Eastshore Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between San Francisco, CA and Willow Creek, CA, road signs point toward Redding, Susanville and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
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