How far is Arcata, CA from Willow Creek, CA?
The driving distance from Arcata, CA to Willow Creek, CA is about 40 miles (64.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 24.1 miles (38.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 31m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 45m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Mostly Sunny then Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Arcata and Willow Creek.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arcata and Willow Creek.
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1
Start on the route
90 m · 7 sec
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2
Merge slight left onto Redwood Highway
1.9 mi · 2 min · Redwood Highway
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3
Take the exit slight right toward CA 299 East: Blue Lake, Willow Creek
1744 ft · 43 sec
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4
Continue straight
37.6 mi · 43 min
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5
Turn left onto Bigfoot Scenic Byway
21 m · 1 sec · Bigfoot Scenic Byway
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Bigfoot Scenic Byway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Arcata and Willow Creek.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
CA 299 East
Continue straight
37.6 mi · 00h 43m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Light Rain leaving Arcata and Mostly Sunny then Chance Light Rain near Willow Creek.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Arcata to Willow Creek?
The road trip is about 40 miles (64.3 km) and usually takes 00h 45m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Blue Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.9 miles from Arcata and 20 miles from Willow Creek.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 24.1 miles (38.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:58 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.13 one way or $16.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Arcata and Mostly Sunny then Chance Light Rain near Willow Creek.
Stop Ideas Near Blue Lake
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Blue Lake.
Arcata (Transit Center), California
McKinleyville (Arcata Airport), California
Eureka, California
Fortuna, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Arcata and Willow Creek. Straight-line distance: 24.11 mi (38.8 km).
#1 Arcata
City in California
| Population | 18,044 |
| Coordinates | 40.8665200, -124.0828400 |
| Altitude | 7 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Willow Creek
Census-designated place in Humboldt County, California
| Population | 1,710 |
| Coordinates | 40.9395800, -123.6314400 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| Country | United States |
End: Willow Creek (-123.63144, 40.93958)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 64 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $8.13 | $16.27 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $8.55 | $17.11 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $8.80 | $17.61 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $10.67 | $21.34 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.