Best route to Jackson Rancheria?

[greyhound]

We are currently at Feather Falls in Oroville CA and heading to Jackson tomorrow. As we are unfamiliar with the area, we asked two different people the best way to get there. (Not wanting to totally rely on the GPS).

One person suggested taking Hwy 70, turn off to meet Hwy 99 at Gridley, follow 99 south as it merges into I-5. Take Hwy 50 east, turn off at Bradshaw St. to Hwy 16. Then on to Hwy 49 to 88 into Jackson.

Another suggested taking Hwy 99 down to just before Galt and head east on Hwy 104 to Hwy 88.

Any advice from those who have been there before?

Thanks,
Dick and Karen

[The Dukes]

Starting at Corning, we usually take I-5 to I-80 east, take I-80 east to Watt Ave. Watt Ave south to Hwy 16. east on 16 to Hwy 49 into Jackson, Hwy 88 est from Jackson about 3 miles to Rancheria turn-off. On Watt Ave, you have about 5+ mliles of expressway traffic, but if you drive the in the middle of the three lanes, at right speed, you can make most of the lights green and you'll have only one lane change as you approach Hwy 16

We find this a lot less of a nail-biter than going through Sacto, changing from I5 to Hwy 50, etc as there are many lane changes due to varying road width and mandatory off ramps. Also the traffic down there is bumper to bumper mosy any time of the day and those folks won't yield a lane change to anyone but a semi!

[nailbender]

We have been to the Jackson Rancheria twice and took Hwy 70 from Paradise (which is just a few miles from Oroville) to I-5, then Hwy 50 to Bradshaw. Your best bet is to follow The Dukes suggestion, they have been there many times and know the best route. The most important thing is not to follow your GPS once you get to Jackson. The Rancheria is located on a private road that is not shown on maps or GPS. Follow the driving directions that are on the Rancheria's web site.

[Carl n Susan]

X2 what Nailbender and The Dukes say. Do not use a GPS to get to the casino once you are in Jackson. Use the instructions on the Jackson Rancheria web site.

[maximo]

I live near Ione, 12 miles West of Jackson. Take Hwy 99 South, approx 1 mile South of Galt take Liberty Road East, Take left on HWY 88 to Jackson and the Jackson Rancheria. Liberty Road is straight as a arrow, no hills and 2 stop signs. Jackson has 4 red lights. Less than a 1 hour drive from Hwy 99 to the Rancheria.

Frank

[greyhound]

Thanks for the suggestions. We think we will take the Dukes' route as it misses some of that core congestion. We appreciate your help. Jackson, here we come!

[Capt Kidd]

When I go to Jackson I go further east on hyw 50 to Zinfandel then south to hyw 16. This way you avoid some of the stop lights.

[maximo]

I drive all these roads many times a month. Good luck on the other directions, traffic, stop lights, hills, turns and narrow roads are a real bitch.

Frank

[PapaBeav]

The RV Park is on Dalton Rd, but the road is not on our GPS. They say its because it is a private road and not on any GPS, so check yours. I found the easiest way to get to the park is off of Hwy 88. So if you want to plug the coordinates into your GPS, here they are. These are for the intersection of Dalton and Hwy 88 where you turn in. N38 21.741 W 120 44.035. Then just follow the signs up the hill about 3/4 of a mile.

[greyhound]

For anyone still reading this post:

We made it to Jackson. I-80 was fine, but a lot of congestion on Watts. Then as we entered Jackson we missed the left turn onto 88, but circled back around. That was the only turn we missed! It's interesting to note that Jackson's website doesn't warn you about not following GPS instructions. In fact, their link from their own website to driving instructions includes the Ridge road route. There was a sign at Ridge Road intersection to encourage you to continue on Hwy 49 to Jackson Rancheria.

We will probably try Frank's suggestion of Hwy 88 to Liberty Rd. to Hwy99 on the way back north. (Frank- we sent you a Question on a PM).

Having a great time at Jackson. Scenery is beautiful and we even won some money!

[The Dukes]

Sorry you found Watt Ave. too congested, but we consider it the best alternative to get across Sacto. We have had too many close calls using the I5, Hwy99, Hwy 50 combination as those people on the freeways down there drive like a bunch of maniacs on a death mission. At least on Watt they are driving 45 instead of 70-75 mph while cutting in and out.

Warren