1. Home
  2. CT News
  3. Archive
  4. CT News 2022, Issue 6
  5. Road trippin'

Road trippin': From wine to water on State Route 116

Some of California's state highways are just so doggone pretty, aren't they? There is nothing especially showcase-y about State Route 116, which ventures from Wine Country to the Pacific Ocean via several small towns scattered amid otherwise bucolic surroundings. But the roadway does have an undeniable, laid-back charm and gentle beauty that really appeal to CT News. Hop in and ride along!

Gallery

sr116-00 for road trippin
sr116-01 State Route 116 begins its almost-50-mile journey westward in Big Bend, at the junction of State Route 121.
sr116-02 The small but scenic highway starts in wine country and wends its windy way to the Pacific Ocean.
sr116-03 Most of SR-116 cuts through bucolic scenes of agriculture and ranches, with a few small towns sprinkled in.
sr116-04 After one of its many junctions, this one east of Petaluma, SR-116 is identified with a rather blemished sign.
sr116-05 It's unlikely you will encounter any large wildlife along State Route 116, but farm creatures are a probable sight.
sr116-06 About seven and a half miles into the drive on SR-116 from Big Bend, motorists encounter this right turn.
sr116-07 Those SR-116 travelers who are on a leisurely pace can stop at Ernie's for libations -- in modest quantities, of course.
sr116-08 In Petaluma, State Route 116 hitches up with U.S. Highway 101 to take a short northern jog.
sr116-09 The two roadways remain in tandem for about seven miles, from Petaluma northward to Cotati.
sr116-10 Eight miles west of U.S. Highway 101, State Route 116 reaches the outskirts of Sebastopol.
sr116-11 State Route passes through the heart of Sebastopol, including by the Whole Foods Market shown in the background.
sr116-12 There are not many places State Route 116 is graced with bicycle lanes, but Sebastopol is one of them.
sr116-13 Past Sebastopol heading toward the Pacific Ocean, State Route 116 cuts through a few small communities.
sr116-14 Guerneville is a popular spot for outdoor-loving people who particularly enjoy river settings.
sr116-15 Approaching the home stretch of its westward journey, SR-116 runs under the shade cast by many a tall tree.
sr116-16 Rock-slope reinforcements help keep motorists safe on State Route 116 a bit east of Monte Rio.
sr116-17 This aerodrome-shaped theater is perhaps the most distinctive human-made attraction in Monte Rio.
sr116-18 The small town's motto ("Vacation Wonderland") might represent a past allure, wishful thinking or ... the current reality!
sr116-19 All three towns listed on this SR-116 sign are accessed most directly via State Route 1.
sr116-20 As it nears the end of its path toward the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River is routinely visited by waterfowl.
sr116-21 In early December, the south-sky-dwelling sun casts a bright light over the shimmering Russian River.
sr116-22 State Route 116 comes to the end of the line at SR-1, near the remote ocean-side town of Jenner.
sr116-23 CT News celebrates the end of its third year of Road Trippin' by admiring the Pacific Ocean's sublime vastness.