Two weeks from Tacoma, WA to Redwoods,CA and return in late May or early June 2011

My wife, Joannah, and I would like to take a break to see some big trees before school lets out. We want to leave Mid May or early June and avoid the 4 day weekend. We were thinking drive straight to Yosemite spend a few days and drive back. Is the difference between Yosemite and Redwood worth 4 or 5 days cruising I 5? We could do crater lake and redwoods on a couple of less relaxed long weekends. We could fly to LA and rent a car. We have done the coast from LA to Mexico.

Lots of Questions. Is the Lodge on Crater Lake the best place to stay? What other must see areas are around Crater Lake? We plan to stay at least two days. Is there a big difference in access at Crater Lake on 15 May and 15 June. I know you can't predict the weather. I have no experience with the area.

How about reasonable lodging close to Redwood with an ocean view? What is must see within a day of Redwoods NP? What are some good secondary roads to travel. We do not just want to cruise I 5. Think relaxed wilderness and nature. Avoid crowds and commercialism.

Thanks

Rob55

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

Yosemite is one of my favorite places I have ever been so in my opinion, Yes it's worth it ! It's a comfortable 2 day drive from Tacoma and you would have the option of taking US 97 past Crater lake to Klamath Falls. You can still get a big tree 'fix' in Yosemite and although not as tall as the coastal Redwoods, the volume of the Sequoia tree make them the largest living things on the planet. There is so much more to do and the scenery in the park is breathtaking. In May/early June the waterfalls will be at full flow in Yosemite as the snow on the high ground melts, making for an awesome sight.

The later you travel the more chance of having access to other areas of the park[s]. Glacier point and Tioga pass in Yosemite, usually open between mid May and Mid June but can be later and even later for full access around Crater lake rim drive.

You don't say how long you have for the trip in total and it's a little unclear [to me anyway] whether you are considering doing all 3 places on the same trip or making separate trips. Time will be key but I would think that visiting Yosemite and Crater lake one way and visiting the Redwoods on a shorter trip would work well.