California 89 is a major north-south route serving the northern Sierra Nevada mountain communities. Starting near Topaz Lake near the California-Nevada State Line at Junction U.S. 395, California 89 begins its northerly journey by paralleling the state line to the west, passing over Monitor Pass (elevation 8,314 feet) en route to Markleeville, the Alpine County seat. Merging briefly with California 88 near Woodfords and with U.S. 50 near South Lake Tahoe, California 89 becomes a portion of the Lake Tahoe ring road, closely following the west shore of the lake between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. California 89 then splits away from the lake to meet Interstate 80 in Truckee, which is occasionally cited as one of the coldest spots in the nation in the daily weather report. North of Truckee, California 89 passes through the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests, passing through the Plumas County seat of Quincy before entering Lassen National Volcanic Park. The route does not pass through any major towns or cities until it reaches Mount Shasta. The junction with Interstate 5 at Mount Shasta marks the northern terminus of California 89.
California 89 North
Signage for northbound California 89 and southbound California 267 in Truckee. Photo taken by Mike Ballard and Joel Windmiller, 06/99.
California 89 South
Southbound California 89 approaching Junction U.S. 50 in South Lake Tahoe. This intersection is locally known as the "Y," and its shopping center contains a grocery store used by the myriad people camping in various locations throughout the south shore of the lake. In addition, this intersection carries the main U.S. 50 traffic from the Central Valley and Bay Area into the Lake Tahoe vicinity. Traffic at this intersection can get a bit tedious at times, especially during the busy summer weekends. Photo taken by Jeff Royston, 01/00.
Other California 89 Pictures
California 89 signage at the exit from Burney Falls, which is fairly close to the California 89 and California 299 intersection. Photo taken by Dominic Ielati, 10/01.
