Chasing Cars: Portland and Sonoma (and the North West)

This question is (deliberately) very vague right now - I will post up more on the proposed route and whatnot later on once I've finished researching the trip properly (I've read loads of very cool threads already!)

What I am after right now is a possible reality check. What I am proposing is to take three or four weeks off work next June and visit the North West - an area that I've yet to visit. However, this is the tricky part, our busy season at work runs from April through September. As you will note, June is bang in the middle. My boss is not impressed at the idea of me disappearing for four weeks. Regrettably, I must be getting old, but I can kinda see his point.

The question then, at this stage, is will this realistically squeeze into three weeks? I have entered a route into Microsoft Streets and Trips and it suggests a total mile ~4000 miles so I have a rough idea of how far. What I do not know is how long the trip should take. Your advice please?

The route:

First two weeks:

Fly into San Fran and immediately head out of town towards Salt Lake City stopping at Lake Tahoe and Bonneville Salt Flats.

Head north via Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Head west to Seattle (possible side trip to Vancouver if time permits?). Do the usual destinations in Seattle itself and North Cascades, Olympic and Mt Rainier National Parks.

Head south along the coast road, camping overnight in Cannon Beach, towards Portland visiting Multnomah Falls en route.

Spend a couple of days in Portland exploring the town and watching the Champcar race.

Final week:

Leave Portland and meander down to San Francisco where the trip will end. I will stay with a couple of people that I met at Le Mans and visit the Nascar race at Sonoma raceway on the Sunday. Fly home on Monday and back at work on Wednesday.

Between Portland and San Fran I would like to squeeze as much as possible in - obviously - but the timescale is dictated by the two race dates, so the exact details of where I go will be a topic for discussion later!

Thanks in advance!!

Craig, How does it feel to be on the other side of the desk?

I know this is sacrilege, but my wife agrees that if we could save 4 hours by not seeing Lake Tahoe and could spend the time taking a lake cruise in Glacier NP or in Yellowstone observing the wildlife then we would pass it by in a minute.

We live near Tahoe and agree it is a very nice lake (more dramatic in winter with the snow-capped mountains), but there are other places along the way that might be more rewarding. That said, if your route took you up Hwy 50 from Sacramento, around the south end of the lake (with a short jaunt to Emerald Cove), to Carson City and across Hwy 50, and didn't cost you a lot of time compared to taking I-80 all the way, then we'd say do it. While I-80 gets you across the state in a hurry, Hwy 50 "the lonliest road in America" reveals the heart of Nevada. Stop for a short visit at the Grimes Point Petroglyphs east of Fallon, and try to resist playing the slot machines until you get to Austin, NV or Eureka, NV. It is more fun in a small, more authentically western town. Ely is a very nice town for an overnight stop.

All that being said, unless you have a reason to stop in Salt Lake City (and there are several good reasons if you haven't been there), the fastest route to the Tetons is I-80 to Hwy 93, east of Elko, NV, then north to Twin Falls, Idaho Falls (there is a great brewpub right across from the falls in town), and on to Jackson, WY. Again, the goal would be to spend as much time in the NW as possible.

Speaking of lakes, while Crater Lake is kind of isolated, but it is worth the trip and the boat ride to Wizard Island, as is the Obsidian Flow between Paulina Lake and East Lake in Newberry Crater, and the volcanic area around Bend.

I'm sure you've seen many of these recommendations before, but one you might not have heard about is the "Ape Cave" just south of Mt. St. Helens. This is a large lava tube - something you don't see every day. Lavabeds National Monument in northern California is similar, but there are several tubes, one of which has ice at the bottom year-round.

A few interesting historical stops:

Pocatello, ID - Fort Hall reconstruction - Stop on Oregon/California Trail

Fort Bridger, WY - Fort Bridger - Early 1800s Fur Trading post, stop on Oregon/California Trail, mid 1800s military post

Helena, MT - Gates of the Mountains - Dramatic boat ride on narrow lake where Lewis and Clark traversed in canoes when it was a river.

