Interstate 5

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Interstate 5



Interstate 5 (I-5) is a United States interstate highway that starts at the border with Mexico in San Ysidro, California and runs 1381 miles (2223 km) north through the states of California, Oregon and Washington to the border with Canada in Blaine, Washington. It serves as an important north-south transportation corridor along the U.S west coast connecting the major cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle; the three state capitals of California (Sacramento), Oregon (Salem) and Washington (Olympia); and two additional major cities in neighboring countries (Tijuana & Vancouver) just over the international borders.

Understand

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Interstate 5 (I-5) replaces the former US Route 99 (Pacific Hwy Auto Trail from before 1926) from Blaine, Washington to Los Angeles, California and the old US Route 101 from Los Angeles to San Diego, California as the main north-south route along the west coast. The old U.S. Highway 99 then continued east along the present Interstate 10 from Los Angeles to Indio CA. From Indio U.S. Highway 99 turns south towards the Mexican border in Calexico, on the present day CA-86, along the western shores of the Salton Sea; and from Brawley to Calexico on CA-111. Prior to 1926, the old Pacific Highway Auto Trail went from Davis, California, along Interstate 80 (formerly US Hwy 40) into San Francisco where it went south towards San Diego along US Highway 101.

After decommissioning in the 1960s segments of the old US Highway 99 have been re-numbered to State Route 99 (SR-99) in Washington, Oregon and California while other sections have been re-assigned different state highway numbers in all three states. Others have been decommissioned altogether as a U.S. and state highway (not numbered) but are still remembered by being named "Pacific Highway" (in OR & WA); "Golden State", "County Rd 99", "Old Highway 101" (in CA); "Old Highway 99" or by a different name (in all three states). The old Highway 99/101 can serve as an alternate scenic drive alongside the present I-5 corridor in rural areas while passing through urban areas (or in small towns) as local surface streets. It is accessible from I-5 through multiple exits in all three states. Because of its continuity and its close proximity to the I-5 corridor, in most places, the old Highway 99/101 can serve as an alternate route around a traffic jam on I-5 if needed. There are other sections of the old Highway 99 that are decommissioned as a road for vehicle travel and are used primarily as walking and bicycling trails.

There are no toll segments on the "Freeway". Plans are underway to upgrade the Interstate Bridge (I-5) and the Glenn Jackson Bridge (I-205), over the Columbia River, between Oregon and Washington. Therefore, tolls will be collected to cross these bridges between the two states to compensate the cost of the upgrades.

Prepare

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See also: Driving in the United States
See also: Winter driving

You'll obviously need a vehicle, but there is nothing really necessary for the route unless you want to eat your own food or you're coming from another country, in which case you might need passports, for example, to get in. Services are generally available and are closer together along I-5.

Traffic on I-5 usually goes on mostly uninterrupted all year round but during winters the sections of I-5 through the Siskiyous between Medford, Oregon and Weed (or even Redding), California can be interrupted prompting the closure of I-5 through the Siskiyous in Southern Oregon and Northern California. This may even prompt authorities to require chains and slower driving or closing the highway in one or both directions. In winter weather it is not recommended for travelers use secondary roads, to get around the closed highway, as they are not usually plowed or sanded. Therefore travelers should plan on using the coastal highway on US 101 before reaching the Siskiyous via CA-36 from Red Bluff to Fortuna or from further south and on US Hwy 199 from Grants Pass to Crescent City or further north. Check the weather and traffic reports before taking alternate routes.

During blizzards, enough snow to get you stuck can fall in very little time. Visibility may also be restricted by falling or blowing snow or by condensation or ice on vehicle windows.

Cold weather is hard work for the car. A weak battery, ice on electrical parts or in fuel, frozen diesel, or a frozen cooling system may cause your car to break down. If you get stuck, you may be at risk for frostbite or hypothermia; see cold weather, snow safety and ice safety for discussion.

Get in

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Interstate 5 begins/ends at the US/Mexican border crossing in San Ysidro at 15 mi (24 km) south of San Diego. Continuing south the freeway splits up with the right two lanes west towards Las Playas of Tijuana on via Internacional and the left two lanes going straight ahead (south) into Zona Rio as Av Via Rapida. The highway continues as Mexico Federal Hwy 1/D along the Pacific Coast towards Ensenada from Las Playas in Tijuana. In the north, I-5 begins/ends at the US/Canadian border crossing at Peach Arch Park in Blaine, Washington. From the border crossing, the freeway continues the next 25 mi (40 km) north to the Oak Street Bridge, over the Fraser River as BC-Hwy 99 where the freeway ends at. From the bridge, BC-Hwy 99 continues towards Vancouver as Granville St through the South Vancouver neighborhood.

Interstate 5 intersects other major US interstate highways diverging to/from different directions such as Interstate 15 and Interstate 8 in San Diego; Interstate 10 in Los Angeles; Interstate 80 in Sacramento; Interstate 84 in Portland; Interstate 90 in Seattle and various three digit interstates (serving as local auxiliary highways), state and U.S highways where travelers can enter and leave I-5.

By plane

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See also: Air travel in the United States

The Interstate 5 corridor can be accessed by plane through San Diego, Santa Ana, Burbank, Sacramento, Medford, Portland, Seattle, Everett and Bellingham with airports next to or near the freeway. In other cities, such as Los Angeles and Long Beach the airport can be further away (20-40 mi/32-64 km) from the I-5 corridor on another highway. From outside the U.S. the I-5 corridor is also accessed from Vancouver International Airport and Tijuana's General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport.

Go

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By train

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See also: Rail travel in the United States
Amtrak Coast Starlight (interactive map)

Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains "more or less" along the Interstate 5 corridor serving the major west coast cities. Some segments are further away such as the segment from Emeryville to Oxnard in California while other parts of the route are practically next to the freeway such as the segment between Longview and Centralia in Washington state. The following routes operate along the I-5 corridor: (updated Mar 2022)

  • Amtrak Coast Starlight runs once daily between Los Angeles and Seattle via Portland, Klamath Falls, Redding, Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley and Van Nuys. It shares the same route with the Cascades between Seattle and Eugene, with the same stops (except Tukwila, Vancouver, Washington, and Oregon City); and with the Pacific Surfliner between San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles (see below).
  • Amtrak Cascades runs between Seattle and Portland four times daily serving Tukwila, Tacoma, Lacey (Olympia), Centralia and Kelso in Washington state. They run from Seattle to Vancouver via Everett, Stanwood, Mt Vernon & Bellingham twice daily and from Portland to Eugene via Oregon City, Salem & Albany twice daily. Additional service from Seattle to Vancouver and from Portland to Eugene are provided on the Amtrak Thruway Bus.
  • Pacific Surfliner San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Los Angeles & San Diego. The segment of this route closest or parallel to the I-5 corridor is between Simi Valley and San Diego. Passengers continue south towards the Mexican border in San Ysidro on the SDMTS 'UC San Diego Blue Line' Trolley from the American Plaza Station, across the street the Santa Fe Station.
  • San Joaquins Sacramento, Merced, Stockton, Fresno and Bakersfield. Some trains on this route will go west towards Emeryville and Oakland from Stockton instead of continuing north to Sacramento. This route is then connected to Los Angeles from Bakersfield and from Stockton & Sacramento to Redding by Thruway buses via I-5.

