299 is about the best road from the north coast to I-5 .. Far better than 199 From coast to Grants Pass.. We use parts of 299 often.. The really only good roads to the coast are in Southern Oregon 42 (Coquille to south of Roseburg and the best is 38 (Reedsport to I-5) . After getting to Redding go south on I-5 to the truck stop area just south of Corning about 1 mile.. Then take that road east to the end and thats a good place to catch the old 99.. From there to Marysville area and east on 20 to Grass Valley.. That will save some miles instead of taking I-5 to 20.. We make that trip often.. 20 from the coast to Grass Valley is not a bad road but lots of extra miles..
Sounds like you may be getting a good deal..

Ken