Tacoma, WA - Fort Nisqually - Fur Trading post

Vancouver, WA - Fort Vancouver - Fur Trading post

Astoria, OR - Fort Clatsop - Lewis and Clark winter quarters

Astoria, OR - Maritime Museum - Commemorating one of the most dangerous river estuaries in the world

If you are looking for a place to stay in Astoria we can recommend the Rose River Inn B&B.

The Astoria Column is worth a look around.

The classic view of Seattle with Mt. Ranier in the background is from Kerry Park on West Highland St., west of Queen Ann Ave, north of downtown Seattle.

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA is a unique experience. Besides some fascinating displays of artistic glass works, they have artists in residence who make things in front of a live audience. The "blowing room" has auditorium seating.

The Timberline Lodge on the side of Mt. Hood, near Portland, is a wonderful place to just relax, have lunch and enjoy the mountain ambiance.

Almost forgot...while in Glacier NP, don't forget to drive up to Waterton, the Canadian side of the park. Recent reviews indicate that it may not be the best place to stay, but have lunch. It is a lovely old hotel with a spectacular view. The drive west from there, over the Crow's Nest Highway, is pretty special, too. You could go that way instead of across western Montana and Idaho, which is nice, too.

Obviously, I could go on and on, but I assume you've been following all the comments made on other threads. Your problem will be prioritizing, and I don't envy you that task.

Craig Sheumaker

co-author of A Traveler's Guide: America's Living History - The Early Years

Craig,
That is a fantastic post - thank you so much - though I am now even less hopeful of squeezing it all in to 3 weeks :s I will definately look into all these cool sounding places, as well as those I've already bookmarked, but I'm worried... is it even going to be possible in three weeks? Should I decide to can the idea right now or does the idea have legs? I am not afraid of the mileage - I did a 4,000 mile trip in two weeks last September and that didn't feel too rushed and I drive an average of 50-60,000 miles a year - but I do want to actually spend some time at the various destinations!

Without getting too bogged down in the details at this stage, how much time would I likely save by lopping Lake Tahoe, Bonneville (which I really fancy seeing, for obvious reasons) and Salt Lake City off the itinerary? There is always potential to do that another time... I'm maybe getting carried away here but I really do wanna go back to the Grand Canyon sometime to do the Skywalk. Could quite happily combine that with a trip to cheer on my mate Dave who's set to play for LA Galaxy next year and even the Reno Air Races which we missed last year. hmmm...

No, calm down, let's get back to this trip and that 3 week limit... thoughts please?? :)

Thanks again!

I was thinking, kinda as a fall back plan, I guess, that maybe I could do the US GP at Indianapolis and then head west towards Yellowstone and take in that area for a couple of weeks. However rumour has it that Bernie's pulled the plug on the US for next year. So that idea's out the window...

So back to the original plan - 3 weeks - doable? Your input please?? :)

UKCraig,

FYI, it was announced earlier this week that 2007 was the last year for the US GP (F1) in Indianapolis!

-matt

Craig,

Here is the "tough love" itinerary from Suzanne and me.

For a true Northwest US trip do: Yosemite (required, unless you've been there), Tahoe, Mt. Lassen (smallish, but sufficiently sulferous, stinky hot springs, mud pots, etc.), Lava Beds, Crater Lake, Bend Oregon volcanic area including John Day units in eastern Oregon, Mt. Rainier, Seattle (Vancouver), Olympic NP, Mt. St. Helens, Portland, Oregon Coast, California Redwoods, Sonoma/SF.

We could give you a long, long list of attractions, but a guide book on the Pacific Northwest will give you enough suggestions for a month's worth of traveling in just this area.

We call this "tough love" because we know it isn't what you want to hear - it misses the areas you wanted to see further east - but this is a full 3 weeks of classic NW scenery unlike anywhere else in the country -- you'll be able to say that you've really seen it. (And think of the gas money you'll save.)