By bus

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See also: Long-distance bus travel in the United States

There are several bus companies operating buses along the I-5/CA-Hwy 99 corridor with Greyhound, Flixbus and Fronteras del Norte serving the entire length while other companies operate buses along certain sections of the I-5 corridor in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon or Washington) or California to make the trip possible without a car:

  • Greyhound Lines, Bolt Bus, Cruceros USA, toll-free: +1-800-231-2222. Travels along the entire I-5/CA-Hwy 99 corridor between Tijuana, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle,Vancouver BC and several smaller cities/towns in between each of the above cities. Some of their schedules run contiguously between Seattle and Los Angeles while others break up the trip in Sacramento and/or Portland, requiring a layover or transfer. Cruceros USA is their cross-border shuttle connecting Los Angeles to Tijuana via Santa Ana. 
  • BellAir Airporter, toll-free: +1-866-235-5247. Goes up from SeaTac & downtown Seattle to Stanwood, Burlington/Mt Vernon, Bellingham & Blaine on one route and a separate route to Anacortes and the San Juan ferry terminal from Burlington. 
  • Cantrail & Amtrak Cascades Thruway Bus, (bus stops) Seattle's King Street Station & Vancouver's Pacific Station. Additional stops at Sandmans Signature Hotel and Pacific Inn in Surrey. No additional stops in the U.S., toll-free: +1-877-940-5561. Operates direct express buses between Seattle and Vancouver, BC $40 for one-way, $75 round trip; discounts for students, military, seniors & children ages 4-11.. 
  • Flixbus, ☏ +1 855 626-8585. Travels along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Eugene on one segment and from San Francisco to Los Angeles on another. (updated May 2020)
  • Fronteras del Norte, ☏ +1 323 587-5233. Connects Pasco, Sunnyside & Yakima WA in eastern Washington (state) to Los Angeles and the Mexican border in San Ysidro via Portland, OR. They travel along I-5 between Portland, Los Angeles and the Mexican border in San Ysidro. (updated May 2020)
  • Hoang Express, ☏ +1 714 839-3500, toll-free: +1-888-834-9336. Travels between SoCal (San Diego, El Monte, Los Angeles, Westminster) and Sacramento along the I-5 corridor. $60-65 to Bay Area; $80 to Sacramento. 
  • International Bus Lines (formerly Intercalifornias), toll-free: +1-888-834-9336. Buses goes up from Tijuana to San Ysidro, Santa Ana, Los Angeles San Fernando, Bakersfield, Fresno, and San Jose/Stockton (route splits/joins in Madero) along the I-5/CA-99 corridor. Prices vary depending on your destination. 
  • Lower Columbia CAP, Longview Transit Center, ☏ +1 360 200-4911, +1 360 200-4910. Rural public bus system connecting Longview to Vancouver, WA through Kalama, and Woodland. Connections to Greyhound in Kelso if using this option. $2 Each Way. 
  • Oregon Point-Cascade Point Line & Amtrak Cascades Thruway Bus (Operated by MTR Western), ☏ +1 541 484-4100. Bus between Portland, Woodburn, Salem, Albany & Eugene. (updated Apr 2016)
  • Oregon Point-Southwest Point (Operated by Klamath Shuttle), ☏ +1 541 883-2609. Connects Brookings to Klamath Falls via Crescent City, Grants Pass, Gold Hill, Medford and Ashland, etc. (updated Dec 2016)
  • Quick Shuttle, toll-free: +1-800-665-2122. Runs between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Stops in Downtown Seattle (outside the Best Western at 200 Taylor Ave N) and SeaTac Airport (at the main terminal near south end of baggage claim, outside door 00, bays 11-16. Provides affordable and reliable transportation from Seatac Airport, Downtown Seattle, Bellingham Airport to Vancouver Airport, Downtown Vancouver and Cruise Ship Terminals. Fares from Vancouver to Downtown Seattle are round-trip; $36 one-way, $65. From Vancouver to SeaTac, fares are $49 one-way, $87 round-trip.. (updated Sep 2022)
  • Rapid Connections LLC, ☏ +1 559 442-3000. Buses goes up to Sacramento via San Fernando, Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton and several other places along SR-99; and down to Tijuana via Santa Ana and San Ysidro. (updated Oct 2016)
  • Tufesa, ☏ +1 213 489-8079. Connects Los Angeles to Sacramento (via Bakersfield, Fresno, etc); to Salt Lake City (via Barstow, Las Vegas, St George, etc); to Hermosillo (via Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales); San Francisco Bay Area; and to Tijuana (via Santa Ana, San Diego/San Ysidro). Prices vary depending on your destination. (updated Nov 2022)

There are additional express and local buses operating as local public transportation along the I-5 corridor at varying distances in different places. These options are generally cheaper than Greyhound or other intercity carriers for the same distances. See "By bus" under "Get in" and "Get around" in the article of a particular city or locale and under "Get around" in a state article for an additional list of other bus companies serving the west coast.

Drive

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Map
Map of Interstate 5

Mile markers are statewide mileposts, starting with "0" at the south border of each state which increases as you go north and then starts over at "0" when crossing the state line into the next state. Therefore, when going south the numbers on the mileposts will decrease and then start over at the highest number (276 in Washington, 308 in Oregon & 796 in California) when crossing a state line. The exit numbers correspond with the mileposts so some numbers may be skipped if the exits are further apart from one to the next. Other exits that are next to each other or "2 in 1" may have the same exit number followed by an "A", "B" or even a "C" such as "Exit #100A" to get on A St, "Exit #100B" to get on B St and so forth.

The maximum speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars on rural stretches and 65 mph (104 km/h) in urban areas or lower if posted otherwise. Speed limit for large trucks is 55 mph (88 km/h) in both rural and urban areas.

From its southern end near Wheeler Ridge (Exit 221 of I-5) to its northern end at SR 36 in Red Bluff, State Route (SR) 99 goes through the densely populated eastern parts of the valley. Cities served include Bakersfield, Delano, Tulare, Visalia, Kingsburg, Selma, Fresno, Madera, Yosemite National Park, Merced, Turlock, Modesto, Manteca, Stockton, Sacramento, Yuba City, and Chico. SR 99 replaces US Route 99 between Wheeler Ridge and Sacramento and US Route 99E from Sacramento to Red Bluff (as the Golden State Freeway). Interstate 5 bypasses the Central Valley along its western edge between Wheeler Ridge and Sacramento and replaces US Route 99W between Sacramento and Red Bluff as the Westside Freeway.


