California 162 is a split route, with one segment connecting U.S. 101 with Covelo and Round Valley. The other section is located in the Central Valley, providing an east-west route between Elk Creek and Oroville via Willows and Butte City. Unconstructed is the section over Mendocino Pass, which would connect Covelo with Elk Creek via forest service roads. We begin our profile on the western section of California 162, as eastbound California 162 crosses the railroad tracks immediately after the U.S. 101 intersection in Mendocino County. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Most of the bridges in use today along California 162 were built between 1951 and 1958, with some notable exceptions (such as the Elk Creek bridge). Photo taken 05/26/06.
Sunny skies prevail as California 162 begins its winding route east toward Covelo and Round Valley. Photo taken 05/26/06.
The Eel River bridge carries California 162 high above the Eel River. Built in 1938, this is one of the older bridges still in use on California 162. See below for additional photos of the Eel River bridge. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Along California 162, several vistas such as this one allow for views of the Eel River along with the highway as California 162 travels east. Photo taken 05/26/06.
A train tunnel can be seen along California 162 as the highway continues to follow the Eel River. Photo taken 05/26/06.
The Rodeo Creek bridge was constructed in 1940 and is still in use today. Photo taken 05/26/06.
A California 162 reassurance shield is posted after the Rodeo Creek bridge. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Another scenic view of the Eel River and California 162 comes into view as the state highway continues traveling north and east toward Dos Rios and Covelo. Photo taken 05/26/06.
The Dos Rios cut off allows for a short cut route from California 162 west to U.S. 101 at Laytonville via Laytonville-Dos Rios Road. At the time this photo was taken, the cut off road was closed due to slides from the previous winter's rains. Photo taken 05/26/06.
During winter months, the route through Mendocino National Forest (including Mendocino Pass) is not maintained for snow removal and is not appropriate for winter travel. Photo taken 05/26/06.
East of Dos Rios, California 162 pulls away from the Eel River and climbs over a pass over the Poonkinny Ridge, with Round Mountain visible to the east. Photo taken 05/26/06.
After the climb and descent from Poonkinny Ridge, California 162 lands in the Round Valley, traveling due north now toward the town of Covelo. A good portion of the northern Round Valley is part of the Round Valley Indian Reservation. Photo taken 05/26/06.
A circular welcome sign for Round Valley is posted alongside California 162. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Entering the town of Covelo, houses can be seen along northbound California 162 as the state highway continues. Covelo had a population of 1,175 as of the 2000 Census. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Very expensive gas and shops can be found in Covelo. California 162 continues north through downtown Covelo. Of course we only have ourselves to blame: May 2006 was one of the most expensive times to take a road trip in California in terms of gas prices. Photo taken 05/26/06.
The Covelo Ranger Station for Mendocino National Forest provides information and maps for visitors to the national forest as well as allow back country users to register. Photo taken 05/26/06.
California 162 turns east again at this intersection; turn right to follow California 162 (via Mendocino Pass Road) or continue straight ahead to Zenia via Mina Road. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Now traveling east on California 162/Mendocino Pass Road, the state highway feels more like a country lane with lush foliage and farms on either side. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Reaching the end of the Round Valley, California 162 passes by a farm house and prepares to reach its end. California 162 ends at the Short Creek bridge (built in 1962), which is signed with an END shield. Photo taken 05/26/06.
After the END shield, California 162 becomes Forest Service Highway 7 and is shielded with this tiny brown sign. From here, the forest service route crosses over Mendocino Pass, but much of the route is substandard and unpaved. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Westbound California 162
The first shield for California 162 west is posted here, at the Short Creek bridge along Mendocino Pass Road. California 162 travels west to Covelo, turns south to cross the Poonkinny Ridge, crosses the ridge in a westerly direction to Dos Rios, then aims south and west to meet U.S. 101 near Longvale alongside the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Photos taken 05/26/06.
This view shows the underside of the 1962 Short Creek bridge along California 162 west. Remnants of an older bridge approach can be seen. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Entering Round Valley, California 162 assumes a rural/agricultural feel. Round Valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains and ridges: Poonkinny Ridge to the south, Bluenose Ridge to the northeast, Dingman Ridge to the southeast, and Round Mountain to the south. Photo taken 05/26/06.
A narrow bridge sign is posted as westbound California 162 approaches Mina Road. Photo taken 05/26/06.
At Mina Road, westbound California 162 will turn south, and Mendocino Pass Road will come to its end. Use Mina Road north to Zenia. Photo taken 05/26/06.
California 162 travels south through the town of Covelo, passing by downtown shops and gas station. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Upon leaving Covelo, a mileage sign provides the distance to Dos Rios (12 miles) and U.S. 101 (27 miles). Photo taken 05/26/06.
The straight-as-an-arrow California 162 will soon have lots of curves and twists as it prepares to leave Long Valley and ascend Poonkinny Ridge. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Traveling over the Poonkinny Ridge, California 162 has lots of switchbacks and curves. Traffic can be busy, since this is the only road connecting Covelo to the rest of the state during most months (except summer). Photos taken 05/26/06.
Westbound California 162 approaches Laytonville-Dos Rios Road at the Dos Rios cutoff. This route was not open at the time this picture was taken. Photos taken 05/26/06.
California 162 west crosses the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Views of the Eel River, such as this one, can be fantastic. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Westbound California 162 crosses the Rodeo Creek bridge (1940) near Postmile 10.08. Photo taken 05/26/06.
California 162 west again crosses the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Photos taken 05/26/06.
The last bridge on westbound California 162 carries the state highway over the Long Valley Creek (built in 1995). Photo taken 05/26/06.
California 162 is signed to end at its intersection with U.S. 101. Turn north on U.S. 101 to Laytonville or south to Willits. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Scenes Pertaining to California 162
This 1938 bridge carries California 162 over the Eel River (note the date stamp embedded in the concrete curb on the bridge). These views also show the bridge from above and below the bridge deck. Photos taken 05/26/06.