Much of this trip is on back roads, over hill and dale and desert and mountain and glacier and canyon and waterfall and river and lake and ocean and forest and sand dune, which makes it all the more fun.

If you need specific recommendations, we'll do what we can, but we really recommend keeping it close and comprehensive.

Craig Sheumaker
co-author of the travel guide: America's Living History-The Early Years

Thanks, Craig. I was beginning to realise people weren't posting because they didn't think it was possible. I don't mind the driving at all, in fact I kinda enjoy being on the move more than spending too much time in one place, but I also don't want to miss too much either! It's tough to get the balance just right.

I've done Yosemite but wouldn't be averse to a return visit - have a look at my own pace - last time around was a little bit rushed if I'm honest. That is exactly what I'm talking about - the balance of seeing everywhere but missing nowhere!!

I'll have a look at the map and see how your suggestions work out for me. I'll also keep working on my boss to see if I could stretch it out to 3.5 weeks or, if I pester enough, maybe the 4 weeks originally planned. But it's unlikely tbh! If I've not upset the boss too much, with all this begging and pleading, it is possible that I might be going to our factory in South Dakota next year sometime and it is always possible that I could rent a car and head across through Badlands, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks then. Maybe.

I'd sooner have done it all this time around really, but I can see your point. Sadly.

Thanks for your input. If anyone else has any thoughts or suggestions on this I'd love to hear them!

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Originally Posted by UKCraig

I was beginning to realise people weren't posting because they didn't think it was possible.

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Actually, I don't think that is the likely explanation for the lack of posts. The 5-6 regular posters who know this area the best have all been busy with other commitments off the Forum the last couple of weeks.

Craig, has given you some excellent tips and you really ought to read fellow UK Tripper Peter Thody's threads on this area:

Redwoods to Seattle &
Oregon and points east

But the real problem is that you are trying to stuff too much geography into a short time span. When you have roadtripped in the southeastern sections of the USA, you may have grown accustomed to the ease of seeing many, many places in a day. In the NW, it takes days of travel to see even half of what you have outlined and I just don't think it is possible, even for a veteran roadtripper like yourself.

If it were me, I would spend the three weeks in Oregon and Washington -- even that will be rushed -- but, at least, you will get a sense of what there is to see here! Don't forget, Moderator Judy could easily come up with three weeks of roadtrips on just the Olympic Penisula for you, and that is less than 17% of the area you are hoping to cover.

Mark

Thanks, Mark, have read those two posts previously but it did me good to read them once more. I was a little disappointed to be told that it wasn't a realistic trip and was starting to think a little about other possibilities. But reading those posts again has made me realise that I really do want to do this trip.

Thanks for the reality check!

Sorry to drag this one back up once again but my mind has been whirring once again. I'm really keen to do Yellowstone. I was talking to someone who works in Champcar and they told me that Denver will be back on the schedule in 2009 - I'm told August - and I was thinking... fly into Denver then loop round taking in Rocky Mountain NP, Bonneville, Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP, Wind Cave NP and Badlands NP. Is that a feasible trip in, say, two weeks?

If it is then I can relax my original plans for the Portland/Sonoma trip without worrying about missing out on half of what I wanted to do!

There have been a few changes to this trip as I have i on good authority that Portland has been scratched from the Champcar schedule next season (not publicly announced just yet, but it will be soon). Due to this, and the previous 'tough love' advice I have decided to cut out the north west and do this another time. Nascar have announced their dates for Infineon/Sonoma so I can now start to make firm plans.

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Originally Posted by RedCorral

That said, if your route took you up Hwy 50 from Sacramento, around the south end of the lake (with a short jaunt to Emerald Cove), to Carson City and across Hwy 50, and didn't cost you a lot of time compared to taking I-80 all the way, then we'd say do it. While I-80 gets you across the state in a hurry, Hwy 50 "the lonliest road in America" reveals the heart of Nevada.

