Best route from SMF> Arcata> Medocino> SMF

Question

Hi, we have a road trip planned with flights in/out of SMF and lodging in Arcata then Mendocino in May. Looking to get any suggestions for routes. We would love to avoid the worst of the mountainous roads if we can. We have a whole day to drive between Arcata and Mendocino, so we've planned to stop at Shelter Cove on the way. Is there anything else we must see on that day? Any suggestions are appreciated. :)

Answer

Driving from Sacramento (SMF) to Arcata, then on to Mendocino and back to SMF is a fantastic Northern California road trip, offering a mix of redwoods, rugged coastline, and charming small towns. Since you want to avoid the worst mountainous roads, it’s best to stick mostly to U.S. Route 101 along the coast and main highways, rather than the steep backroads.

Here’s a suggested routing and itinerary:

SMF to Arcata: Take I-80 West from Sacramento toward Vallejo, then US-101 North through Humboldt County. This route is fairly straightforward with some hilly sections but nothing extreme. Total drive: roughly 5–6 hours without long stops.
Arcata: Explore the town’s Old Town district, the Arcata Plaza, and nearby Arcata Marsh for a short nature walk. Humboldt Redwoods State Park is nearby if you want to walk among the towering trees.

Arcata to Mendocino (via Shelter Cove) – Full Day Drive:

From Arcata, take US-101 South to Fortuna and continue toward Shelter Cove. The drive to Shelter Cove is along CA-1 / Shelter Cove Road, which is scenic but includes winding sections; take your time and drive cautiously. Plan for several hours including stops.
At Shelter Cove, enjoy the rugged coastline and beach views. There are opportunities for short hikes or a picnic.
Optional stops along the way:

Confusion Hill near Piercy – a quirky roadside attraction.
Redwood National and State Parks trailheads along US-101 and CA-1 for short hikes.
Glass Beach at Fort Bragg – famous for colorful sea glass along the shore.

After Shelter Cove, continue south on CA-1, rejoining US-101 toward Mendocino. This coastal drive is scenic, with a few curvy sections but generally manageable.

Mendocino: Walk around the charming village, explore Mendocino Headlands State Park, and check out local galleries and shops. The coastline here is breathtaking.

Return to SMF: Take US-101 South to Willits, then CA-20 East toward Clear Lake, and finally I-505 / I-80 East back to Sacramento. This avoids the smaller mountainous backroads and keeps the drive relatively smooth, while still offering some scenic views through the northern coast range. Total drive: ~5–6 hours.

Additional Tips:

Start early from Arcata to make the most of the day and daylight for coastal views.
Pack snacks and water; some stretches, especially Shelter Cove, have limited dining options.
Check road conditions on CA-1, as landslides or construction can affect travel.
Fuel up frequently; some areas along the coast have long gaps between gas stations.

This route gives you a mix of forest, coast, and charming towns without forcing you onto extreme mountain roads, while allowing plenty of stops for sightseeing and photos.