Historically US Route 99 splits in Sacramento at the present junction of State Route (SR) 99 and US Route 50. US Route 99W goes west from Sacramento to Davis along I-80 (formerly US Hwy 40), from Davis to Woodland on Road 99, and alongside I-5 from Woodland to Red Bluff. The old US Route 99E goes east along I-80/US Route 50 to Roseville. SR-65 from Roseville to Olivehurst; SR-70 from Olivehurst to Yuba City and on the Golden State Freeway (present day CA-99) from Yuba City to Red Bluff. The remaining segments in northern California, to Oregon, have been decommissioned as a US or state highway except SR 273 through Anderson and Redding; SR 263 and a section of SR 96 between Holbrook and Yreka; or as Business Loop (BL) 5 through different towns along the way in northern California. In southern California the old Highway 99 continues east along the present Interstate 10 from Los Angeles to Indio and then SR 86 from Indio to Brawley along the western shores of the Salton Sea. From Brawley to the Mexican border in Calexico the Old Hwy 99 follows SR-111. In everywhere else the Old Hwy 99 exists as local roads/streets named "Old Highway 99", "State Highway 99W", "Golden State", "Road 99" or by a different name from a time before the Golden State Freeway (US Route 99/99E, Los Angeles to Red Bluff) and the Cascade Wonderland Freeway (from Red Bluff to the Oregon border) were built in the 1940s through the 1950s which are described throughout this article in the below:

Beginning of Interstate 5 into San Ysidro from Tijuana
  • 1 San Ysidro (Mile 0). Border crossing at the international border with Mexico at Tijuana. San Ysidro (Q3471654) on Wikidata San_Ysidro,_San_Diego on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2016)
  • North (NB); Camino de la Plaza (SB) (Exit 1A). Interstate 805 serves as a local auxiliary/by-pass highway that continues 32 mi (51 km) around to the eastside through the North Park, Mission Valley, Clairemont, and University City neighborhoods. It rejoins I-5 at Exit 32 in Sorrento Valley. If you miss this exit there are numerous east-west roads connecting the 5 to the 805 further north. The other exit 1A from the southbound lanes only goes into Camino de la Plaza which accesses the Las Americas Premium Outlets, San Ysidro Village Mall and the border station parking for those who plan to take a day trip into Tijuana by foot and not drive across the border. It is closer to the PedWest port of entry which is closer to Plaza Viva and downtown Tijuana than the main border crossing east of I-5. Last USA exit before the border crossing into Mexico for southbound travelers. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Via de San Ysidro (Exit 1B). Accessible from both directions. Access to I-805 from the southbound lanes via W San Ysidro Blvd as there is no direct access to I-805 at Exit 1A from the southbound lanes. Border_Field_State_Park on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • 2 San Ysidro Blvd, Dairy Mart Rd (NB); Dairy Mart Rd (SB) (Exit 2). Dairy Mart Rd goes south and then curves west as Monumental Rd to Border Field State Park (at the beach by the border) through International Park and the Tijuana River Reserve. North bound exits go into San Ysidro Blvd. Take a left on San Ysidro Blvd, after exit, to reach Dairy Mart Rd. Border Field State Park (Q4944563) on Wikidata Border_Field_State_Park on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
  • East, Tocayo Ave (Exit 3). SR-905 goes east to the Otay Mesa border crossing (for trucks) and into Otay Mesa, an industrial neighborhood east of Tijuana. The road goes past I-805, the industrial Otay Mesa neighborhood on the American side, CBX airport terminal (access to Tijuana airport from the American side), and the Brown Field Airport. Going west of I-5, SR-905 ends and becomes Tocayo Ave. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 3 Chula Vista (Exits 7A-9). There are five exits for Chula Vista. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 4 National City (Exits 10-12). There are four exits for National City. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 5 San Diego (Exits 13A-36). There are over thirty exits for San Diego. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Riverside (Interstate 15) (Exit 13A). Interstate 15 runs 1,433 mi (2,306 km) north from southern California to the Canadian border in Sweet Grass through Nevada, NW corner of Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana. The same highway continues another 108 km to Lethbridge AB as Hwy 4. It is the most convenient route for travelers going to the Inland Empire and Las Vegas and another way to reach the local communities of Miramar, Mira Mesa and Poway and to Escondido in North San Diego County from San Diego (proper). From here the exit is marked as State Route (SR) 15 which becomes I-15 north of its junction with I-8. For travelers moving towards Arizona, Texas or Florida it is more efficient to go east on I-8 to I-10 in Casa Grande, Arizona rather than continuing north on I-15/215 to I-10 in San Bernardino, Use I-40 from I-15 in Barstow for moving towards Tennessee. (updated Jun 2019)
  • " San Diego Airport, Sassafras St" (SB Side); "Pacific Highway" (NB Side) (Exit 18A). Travelers going towards 1 San Diego International Airport (Limbaugh Field) from the northbound lanes would exit off at 17A just north of downtown San Diego.The rental car center can be reached through Washington St at Exit 19 from both directions. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Washington St (Exit 18B). (updated Aug 2022)
  • Old Town Ave (Exit 19). Nearest access to Old Town San Diego from Interstate 5. (updated Aug 2022)
  • East El Centro (Exit 20). Interstate 8 begins/ends 2.5 mi (4.0 km) west of the I-5 corridor at its junction with Nimtz & Sunset Cliff Blvd. It goes 347 mi (558 km) east across the Cuyamaca Mountains, Imperial Valley and Sonoran Deserts to its junction with I-10 in Casa Grande, AZ. It passes through El Centro, Yuma and Gila Bend before reaching Casa Grande. Locally it crosses I-15/SR-15 (Exit 7); and serves Old Town (Taylor St & Hotel Circle @ Exit 3); La Mesa (Exits 11-14); El Cajon (Exits 15-20) and Alpine (Exits 30 & 33) before heading up the Cuyamaca Mountains and into the Imperial Valley. Travelers going towards Phoenix can exit from I-8 at AZ-85 (AZ Exit 115) in Gila Bend and go north along AZ-85 to I-10 in Buckeye, west of Phoenix. Others going to the Mexican border at Mexicali can leave I-8 at CA-111 (Exit 118A) and go south on CA-111 into Calexico. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Sea World Dr, Tecolote Road (Exit 21). Go west on Sea World Drive to reach Sea World at Mission Bay. Road continues past Sea World towards the beaches as W Mission Bay Dr and ends at its intersection with Mission Blvd in the Mission Beach neighborhood. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 6 Encinitas (Exits 39-41B). There are four exits for Encinitas. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 7 Carlsbad (Exits 43-51A). There are eight exits for Carlsbad. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 8 Oceanside (Exits 51B-54C). There are seven exits for Oceanside. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 2 Aliso Creek Rest Area (Exit 59 (northbound), Exit 60 (southbound) / Mile 59.87). Closed for maintenance Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 9 Basilone Road (Exit 71 / Mile 71.3). There are a handful of fast food restaurants, a commissary, and a single gas station on the east side of the interstate, but these lie behind a gate to Camp Pendleton Marine Base and are thus off-limits to non-military travelers. Less than a mile south of this exit, San Onofre State Beach is publicly accessible and is a popular surfing spot that also offers camping. A short distance further south, the now-decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is visible just west of the interstate; the station's twin spherical containment buildings famously inspired Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun to lament that "everywhere I look something reminds me of her". (updated Mar 2016)

Past the Camp Pendleton Marine Base the interstate enters the large conurbation of cities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This section is multi-lane (3 to 8) in both directions and is busy with traffic at nearly all times of the day. If at all possible avoid driving at peak commuter times. Some drivers may be tempted to take Interstate 405 as an alternate route, but check traffic conditions before doing so as it is often even worse for traffic congestion.