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I have been reading about US-50 "The Loneliest Road In America" and it sounds kinda cool. How long would the trip from San Francisco, through Sacramento, around the south of Lake Tahoe and then on to Great Basin National Park (ie all the way on US-50) take? I am still planning a good amount of other stops so time is still valuable. But I am definately up for it if it is worthwhile?

Basically the route would be something along the lines of:

San Francisco
Infineon
San Francisco
Sacramento
Lake Tahoe
US-50
Great Basin NP
Bonneville Salt Flats
Salt Lake City
Grand Teton NP
Yellowstone NP
Craters Of The Moon NM
Crater Lake NP
Redwood NP
Redding
McArthur-Burney Falls SP
Lassen Volcanic NP
San Francisco

That little lot weighs in at something like 3000 miles according to Streets & Trips. I plan on spending two days each at Grand Teton and Yellowstone NPs but, otherwise, I'll largely be keeping moving reasonably quickly. Do you think that route is fair and how long would you be looking to allow to complete it?

Finally, which route would you be looking to take from Yellowstone NP to Craters Of The Moon NM and then on to Crater Lake NP? This sector looks quite troublesome on the map spewed out by S&T. I would be happy to review this section based on any feedback you can offer?

Thanks guys!

Time-wise it looks good to me. I mean 3000 miles over 3 weeks should be a piece of cake for you. My recent excursion was 4100 miles in 10 days. Other than that I'm not at all familiar with that area of the country.

Although, in San Fran - if you wind up getting a hotel - make sure to look for one that has parking. It amazed me how many didn't have parking spots. The one I stayed in had converted an old Victorian house into a parking garage and was almost too tight for me to even get the Taurus out of.

Definitely book tickets for Alcatraz ahead of time. Other than that Intrepid and I just wandered around on foot the whole day. It's a small city and can easily be explored on foot or you can catch buses and trollies to good locations. Although, Intrepid and I never could figure out the bus schedule - didn't help that the bus drivers we talked to didn't seem to know their routes all that well.

Laura

Cool on Craig for knowing those. Just take a strong flashlight with a wide beam and extra batteries.

I feel somewhat guilty about getting such good input from Craig and then cutting that section out of the trip. Rest assured I will make it up to that area sometime soon and will definately return here to pick up this info!

Thanks for the tip on San Fran, Laura. I visited briefly last year and did Alcatraz then (far too many tourists lol). I particularly enjoyed the windy bit of Lombard Street (have a great home video from that!!!) and want to do another couple of 'laps' when I return. I might take in another ball game there too but, other than that, I'll be looking to get on the road as soon as possible. Unless there are any 'must see' places that I missed last time, of course!

Okay, here goes for a rough itinerary:

Sat 21st June - fly to San Francisco & overnight in city
Sun 22nd June - drive up to Infineon Raceway for Nascar race. Overnight in Sacramento area
Mon 23rd - Weds 25th June - drive US-50 across to Great Basin NP
Thurs 26th June - check out Great Basin NP then drive to Salt Lake City via Bonneville Salt Flats
Fri 27th - Sat 28th - Grand Teton NP
Sun 29th - Mon 30th - Yellowstone NP
Tues 1st - Sat 5th July - drive to Redwood NP via Idaho Falls, Craters Of The Moon NM, Twin Falls, Boise, Ontario, John Day, Crater Lake NP and Grants Pass
Sun 6th - Fri 11th July - return to San Francisco via Eureka, Redding, McArthur-Burney Falls SP, Lassen Volcanic NP, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite NP.
Sat 12th July - return to the UK

I've deliberately left it all very vague as my recent trips seem to have been planned down to the last minute.

I really fancy a return visit to Yosemite and but it seemed a little out of the way. Just in case I was running short of time I decided to tack it onto the end of the route. That way, should run short of time, I can bin the idea of making a return visit if I need to. Having done this the route from Lassen Volcanic to Yosemite seemed to run me right around Lake Tahoe so I decided to move this stop towards the end of the trip too. Does that make sense?

