calicamper:
395 is a great highway, especially through the eastern Sierras. It is much quieter north of Susanville, even more so north of Alturas. I would like to do an eBook on the sights along 395 that another photographer did with 89.
Diablo Lake photo is from the overlook but you can drive down there across the dam. I believe there is a boat that takes you across the lake to some cabins but not 100% sure. The North Cascades are really close to our home and the scenic drive is spectacular. Lots of trails into wilderness plus a few USFS roads to explore. Highway 20 all the way through usually opens in May and closes in November. The eastern and western ends remain open. It was built in the early 1970s.
97 is a truck route from Weed but travels through some nice scenery.
Our diesel truck with camper gets around 11 + or - with a 38 gallon tank. We go on lots of gravel washboarded roads, some quite rocky, others graded. We try to avoid freeways, preferring county roads then state highways. You see more that way and they usually are the lead ins to more adventure.
Your fil sounds like a great road tripper.