  • San Clemente (Exits 73-77). There are five exits for San Clemente. El Camino Real runs almost parallel to the highway and has a number of restaurants, many of which are Mexican. Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • Dana Point (Exits 78-79). There are two exits for Dana Point. (updated Mar 2016)
  • San Juan Capistrano (Exits 81-83). There are three exits for San Juan Capistrano. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Mission Viejo (Exits 85A-88). There are four exits for Mission Viejo. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Laguna Hills (Exits 89-92). There are four exits for Laguna Hills. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Irvine (Exits 94-100). There are eight exits for Irvine. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 10 Sand Canyon, Old Town, East Irvine (Exit 96 / Mile 96.22). In addition to the chance to have a Knowlwood Burger in a building built in 1900, check out the 19th-century Irvine Bean and Growers Association Building.Food Lodging Fuel (updated Jan 2016)
  • Tustin (Exits 101-103). There are four exits for Tustin. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Santa Ana (Exits 103-105). There are five exits for Santa Ana. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Anaheim (Exits 109-113). There are seven exits for Anaheim. (updated Mar 2016)
  • 11 Buena Park (Exit 116 / Mile 115.71). On Beach Blvd there are a number of chain hotels and restaurants such as Fuddruckers. Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • Los Angeles. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Santa Clarita (Exits 163-172). There are eight exits for Santa Clarita. (updated Mar 2016)
    • 12 Magic Mountain Parkway (Exit 170 / Mile 170.23). The famous Magic Mountain amusement park is along the western side of the freeway and is home to roller coasters that have held world records for height and speed; freeway travelers will have an excellent view of thrill seekers taking the plunge over one of the many terrifying hills on the park's iconic rides. There are gas stations, chain restaurants and hotels at the exit that cater to park visitors, but expect heavier than normal traffic in the area during the summer when the park is busiest. Fuel Food Lodging (updated Mar 2016)

Tehachapi Mountains

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The road climbs out of the San Fernando Valley, which although multi-lane will have slow-moving traffic before entering the Santa Clarita Valley. Oddly, at one point the north and south bound carriageways cross and run for a number of miles separate from one another.

  • 13 Castaic (Exit 176 / Mile 176.15). Fuel Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • 3 Tejon Pass Rest Area (Exit 206 / Mile 205.97). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 14 Lebec Road (Exit 207 / Mile 206.88). The highway descends at a sharp six percent grade through a curving path within Grapevine Canyon from Lebec down to the Central Valley. The original route was infamous for its accidents until being straightened and widened between 1933-34. This stretch of road is known as The Grapevine and is often closed during storms when driving conditions become treacherous. (updated Jan 2016)

Most of this section is two-lane carriageway in both directions, running straight with only small rises though sparsely populated areas. Most of the route here is uninteresting, though in some places small detours reveal points of interest.

  • 15 Laval Road (Exit 219A & B / Mile 218.79). The Laval Road exit has undergone dramatic development by the Tejon Ranch Corporation and now offers significant amenities for travelers. The Outlets at Tejon have over 70 outlet stores. Food options include Chipotle, Subway, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Panda Express, Black Bear Diner, and Carl's Jr. Gas options include Shell, Travel America, Chevron, Mobil, and Petro. Fuel Food (updated Jan 2016)
  • 16 Bakersfield-Fresno (Exit 221). The Golden State Freeway continues north as SR-99 towards Sacramento. It passes through Bakersfield, Madera, Merced, Fresno, Turlock, Stockton and other cities and towns of the Central Valley. I-5 exits off to the right, goes over the Golden State Freeway, and forms a separate Westside Freeway which goes through Los Banos, Tracy, Jct I-580, Lodi and Stockton. The cities along the Golden State Freeway (SR-99) can still be accessed from the Westside Freeway (I-5) on different east-west roads crossing over I-5. This exit is accessed only by northbound traffic, while southbound traffic on I-5 merges into the Golden State Freeway (SR-99) which continues south as I-5. There are additional sections of the Old Hwy 99 through the San Jaoquin Valley that served as US Hwy 99 from before the construction of the Golden State Freeway in the 1940s and are in existence today. They carry names like "Old Highway 99", "Road 99" or by a local name as surface streets through many of the cities and towns of the San Joaquin Valley. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 17 Bear Mountain Rd (Exit 239). Goes east 30 mi (48 km) to its other end at SR-58, east of Bakersfield and another 107 mi (172 km) east to Exit #179 of I-15 in Barstow on SR-58. This serves as a bypass of the Los Angeles area from Bakersfield or anywhere north along the I-5/CA-99 to Las Vegas (I-15); Phoenix (I-40/US Hwy 93); the Grand Canyon (I-40), etc through Barstow and to San Bernardino & Riverside (US Hwy 395, I-15, 215) through Kramer Jct and Victorville. Travelers from the Bay Area or anywhere north, going towards Texas or Florida would go south on I-15/215 from CA-58 and then east on I-10 via San Bernardino. Other travelers going towards Tennessee or the Carolinas would go east on I-40 from Barstow instead of I-10. There are no services immediately available from the freeway but are available in the town of Arvin 25 mi (40 km) east along SR-223. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 18 Buttonwillow & McKittrick (Exit 257 / Mile 257.42). The town of Buttonwillow is actually five miles west of the interstate, but more than enough gas stations, fast food restaurants and even a couple of motels are clustered just off of the east side of the highway. For those heading north, services start to become sparse, so this is a stop worth considering if your gas tank is heading towards empty. Chevron, Mobil, Arco, Shell, and Travel Centers of America are all fuel options, while food options include Starbucks, Denny's, Carl's Jr, McDonald's, Taste of India, and Tita's Pupuseria. Fuel Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • 4 Buttonwillow Rest Area (Exit 259 / Mile 259.38). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 19 Lost Hills (Exit 278 / Mile 278.29). Just off the highway are a number of gas stations and fast food establishments. The town further down the road only really caters for local agricultural workers. Fuel Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • 20 Twisselman Road (Exit 288 / Mile 287.62). This exit lacks services, but may be worth a stop between October and March to visit the Kern National Wildlife refuge. The refuge is about seven miles east of the interstate. It is a winter home to herons, cranes, hawks, ducks, and many, many other species of birds. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 21 Kettleman City (Exit 309 / Mile 308.90). (updated Jan 2016)
  • 5 Coalinga/Avenal Rest Area (Exit 320 / Mile 320.45). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 22 Lemoore & Hanford (Exit 334 / Mile 333.89). It is in the midst of a long stretch of empty highway; this exit has the Harris Ranch Complex, which sells fuel and food, and has a farm stand, a Tesla Supercharger, and lodging. The main ranch building offers a pretty good bakery, and those seeking out a steak won't be disappointed by the restaurant. If long drives aren't your thing, the location is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and thus offers a good place to stop and spend the night. The town of Coalinga is 13 miles southwest of this exit and has additional amenities. Fuel Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • 6 John "Chuck" Erreca Rest Area (Exit 386 / Mile 385.83). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 23 Los Banos (Exit 403 / Mile 402.76). CA-152 west is the main route through the hills to Gilroy and onward to either San Jose (via 101-N) or Monterey Bay (via CA-156). Los Banos, 6 miles east on CA-152, offers amenities for travelers. One exit west (at CA-33) is a Petro station with reasonable restaurant. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 24 Santa Nella (Exit 407 / Mile 407.02). This exit has several gas stations and a handful of motels. Food options are plentiful and include a Starbucks and an In-N-Out, and for those who have been seeing the many billboards during hours of travel, this is the northern half of the Pea Soup Andersen's chain and its namesake soup. Fuel Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • 25 Gustine (Exit 418 / Mile 417.57). (updated Jan 2016)
  • 26 Patterson (Eit 434 / Mile 433.52). (updated Jan 2016)
  • 27 Westley (Exit 441 / Mile 440.73). Fuel Food Lodging (updated Jan 2016)
  • 7 Westley Rest Area (Exit 445 / Mile 444.86). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 28 Tracy San Francisco (northbound only) (Exit 446 / Mile 446.35). The two right lanes exit from the freeway to continue towards Stockton and Sacramento as the West Side Freeway (I-5) while the two left lanes continue north/northwest as the William Elton Brown Freeway (I-580) towards Tracy and San Francisco through the East Bay. From the northbound lanes only. Southbound traffic merges into the William Elton Brown Freeway from the right and continue south as the West Side Freeway (I-5). (updated Jan 2016)
  • 29 To San Francisco (southbound only) (Exit 458B / Mile 458.34). I-205 takes southbound drivers to San Francisco via the East Bay. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Stockton (Exits 469-481). There are eleven exits for Stockton. (updated Mar 2016)