Do you think that I've left the right amount of time for the trip as a whole and also for the various individual legs? If I could shave two or three days off the trip then that'd go down well with the boss and open up the possibility of a second trip later in the year. On the other hand, I want to do the trip justice so I'm not that worries. If it demands the full three weeks then that's what it'll get. I'd love to hear your thoughts, folks, so get typing! :)

It seems to me that it would make more sense to go to Tahoe and the other things in that area when you're going from Sacramento to SLC. It seems strange to criss-cross Eureka-Redding-Tahoe, etc. at the end of your trip. I understand your reasoning if Yosemite is iffy based on your time since you've already been there. But it just doesn't seem particularly efficient.

I think I would just skip Yosemite if I've already been there to allow more time in Y-stone/Teton area and the rest of the places on your list.

Tetons and Yellowstone are fine time-wise if you're just going to do a quick look-see and not explore much in-depth.

I hear what you're saying. If I were to do it that way - I guess it does make sense even if it means sacrificing Yosemite - am I leaving enough time to get from San Francisco to Great Basin NP AND see Lake Tahoe? Craig suggested a visit to South Lake Tahoe -- would I be missing anything sticking purely to this area? I have heard that the south and the north ends of the lake are built up and the places to see are the west and east shores. And is Reno a worthwhile destination or should I miss that out?

What do you think to the time that I have allowed for the rest of the trip? Do you reckon I have left about the right amount of time or would I be okay cutting a few days off and heading home around the 8th or 9th?

Need to check out which is the best place to visit out of Jedediah Smith SP, Redwood NP and Humboldt Redwoods SP. Any wisdom to share on that?

To be honest, of the things you plan on seeing, the first thing I'd drop are the Tahoe/Reno portions. Tahoe is beautiful, don't get me wrong on that. But you are going to see Crater Lake on your trip. They are both lakes higher in the mountains and, of the two, I think Crater is far more amazing. South Lake Tahoe is where the casinos are. Reno is just casinos. Unless you're into gambling, I don't see the point.

I think I would leave San Francisco via Yosemite and Tioga Pass (I'm assuming it would be open by then) and then take 6 to Great Basin. After Crater Lake, I'd dip down to Lassen Volcanic NM and then head west to the coast for the Redwoods and Eureka.

If you decide to not worry about seeing Yosemite since you've been there before, then going to Tahoe/Reno, onto Great Basin, and then SLC makes more sense. You could still do Crater Lake/Lassen/Redwoods/Eureka at the end.

At least that's the way I'd plan it. I think your time-lines seem reasonable. Boy, if dropping a few days means another vacation later in the year, that's a real tough call, isn't it? Tightwad that I am, I'd probably keep the days but, gee, another vacation is tough to turn down. Your call.

But if you are going to drop days, you will probably need to drop a few destinations. Which ones? Oooooh, boy...maybe we should save those for another discussion if you make that decision.

Thanks for the input, Judy, some real food for thought there!

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I think I would leave San Francisco via Yosemite and Tioga Pass (I'm assuming it would be open by then) and then take 6 to Great Basin.

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I've been reading up in the 'Loneliest Road In America' deal and, if I'm honest, I'm all but sold on that. It sounds really quite cool. If Reno and Tahoe are not 'must see' then I will probably skip them (although I will have a little look around the southern end as suggested by Craig) and make my way straight to Great Basin NP.

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If you decide to not worry about seeing Yosemite since you've been there before, then going to Tahoe/Reno, onto Great Basin, and then SLC makes more sense.

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Yosemite really does seem to be a bit of a headache so, as I've been there previously, I'd prefer to focus on places I've not seen already. Regrettably I think I'll have to strike that off the list.

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After Crater Lake, I'd dip down to Lassen Volcanic NM and then head west to the coast for the Redwoods and Eureka.

