How far is Rio Dell, CA from Elk River, CA?
The driving distance from Rio Dell, CA to Elk River, CA is about 23.7 miles (38.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 16.8 miles (27 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 29m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 the United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Light Rain
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rio Dell and Elk River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rio Dell and Elk River.
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1
Start on West Davis Street
26 m · 12 sec · West Davis Street
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2
Turn left onto Wildwood Avenue
2104 ft · 42 sec · Wildwood Avenue
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3
Continue on Scenic Way
612 ft · 13 sec · Scenic Way
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4
Take the ramp left
1167 ft · 28 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Redwood Highway
20.9 mi · 24 min · Redwood Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Herrick Avenue, Elk River Road
1166 ft · 32 sec
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7
Turn right onto Herrick Avenue
76 m · 7 sec · Herrick Avenue
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8
Turn right onto Elk River Road
1.6 mi · 3 min · Elk River Road
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9
Continue on Elk River Road
564 ft · 15 sec · Elk River Road
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Elk River Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rio Dell and Elk River.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Redwood Highway
Merge slight left onto Redwood Highway
20.9 mi · 00h 24m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Light Rain leaving Rio Dell and Chance Light Rain near Elk River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rio Dell to Elk River?
The road trip is about 23.7 miles (38.1 km) and usually takes 00h 29m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Fortuna is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.8 miles from Rio Dell and 11.8 miles from Elk River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 16.8 miles (27 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:32 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.79 one way or $9.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Light Rain around Rio Dell and Chance Light Rain near Elk River.
Stop Ideas Near Fortuna
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 Fortuna.
Fortuna, California
Rio Dell-Scotia, California
Eureka, California
Arcata (Transit Center), California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rio Dell and Elk River. Straight-line distance: 16.75 mi (26.96 km).
#1 Rio Dell
City in Humboldt County, California, United States of America
| Population | 3,363 |
| Coordinates | 40.4993000, -124.1064400 |
| Altitude | 49 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elk River
Elk River is a place in California, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 40.7362400, -124.1742300 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elk River (-124.17423, 40.73624)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 38 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $4.79 | $9.58 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $5.03 | $10.07 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $5.18 | $10.36 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $6.28 | $12.56 |
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.