The Sacramento Valley is the area of the Central Valley of California that lies north of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta and is drained by the Sacramento River. It encompasses all or parts of ten Northern California counties. Although many areas of the Sacramento Valley are rural, it contains several urban areas, including the state capital, Sacramento.

  • 30 Elk Grove (Exits 498-508). There are four exits to Elk Grove. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Twin Cities Rd (Exit 498). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Hood Franklin Rd (Exit 504). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Elk Grove Blvd (Exit 506). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Laguana Blvd (Exit 510). The main road into town from the I-5 corridor. Fuel Food Lodging. (updated Jul 2022)
  • 31 Sacramento (Exits 510-525). The Sacramento and American Rivers played prominent roles in the city's and county's development, and today offer outdoor opportunities ranging from boating to fishing to birdwatching. California's oldest incorporated city and capital is located at the rivers' confluence, and visitors will appreciate its historic districts and more than 25 museums. There are 15 exits into Sacramento. Sacramento (Q18013) on Wikidata Sacramento, California on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2016)
  • Consumnes River Blvd (Exit 510). (updated Jul 2022)
  • To Pocket Rd; Meadowview Rd to south Freeport (Exit 512). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Florin Rd (Exit 513). (updated Jul 2022)
  • 43rd Ave (Exit 514). Southbound access only. Return to northbound lanes only. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Fruitridge Rd, Seamas Ave (exit 515). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Sutterville Rd (exit 516). (updated Jul 2022)
  • to South Lake Tahoe San Francisco (Exit 518). US Hwy 50 connects Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe via Jct Hwy 99, Rancho Cordova, Folsom and Placerville in the east. Going west, US Hwy 50 goes across West Sacramento and ends at Exit #81 of I-80, 4.5 mi (7.2 km) west of the I-5 corridor. SR- 99 goes south through the San Joaquin Valley which begins 2 mi (3.2 km) east of the I-5 corridor from US-Hwy 50. It goes through Elk Grove, Lodi, Stockton, Turlock, Merced, Madera, Fresno and Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley as the Golden State Freeway before rejoining I-5 at MM 221 south of Bakersfield. Going north the old US Hwy 99 follows the Golden State Hwy (CA-Hwy 99) and splits at its present junction with US Hwy 50 to become US Hwy 99E & 99W. The old US Hwy 99W follows US Hwy 50/I-80 west to Davis and then north toward the present day I-5 in Woodland on Road 99. The old US Hwy 99E follows Business Spur (BS)-80/I-80 to Roseville; CA-Hwy 65 from Roseville to Olivehurst; CA-70 from Olivehurst to Yuba City and the Golden State Hwy (present CA-99) from Yuba City to Red Bluff. The "old US Highway 99E/W" are not signed. (updated Apr 2020)
  • Q St at Exit 519A & J St at Exit 519B (Exits 519A & 519B). Access into downtown Sacramento from I-5. Additional downtown exits are on US Hwy 50. Access to Sacramento Valley (Amtrak) Station via J St at Exit 519B to 401 i St. (updated Nov 2020)
  • Richards Blvd (Exits 520). Local access to the industrial areas north of Sacramento. There are a series of restaurants and hotels clustered around this exit and the Greyhound bus station down the street at 420 Richards Blvd. Fuel Food Lodging. (updated Nov 2020)
  • 32 East Reno, West San Francisco (Exit 522 / Mile 522.26). Interstate 80 is the second longest interstate in the country, traveling approximately 2900 miles from San Francisco in the west to New York City in the east. It is the most convenient route to San Francisco and to Lake Tahoe and Reno in the other direction. Local access to Davis, North Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Roseville and Auburn are along I-80. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Garden Highway (Exit 521/521A). Signed as exit 521 from the southbound lanes and 521A at the northbound lanes. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Arena Blvd (Exit 524). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Del Paso Road (Exit 525A). Local access to the northern suburbs surrounding North Natomas Regional Park in Sacramento County. Food Lodging Fuel Majority of the services are east of the freeway at Del Paso Rd & E Commerce Way. There are some on the opposite of the freeway at Del Paso and E Centro Rd too. (updated Apr 2020)
  • Yuba City Marysville (Exit 525B). From here SR-99 and I-5 runs parallel to each other to Red Bluff at Exit 649. SR-99 passes through Yuba City, Marysville and Chico while I-5 goes through Woodland, Williams and Willows to reach Red Bluff. Additional connections between the SR-99 corridor and I-5 by various east-west roads. The old US Route 99E follows present day CA-Hwy 99 from Yuba City to Red Bluff while the old US Route 99W goes along side I-5 (as a separate 2 lane road) from Woodland to Red Bluff. (updated Apr 2020)
  • Metro Air Pkwy (Exit 527). (updated Jul 2022)
  • 8 Sacramento International Airport (Exit 528 / Mile 528). Dedicated exit with direct access to Sacramento International Airport from I-5 via Airport Blvd, 10.5 mi (16.9 km) NW of downtown Sacramento. Sacramento International Airport (Q1432668) on Wikidata Sacramento International Airport on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2020)
  • 9 Elkhorn Rest Area (southbound only) (Exit 529 / Mile 529.26). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • Winters San Francisco (Exit 553). Connects I-5 to Vacaville along the I-80 corridor. I-505 ends at Exit #56 of I-80 in Vacaville. If coming from Dunnigan or anywhere north and going west towards the San Francisco Bay Area on I-80 this would be the route to take without going through Woodland or Sacramento. (updated Aug 2019)
  • 10 Dunnigan Rest Area (Exit 557 / Mile 556.52). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • Colusa & Clear Lake (Exit 578 / Mile 578). SR-20 connects Fort Bragg in the west to Exit #161 of I-80 in Yuba pass, 58 mi (93 km) west of Reno, in the east. SR-20 passes through Willits, Clear Lake, Jct I-5 north of Williams, Yuba City and Nevada City. Travelers coming from Williams or anywhere north and going towards Lake Tahoe or Reno would take this route without going through Sacramento and to avoid heavier local traffic in/around Sacramento. This is also one of two exits for local access into Williams Fuel Food (updated Jan 2016)
  • 33 Williams (Exit 577 / Mile 577). Go west on 'E' Street into town from the freeway off ramps. The town of Williams, CA is just west of the freeway. Fuel Food Lodging Williams, California on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2020)
  • 11 Maxwell Rest Area (Exit 583 / Mile 583.41). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 12 Willows Rest Area (Exit 608 / Mile 608.00). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and RV sanitation station. No vending machines. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)

The Shasta Cascades region is home to volcanoes, lush forests, high mountains, and clear lakes. California is the most populous state in the US, but you wouldn't suspect it from traveling through most of this region, which is generally wild and remote.

