Spanning 667.1 miles from Long Beach to Willow Creek, this journey requires a significant commitment of about 12 hours and 23 minutes of pure driving time. Because of the length, trying to tackle this in a single day is exhausting, so I highly recommend splitting the trip into two days to keep your focus sharp. You will spend roughly 91% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing the San Diego Freeway and the Westside Freeway before transitioning to CA 299. Budgeting around $154 for fuel is a smart move before you head out. While both cities sit within the Pacific Coast region, the shift from the dense urban sprawl of the south to the northern interior geography makes for a distinct change in scenery.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
333.5 miles from Long Beach, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 6h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
425.9 mi
7h 39m
CA 299
74 mi
1h 28m
San Diego Freeway
40.8 mi
47m
I 5 Truck
39.3 mi
45m
Cascade Wonderland Highway
31.6 mi
34m
Eureka Way
25 mi
29m
Golden State Freeway
22.3 mi
25m
Long Beach Freeway
2.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 425.9 mi, about 7h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Long Beach, CA and Willow Creek, CA.
1
Start on East Ocean Boulevard
0.7 mi·2 min·East Ocean Boulevard
2
Turn right onto North Golden Avenue
414 ft·6 sec·North Golden Avenue
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 710 North
4
Merge onto Shoreline Drive
0.5 mi·47 sec·Shoreline Drive
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·31 sec
Toward I 710 North
6
Merge onto I 710
0.5 mi·41 sec·Seaside Freeway
7
Continue on I 710
2.3 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi·10 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica, San DiegoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway North, Santa MonicaUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa MonicaUse the sharp right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa MonicaUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 405 NorthUse the straight lane.
13
Merge onto I 405
41 mi·47 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.6 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
1.5 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Exit 161AToward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 TruckUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi·41 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi·25 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
226 mi·4 hr 1 min·Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
26 mi·27 min·Westside Freeway
20
Keep left at fork onto I 5
54 mi·59 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
121 mi·2 hr 10 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 5
32 mi·34 min·Cascade Wonderland Highway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 678Toward CA 44: Eureka, Susanville
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 678Toward CA 44 West: Eureka, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
25
Merge onto CA 44
1.2 mi·1 min·CA 44
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn right onto CA 44; CA 273; US 99 Hist
489 ft·17 sec·Pine Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto CA 44; CA 273; US 99 Hist
25 mi·29 min·Eureka Way
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on CA 299
74 mi·1 hr 28 min·CA 299
29
Turn right onto CA 96
69 ft·1 sec·Bigfoot Scenic Byway
30
Arrive at destination
CA 96
Trip Plan
Given the 667.1-mile distance, plan to leave early in the morning to maximize daylight for the final, more complex sections of the drive. I suggest scheduling at least 3 planned stops to break up the 12-hour duration and maintain your energy levels. Since you face a lengthy 425.9-mile haul on the Westside Freeway, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that stretch to avoid unnecessary stress in remote areas. Splitting the drive over two days is the best way to handle the mileage comfortably. Prioritize your rest stops strategically before you hit CA 299, as the transition to this state route often demands more focus than the earlier freeway portions.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 333.5 miles from Long Beach, CA, or about 6h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 425.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 147 miles or 2h 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 333.5 miles or 6h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 333.5 miles or 6h 9m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 11h 11m
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 Long Beach, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Long Beach, CA
Aim for roughly 334 miles and 6.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Willow Creek, CA
Aim for roughly 334 miles and 6.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 147 miles from Long Beach, CA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 425.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.7 and 48.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
4.7 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the exit toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica, San Diego
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 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica,...
9
4.8 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway North, Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway N...
8
4.9 mi into trip|~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the sharp right lane.
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
8
5.2 mi into trip|~8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
9
48.2 mi into trip|~59m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$153.33 one way
$306.66 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg233 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$158.00
$316.01
premium
$6.18
$162.23
$324.46
diesel
$5.61
$147.29
$294.57
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$153
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$283–$393
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 233.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $70 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
200.1
2
$70.05
$32.02
Efficient EV
166.8
1
$58.37
$26.68
EV Truck/SUV
266.8
3
$93.39
$42.69
Gas CO2
233 kg
EV CO2
78 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Long Beach, CA
Evening
in Long Beach on Saturday
Local time
6:26 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Willow Creek, CA
Evening
in Willow Creek on Saturday
Local time
6:26 PM
PDT
Current temp
58°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
12h 23m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the r...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
$15
near mile 575
Caution: Winter Hazards on Trails - Downed Trees and High Water
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...
Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 115
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by two very different driving experiences. You will spend your initial hours navigating the high-traffic corridors of the San Diego and Westside Freeways, which account for a massive 425.9-mile stretch of uninterrupted highway driving. This section is largely an interstate grind designed for covering ground quickly. Once you transition onto CA 299, the character of the road shifts significantly as you move away from the major freeways. The final segments require more attention behind the wheel compared to the monotonous early stretches, as the road environment becomes more localized and technical as you approach Willow Creek.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 425.9 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and CA 299. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 667.1 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 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Long Beach, CA and Willow Creek, CA, road signs point toward Susanville and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Long Beach is a large port city in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Long Beach has some nice people-gathering amenities and genuine tourist attractions, such as a world-class aquarium and the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel. Special events are also held in the city like the annual Long Beach Grand Prix (a premier racing event held on city streets) and the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event. When compared to other areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and West L.A., Long Beach may not always be at the top of someone's tourist visit to the Los Angeles area, but the city draws its fair share of visitors and has proven it can definitely hold its own.
Top landmarks
•RMS Queen Mary — retired British ocean liner
•Terminal Island — island in Los Angeles County, California, United States
•Aquarium of the Pacific — public aquarium in Long Beach, California
The longest stretch is about 425.9 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 334 miles on day one.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Willow Creek, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 3 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 12.4 hours each way, a round trip means 24.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Willow Creek, CA before the return drive.
