How far is Willow Creek, CA from Blue Lake, CA?
The driving distance from Willow Creek, CA to Blue Lake, CA is about 32.2 miles (51.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 18.8 miles (30.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 19m 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 39m.
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 California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Light Rain
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Willow Creek and Blue Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Willow Creek and Blue Lake.
-
1
Start on Bigfoot Scenic Byway
21 m · 5 sec · Bigfoot Scenic Byway
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2
Turn right onto Trinity Highway
31.5 mi · 36 min · Trinity Highway
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3
Turn left onto Blue Lake Boulevard
1995 ft · 2 min · Blue Lake Boulevard
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4
Continue on Blue Lake Boulevard
1448 ft · 47 sec · Blue Lake Boulevard
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5
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Blue Lake Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Willow Creek and Blue Lake.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Trinity Highway
Turn right onto Trinity Highway
31.5 mi · 00h 36m
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 Sunny then Chance Light Rain leaving Willow Creek and Chance Light Rain near Blue Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Willow Creek to Blue Lake?
The road trip is about 32.2 miles (51.8 km) and usually takes 00h 39m 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?
Arcata is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.1 miles from Willow Creek and 16.1 miles from Blue Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 18.8 miles (30.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.4 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 7:10 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.58 one way or $13.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Light Rain around Willow Creek and Chance Light Rain near Blue Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Arcata
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 Arcata.
Arcata (Transit Center), California
Eureka, California
McKinleyville (Arcata Airport), California
Fortuna, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Willow Creek and Blue Lake. Straight-line distance: 18.82 mi (30.29 km).
#1 Willow Creek
Census-designated place in Humboldt County, California
| Population | 1,710 |
| Coordinates | 40.9395800, -123.6314400 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Blue Lake
City in California
| Population | 1,244 |
| Coordinates | 40.8829100, -123.9839500 |
| Altitude | 40 |
| Country | United States |
End: Old California State Route 299 (-123.983912, 40.882999)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $6.58 | $13.15 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $6.92 | $13.83 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $7.12 | $14.23 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $8.63 | $17.25 |
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.