View of Black Butte from Shasta City along I-5 northbound
  • 34 Chico & Orland (Exit 619 / Mile 619). The town of Chico is actually 20 mi (32 km) east of the interstate at Orland. There are several gas stations, fast food restaurants, a couple of motels, and a RV campground accessible from highway in the town of Orland. For those coming from north of Red Bluff you can take exit 649 (SR-36 East/Antelope Blvd/Park) to reach Chico via Hwy 99. Fuel Food Lodging. (updated Mar 2024)
  • 13 Lt. John C. Helmick Rest Area (Exit 633 / Mile 632.73). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2024)
  • 14 Herbert S. Miles Rest Area (Exit 656 / Mile 655.66). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2024)
  • 35 Red Bluff (Exits 647-653). There are six exits for Red Bluff. (updated Mar 2016)
  • S Main St (Exit 647). Access to Main St from south of town. Main St (BL-5 & Old Hwy 99) goes north into town from this exit. Access from northbound lanes only. Southbound traffic exit would get off at Diamond Ave (Exit 647B) and turn right (north) on Diamond Ave to get onto S Main St. Additional access to this segment of Old Hwy 99 (Main St) are through Exits 649, 650 and 651 (from SB side only). (updated Jul 2022)
  • Diamond Ave (Exit 647B). Access from southbound lanes only. Take a right on Diamond Ave to get onto S Main St. (updated Jul 2022)
  • to Antelope Blvd, Chico (Exit 649 accessed from both directions). The intersection with the Golden State Highway is (SR-99, formerly US Route 99E) 2.1 mi (3.4 km) east along Antelope Blvd (SR-36) from I-5. The Golden State Hwy (Hwy 99) goes down towards Exit 525B north of Sacramento through Chico and Yuba City as a separate highway. SR-36 itself continues 106 mi (171 km) east to US-395 in Susanville and go another 86 mi (138 km) south to Reno on US-395. If going west on SR-36 go north on Main St (right turn from Antelope Blvd), through downtown Red Bluff and a left on Beegum Rd north of town. Fuel Food Lodging. (updated Nov 2020)
  • Adobe Rd (Exit 650). Go west on Adobe Rd to get to Main St from both directions of I-5. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Main St (Exit 651). Access into Main St from the southbound lanes only. Return to northbound only. Main St (BL-5) is the Old Hwy 99 through Red Bluff. SR-36 (second right on Beegum Rd) goes 142 mi (229 km) west, through Mad River, to Fortuna which is 17.5 mi (28.2 km) south of Eureka on US Hwy 101. To go east on SR-36 continue south on Main St, through downtown Red Bluff, and take a left on Antelope Blvd (Exit 649 from I-5). Additional access to this segment of Old Hwy 99 (Main St) are through Exits 647/647B, 649 and 650 . (updated Aug 2022)
  • Wilcox Golf Rd (Exit 652). As the name implies alongside of the freeway there is a local Wilcox Oaks Golf Club northwest of the highway junction along Wilcox Golf Rd. There are no other lodging, gasoline or restaurant/grocery store options at this exit. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Jelly Ferry's Rd (Exit 653). (updated Jul 2022)
  • 36 Anderson (Exits 667-670). is named after Elias Anderson, who granted the Oregon and California Railroad trackage rights and land for a station. Today, the city has a population of 9,000, and is about 10 mi (16 km) south of Redding. There are five exits for Anderson. (updated Nov 2020)
  • North (Exit 667B). Old US Hwy 99 follows CA-Hwy 273 through Anderson (un-named locally) and becomes Market St north of town. It continues through Redding as Market St and connects back to the I-5 corridor at Exit 681B. It is only accessible from the northbound lanes only, no return to freeway going north. Southbound traffic can only merge into I-5 going south from CA-Hwy 273. (updated Nov 2020)
  • Deschutes Rd Factory Outlets Dr (Exit 667A). Accessible from both directions. Lodging Food Fuel (updated Nov 2020)
  • 37 Redding (Exits 675-682). For anyone visiting, Redding and the surrounding has numerous outdoor and indoor activities. Including two lakes and an inactive volcano within close driving distance. Plus many parks, hiking trails, and adequate shopping. There are seven exits for Redding. Redding (Q495361) on Wikidata Redding,_California on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2016)
  • S Bonnyview Rd, Churn Creek Rd (Exit 675). (updated Aug 2022)
  • Cypress Ave (Exit 677). (updated Aug 2022)
  • " Lassen National Park, West" (NB); " Eureka, Susanville" (SB) (Exit 678A & B (NB); 678B (SB)). SR 44 goes east towards Susanville through the Lassen Volcanic National Park and west to SR-299 (Market & Eureka Way) in downtown Redding. For those going towards Reno or Lake Tahoe one can take this route to US Hwy 395 in Susanville and to Reno on US Hwy 395 or on SR 36 and 89 towards Truckee (Exit 188 @ I-80) from Lake Almanor. Check weather and traffic reports during the winter as the roads towards Reno and/or towards Oregon may be closed due to high standing snow before proceeding. Locally Mt Shasta Mall and the surrounding stores, restaurants, hotels and gas station are immediately accessible from this exit.. Lodging Food Fuel . (updated Jul 2019)
  • 38 Lake Blvd (Exit 680). Going east SR-299 goes up through Modoc National Forest in Modoc County, towards the Nevada state line near Cedarville. Going west SR-299 goes into downtown Redding and then go west towards Arcata through Weaverville and Willow Creek. Modoc National Forest (Q6889555) on Wikidata Modoc National Forest on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • Market St (Exit 681B is only accessible from southbound lanes). The old US Hwy 99 follows CA-Hwy 273 through the northern suburbs of Redding to reach downtown Redding. Accessible from the southbound lanes only, no return to freeway going south. Northbound traffic can only merge into I-5 going north from CA-Hwy 273. The old Hwy 99 follows CA-Hwy 273 through Redding, to Anderson where it rejoins I-5 at Exit 667A. (updated Nov 2020)
  • Twin Views Blvd (Exit 681 (NB) & 681A (SB)). Local access into the northern neighborhoods of Redding from both directions of I-5. This exit is numbered 681 from the northbound lanes and 681A from the southbound lanes. Fuel Lodging (updated Nov 2020)
  • Oasis Rd (Exit 682). (updated Aug 2022)
  • Bridge Bay Road (Exit 690 / Mile 690.48). The interstate crosses Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, just north of Bridge Bay - the lake level at the crossing provides a quick way to judge the health of the state's water supply. The Bridge Bay Resort is just off of the exit at the marina and offers a restaurant and lodging, but the beautiful scenery will be of more interest to most travelers. Houseboats are a popular rental option on the lake, and over one hundred of them can sometimes be seen docked in Bridge Bay. Food Lodging (updated Mar 2016)
