California: The Sacramento River from Sacramento through Freeport, Courtland, Ryde, Walnut Grove, Locke, Isleton and Rio Vista - Upper Delta

Motorcycle Tours, Driving Tours

Sacramento River bridge with flowers in foreground

THE BEST WAY TO SACRAMENTO from the SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Starting from Sacramento or Antioch, Highway 160 offers a scenic drive through a part of California most people miss out on. Anyone with some extra time traveling from San Francisco to Reno or Sacramento would be rewarded by following Highway 160 instead of Highways 5 or 80. Interstate 5 is boring between Stockton and Sacramento, and Interstate 80 is not only boring but is normally clogged with traffic between Sacramento and San Francisco.

Boaters and anglers know the Delta from the water, and more for the Delta proper south near Orowood and Frank's Tract.

The California Delta region is remniscent of the Netherlands, with narrow roads snaking along levees. The history stems from the California Gold Rush and the availability of Chinese labor to build the levees on the Sacramento River. These levees were hand built by Chinese who were laid off by the railroads once the Transcontinental Railroad was completed.

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The Transcontinental Railroad really wasn't until they finished Mossdale Crossing. The Transcontinental Railroad only went to Sacramento, but later the old bridge at Mossdale Crossing allowed trains to reach the Bay Area. The name Mossdale Crossing may be obscure, but if you're from Northern California, it's located where 205 heads west of Interstate 5 towards 580 and Tracy. This is a few miles south of Stockton.

Near the California Delta, there is even a series of huge windmill farms in Altamont Pass along 580 between Tracy and Livermore, as well as along Vasco Road on the way to Brentwood from Livermore. The Delta has its own charm, on weekdays. There are a few spots where one can almost feel alone. Start at Highway 160 in Antioch, cross the toll bridge to the north, and begin your drive across a series of interesting bridges spanning the Sacramento River.

Ernie's with crawdad wall painting in Isleton

This wall mural is in Isleton, home of the annual crawdad festival.

There are many bridges that add to the Sacramento River's character and quaintness.

Bridge over the Sacramento River at Walnut Grove

Here's one of many places where Highway 160 crosses the Sacramento River.