The drive is part of a winter trip to the Scott Valley, and the best ski days start with a careful check of the roads. This is our guide to winter driving between Etna, Mount Shasta and Ashland for the 2026 to 2027 season. Our house rule is simple: drive in daylight, never alone in remote areas, carry chains, and check the roads before every trip.
Check before you go
- Caltrans QuickMap shows chain controls, closures, incidents and cameras for California highways, updated about every minute. By phone: 800-427-7623.
- ODOT TripCheck shows Oregon chain and traction tire requirements, including Siskiyou Summit on I-5.
- CHP Yreka: (530) 842-4438. Oregon road conditions: (503) 588-2941.
- Klamath National Forest road status: (530) 842-6131. Salmon and Scott River Ranger District, Fort Jones: (530) 468-5351.
The routes
- Etna to Yreka: Highway 3 runs north through Greenview and Fort Jones to Interstate 5 at Yreka. Check QuickMap before you leave the valley.
- To Mt. Shasta Ski Park: I-5 south to Exit 736, Highway 89 east, then Ski Park Highway. Highway 89 can close in heavy snow, and the ski park says four-wheel drive, snow tires and chains may be required on Ski Park Highway.
- To Mt. Ashland: I-5 north over Siskiyou Summit, at 4,310 feet the highest point on Interstate 5, then Exit 6 and 8.5 miles up a road that climbs more than 2,000 feet. Siskiyou Summit is sometimes closed in severe weather.
- South over Scott Mountain: Highway 3 south of Callahan has closed for snow in past winters. Do not plan a winter trip south over Scott Mountain without checking QuickMap.
California chain controls
- R-1: chains required, except passenger vehicles and light trucks under 6,000 pounds with snow tires on at least two drive wheels.
- R-2: chains required, except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels, which must still carry chains.
- R-3: chains required on all vehicles. Highways are often closed before R-3 is imposed.
- Chain installers are independent businesses, not Caltrans employees. Get a receipt and note the installer's badge number.
Oregon chain law
- Vehicles rated 10,000 pounds or less that are not towing may use traction tires instead of chains when chains are required.
- ODOT runs chain checkpoints at Siskiyou Pass. Ignoring signs that require you to carry chains or traction tires can bring an $800 fine.
- Studded tires are legal in Oregon from November 1 through March 31.
Backcountry safety
- Read the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center forecast, posted each morning in season, before any trip above the trailheads. It covers Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and the Eddy Mountains, and offers free avalanche awareness talks.
- A free wilderness permit is required year round in the Mount Shasta Wilderness, and a Summit Pass is required above 10,000 feet. Mt. Shasta Ranger Station: (530) 926-4511.
- For backcountry skiing, go with a permitted guide such as Shasta Mountain Guides or SWS Mountain Guides.
Our winter rules for guests
- Drive in daylight and leave the mountain early enough to be home before dark.
- Watch for deer, elk and other wildlife on the highways, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Carry chains, water, warm layers and a charged phone.
- When the weather turns, stay in. A snow day by the wood stove is part of the stay.
Plan the rest of your trip with our ski and snowboard guide, and check dates and price your stay.
Heading on to the coast? Our guide to ten budget coastal van and camping stops from Etna covers fees, routes both ways, fuel stops and winter safety.