  • 15 O'Brien Rest Area (northbound only) (Exit 694 / Mile 693.88). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 16 Lakehead Rest Area (southbound only) (Exit 705 / Mile 704.50). Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • Dunsmuir (Exits 730-734). There are three exits for Dunsmuir. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Mount Shasta (Exits 738-741). There are three exits for Mount Shasta City. (updated Mar 2016)
  • McCloud (to Reno) (Exit 736). Hwy 89 goes through the town of McCloud in the Shasta Trinity National Forest and through Lassen National Forest to Exit 188B of I-80 in Truckee, near Lake Tahoe, 32 mi (51 km) southwest of Reno. If coming from Mt Shasta or anywhere north and going towards Reno or Lake Tahoe on I-80 this would be the route to take without going all the way down through Redding or Sacramento. This route (or parts of) may be closed during the winter due to high standing snow. Therefore, check weather and traffic reports during the winter before using this route in the winter. Chains may be required if the road is open during the winter. This exit is named "McCloud" from the northbound lanes. (updated Nov 2020)
  • 39 Weed (Exits 743-751). Despite what you might think, the city's name has nothing to do with cannabis—instead, it comes from the founder of the local lumber mill and pioneer Abner Weed, who discovered that the area's strong winds were helpful in drying lumber. Weed was home to a thriving lumber industry from its founding in 1901 to as late as the 1980s. The historic industrial area at the northeast corner of town has been plagued with environmental concerns and clean-up efforts as a result of chemicals used for wood treatment and glue. There are four exits for Weed. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Summit Dr, Truck Village Dr (Exit 743). (updated Mar 2016)
  • Vista Dr (Exit 745). Multiple restaurants and hotels clustered off of this exit. See 'Eat' and 'Sleep' in the Weed Article. Also the location of the Greyhound stop (at Dos Amigos Restaurant) (bus stop symbol not signposted). Fuel Food Lodging . (updated Nov 2020)
  • S Weed Blvd Klamath Falls (Exit 747). 'Downtown' Weed and the south end of US Hwy 97 on the Volcanic Legacy Byway. US Hwy 97 runs parallel with the I-5 corridor to the Canadian border in Oroville WA through Klamath Falls, Crater Lake National Park, Bend, Redmond, The Dalles in Central Oregon; and Yakima, Ellensburg, Wenatchee and North Cascades National Park in Eastern Washington. BL-5 (Old Highway 99) goes south from downtown Weed to Vista DR (Exit 745) as S Weed Blvd goes south along the westside of the freeway. (updated Nov 2020)
  • "Edgewood Rd, Gazelle" (NB Side); "Stewart Springs Rd, Edgewood Rd" (SB Side) (Exit 751). Old Hwy 99 goes north from here, along the west side of the Pacific Wonderland Fwy (I-5), through Gazelle, to Yreka. The old Hwy 99 iis also accessible from Exits 766, 770 and 773. Going south Edgewood Rd parallels the east side of the freeway into town (Weed). (updated Mar 2016)
  • 17 Weed Airport Rest Area (Exit 753 / Mile 753.43). Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 40 Yreka (Exits 766-776). With a population of 7500 (2019), Yreka is home to the College of the Siskiyous, Klamath National Forest Interpretive Museum and the Siskiyou County Museum. There are five exits to Yreka. Yreka (Q2565455) on Wikidata Yreka,_California on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • Grenada, Gazelle (Exit 766). The old Highway 99 goes along the west side of I-5 at this point between Yreka and Jct 751 north of Weed. Go south along the Old Highway 99 from this exit to get to Gazelle. Grenada is just on the opposite side (east) of I-5 from the Old Highway 99 via 97-99 Cutoff Rd that crosses over the freeway. (updated Mar 2016)
  • Easy St, Shamrock Rd (Exit 770). The old Hwy 99 goes along the west side of i-5 of as East St at this point. It connects Yreka to Jct/Exit 751 through Grenada and Gazelle. (updated Jul 2019)
  • "Fort Jones Etna" (SB Side) / "Yreka" (NB Side) (Exit 773). The Old Highway 99 turns on Westside Rd from Main St (left turn if going south on Main), south of this junction, south of the Wal-Mart Supercenter. The Old Highway 99 follows along the west side of the freeway as "Westside Rd" which becomes "Easy St" and "Old Highway 99 S" to Jct/Exit 751. Additional access to this segment of Old Hwy 99 are at Exits 770, 766 and 751. Going north, S Main St (SR-3) goes into downtown Yreka. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Miner St, N Foothills Dr (Exit 775). The most direct way into downtown as W Miner St. The Old Highway 99 goes (N-S) through town as Main St. Main St becomes SR-263 north of town and SR-3 south of town. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 41 Montague (Exit 776). Goes east to the town of Montague and south through Yreka as Main St. Road continues south from Yreka through Coffee Creek & Trinity Center to SR-299 in Weaverville. So if going towards Weaverville, Eureka, Arcata or anywhere that direction from Yreka this another route to take to avoid going further down into Redding. Montague (Q175682) on Wikidata Montague,_California on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 18 Randolph C. Collier Rest Area (Exit 786 / Mile 785.81). Closed for maintenance Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. Toilets (updated Mar 2016)
  • 42 Willow Creek (Exit 786). SR 96 goes south/southwest towards Arcata and Eureka through Willow Creek in the Six Rivers National Forest. It cuts through the Klamath National Forest to get to Willow Creek. From Willow Creek go west on SR-299 to Arcata. The Old Highway 99 follows and from this exit to Yreka. This exit is only accessible from the southbound lanes and only merges into the northbound lanes. No return to the southbound lanes. Klamath National Forest (Q6419646) on Wikidata Klamath National Forest on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 43 Hornbrook (Exits 789 &790). Fuel. Hornbrook can be accessed from Exits 789 (Henley Hornbrook) and 790 (Hornbrook Hwy-Ditch Creek) Hornbrook (Q2340899) on Wikidata Hornbrook,_California on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2016)
  • 19 Hornbook Inspection Station (Mile 791, 7 miles south of the state line), 14601 I-5, ☏ +1 530 475-3100. Southbound traffic must stop for agricultural inspection. They're looking for fruits, vegetables, firewood, hay, nursery stocks and anything invasive that may be in violation of state and federal quarantine laws. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 44 Hilt Rd (Exit 796). Local access road to the nearby communities of Hilt, Cole and the surrounding areas. Fuel. Hilt (Q65043813) on Wikidata Hilt,_California on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)

The maximum rural speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) & 65 mph for large trucks which is more relevant along I-84 between The Dalles & the Snake River (Idaho border). The I-5 corridor remains at 65 mph (104km/h) in rural areas and 55-60 mph in urban areas or lower if posted otherwise. The stretch of I-5 between Portland & Eugene remains at 55-60mph (88-100km/h). The state fully lifted its decades-long ban on self-service gas on August 4, 2023. However, the law does not require any station to offer self-service, and stations in counties along the I-5 corridor must reserve at least half of their pumps for full-service. When you arrive at a filling station that doesn't offer self-service, wait for an attendant to come to your car rather than attempting to get out and fill up your car on your own.

The present State Routes (SR) 99, 99E and 99W and Interstate 5 replace the former US Highway 99 very closely as the Pacific Highway (or by another name), through the entire state. SR 99 runs concurrently with the present I-5 between Eugene and Grants Pass except the stretch through Sutherlin, Roseburg and Winston as the Oakland-Shady Tree Hwy where SR-99 pass through town as a separate road for local access. From Grants Pass (exit 58) to Ashland (exit 14) SR 99 (Rogue Valley Hwy) passes through Grants Pass, Gold Hill, Central Point, Medford, Phoenix, Talent and Ashland pass through continuoisly as a separate road. From Ashland to the border with California the Old Hwy 99 follows SR 66 to the south of Emigrant Lake and as SR 273 from Emigrant Lake to the California border. Going north from Cottage Grove, SR 99 goes through Eugene as a series of local streets and north to Junction City where it splits between OR 99E & OR 99W (formerly US Hwy 99E & 99W), through the Willamette Valley, to Portland where they rejoin before crossing the Columbia River into Washington:

Junction City, Halsey, Albany, Salem, Woodburn, Canby, Oregon City, Gladstone, Milwaukie, Portland
Eugene, Albany, Salem, Wilsonville, Portland
Junction City, Corvallis, Amity, Monmouth, McMinnville, Newberg, Tigard, Portland

which are described throughout the article in the below:

Southern Oregon has become a popular retirement community over the past few decades; what was once a lumber-oriented economy has gradually adapted to service and tourism-based businesses. Like much of Oregon, the outdoors are one of the region's most valued assets, but more visible products include pears, wine, and timber products. The region is primarily composed of mountains and high desert, while the Rogue Valley, Grants Pass, and Klamath regions are home to agricultural, commercial, and industrial enterprises.

Entering Oregon from California
  • Siskiyou Summit (Exit 1). Old Hwy 99 S winds alongside of I-5 as a two lane highway in the mountains from Exit #1 to OR-Hwy 66 in Ashland. It crosses I-5 at Exits #6 and 14 (as SR 66). Accessible from the northbound lanes only, no return to freeway going north. Southbound traffic can only merge into I-5 from here. Access from the southbound lanes of I-5 (and northbound return to I-5) from Exit 6 only. The Cascade Wonderland Highway (CA) becomes Pacific Highway (OR) upon crossing the state line. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Mount Ashland (Exit 6). Old Hwy 99 S runs parallel to the I-5 corridor between Exit #1 and OR-Hwy 66 in Ashland at Exit #14. This exit is accessible from both directions of I-5. Lodging. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 45 Ashland (Exits 11-19). A small town that is home to the Tony award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival that has productions from February to October. There are three exits to Ashland. Ashland (Q450100) on Wikidata Ashland, Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2017)
  • Siskiyou Blvd Ashland (Exit 11). OR Hwy 99 diverges from I-5 and runs parallel through Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Grants Pass. Hwy 99 intersects I-5 at Exits 35, 43, 45 and 58. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 20 Welcome Center & Rest Area Accessible from the northbound lanes only.
  • Ashland Klamath Falls (Exit 14). SR 66 goes west into town as Ashland St towards Southern Oregon State University and east and then south, parallel, along I-5 as Green Springs Hwy (Old Hwy 99) to (Old Hwy 99 S) south of Emigrant Lake. From Emigrant Lake SR 66 continues east towards Klamath Falls while Old Hwy 99 S continues south towards the state line at Exit 1. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 46 Talent (Exit 21). Talent (Q2106770) on Wikidata Talent,_Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 47 Phoenix (Oregon) (Exit 24). Phoenix (Q1922043) on Wikidata Phoenix,_Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 48 Medford (Exits 27 & 30). Southern Oregon's largest and most diverse city, brimming with historical and cultural attractions while offering regional tax-free shopping. Medford is the county seat of Jackson County, and is the commercial and medical hub of southern Oregon. Its autumns tend to be very mild, and dry when compared to the rest of the state. Medford (Q836663) on Wikidata Medford, Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2017)
  • North Medford, Crater Lake (Exit 30). Access to 21 Medford Rogue Valley International Airport, Rogue Valley Mall and the surrounding retail stores, restaurants and hotels for supplies, food and/or a night's stay. SR-62 continues north and east towards Crater Lake. Immediate left (north) on Biddle Rd from SR-62, follow signs to Airport Rd to reach the airport. Food Fuel Lodging. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Central Point Eagle Point (Exit 33). Also another way to access the airport. Go east on E Pine which become Biddle Rd. Follow signs to the terminal Food Fuel Lodging Central_Point,_Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 49 to Scenic Byway & Gold Hill (Exit 40). Exit into the town of Gold Hill. Gold Hill (Q3109513) on Wikidata Gold_Hill,_Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 50 Rogue River Route (Exits 43 & 45A). Additional access to Hwy 99 in Rogue River Valley between Grants Pass and Medford. Both exits are named as "Rogue Valley Route" and are accessible from both directions. Rogue Valley (Q10825386) on Wikidata Rogue Valley on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • Valley of the Rogue State Park (Exits 45B). The park offers a year-round, full-service campground, a nature trail, a day-use area, and river access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Valley_of_the_Rogue_State_Park on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2019)
  • 51 City of Rogue River (Exit 48). Rogue River, Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2022)
  • 52 Grants Pass (Exits 55-61). Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County and is famous for its white river rafting in the Rogue River. It is also the gateway to the nearby Oregon Caves National Monument 30 miles (48 km) south of the city. I-5 goes east-west from Central Point (Exit #33), through Grants Pass, to Merlin Rd (Exit #61). There are two exits to Grants Pass. Grants Pass (Q143405) on Wikidata Grants_Pass,_Oregon on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2017)
  • S Grants Pass Crescent City (Exit 55). Connects the I-5 corridor to Crescent City in the northern California coast. From Crescent City one can go north on US Hwy 101 to reach the Southern Oregon Coast. Locally US Hwy 199 accesses the local neighborhoods in south Grants Pass as Grants Pass Pkwy and Redwood Hwy. (updated Jul 2019)
  • to Grants Pass City Center (Exit 58). Access into downtown Grants Pass via NE Scoville which becomes NE 6th St. From downtown go north on NE 7th St to return to the freeway. SR-99 passes through downtown Grants Pass as NE 6/7th St and east towards Medford as Rogue River Hwy. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Merlin Rd (Exit 61). Local road to the town of Merlin. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Hugo (Exit 66). Monument Dr to Hugo an unincorporated community name after a longtime farmer and resident, Hugo Garber in 1896. The townsite was a flag stop for the train to Grants Pass and Medford from the time before the automobile. Nowadays it's a farming community surrounded by cherry farms. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Sunny Valley (Exit 71). (updated Jul 2022)
  • 53 Wolf Creek (Exit 76). unincorporated town.