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The reason that I was planning on doing the last two legs in the order that I listed them is that I read US-199 from Grants Pass to Crescent City was supposed to be a spectacular drive. I then further read about the Newton Drury Parkway and going Yellowstone to Redwood NP via Idaho Falls, Craters Of The Moon NM, Twin Falls, Boise, Ontario, John Day, Crater Lake NP and Grants Pass seemed to make sense.

Redding and Lassen Volcanic NP seem to be considerably to the south of Redwood NP. Would I be cutting back on myself, as well as missing out those roads mentioned, if I did it in this order? Having said all that, I would love to have the opportunity to drive at least some of US-1 from Eureka down to San Francisco. I'd not even considered this but maybe it's possible?

The whole Redding/Lassen Volcanic NP section is a bit of a headache really... the rest of the trip is essentially one large circle. hmmm... what to do? :s

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Originally Posted by Judy

Tahoe is beautiful, don't get me wrong on that. But you are going to see Crater Lake on your trip. They are both lakes higher in the mountains and, of the two, I think Crater is far more amazing. South Lake Tahoe is where the casinos are. Reno is just casinos. Unless you're into gambling, I don't see the point.

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Well, that is a lot like suggesting that once you have seen the Oregon coast -- there is no point in seeing the Washington coast.

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Reno is just casinos

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-- that makes me almost laugh. Reno is a city of nearly 500,000 people -- in many ways, it the kindler and gentler Las Vegas -- but leaving that aside for the moment -- I think you ought to factor Lake Tahoe back in -- some of the best bars and hang-outs can be found along the shore and you could also factor in Virginia City --- which I think you would enjoy.

If you do the US-50 -- make a point to stay at the Nevada Hotel in Ely -- it is an experience!

Mark

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Originally Posted by UKCraig

Redding and Lassen Volcanic NP seem to be considerably to the south of Redwood NP.

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Not really, if you look at a globe, Lassen is less than a degree south of Redwood Np ( ~41.058 N versus 40.572 N)

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Having said all that, I would love to have the opportunity to drive at least some of US-1 from Eureka down to San Francisco. I'd not even considered this but maybe it's possible?

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If you elect to do the Lake Tahoe route, I would suggest that you use US-101 to Cloverdale and then diagonal northwest on CA-128 and stop for some brews at the Boonville brewery before reaching the coast at Albion and then north to Mendocino and on up the coast.

Mark

I thought we made recommendations all the time based on people's time constraints, interests, budgets, etc. I don't think recommending that something might not be appropriate for this trip means that it's never appropriate.

Thanks again guys. I'll need to crunch the numbers and see how it all works out mileage and time wise. I'm not massively fussed about Reno, to be honest, this trip is all about the scenery for me I think. I know it's a case of 'how long is a piece of string' but any idea how long I would need to allow to do a circuit of Lake Tahoe? Maybe I could have a bit of a lazy day on the Monday and do that then head east afterwards.

I'm still undecided about the route after Yosemite and will need to ponder on this. Has anyone drive US-199? I have heard that it's a place that can't be missed. But then so is US-1 so the opportunity to drive some more of the beautiful coast is swaying me... Decisive, me? Hell yeah! :)

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Originally Posted by UKCraig

Has anyone drive US-199?

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Many, many times -- it is a connector road -- I like other ones more.

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But then so is US-1

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(RoadTrip Advisors aren't supposed to make this mistake....-- US-1 is runs from Key West, Florida to Fort Kent, Maine. I bet you meant CA-State Highway 1? Yes, there are plenty of choices. One thing to remember -- CA-1 north of Eureka is only rarely on the coast -- the coastline is shrouded by redwood trees....

Mark

Doh! Yes, of course, you are right. And you'd only recently explained the differences! I think I need a bigger scale map that I can read properly :s

The route I was pondering was, very roughly, Crater Lake NP then south via OR-62 towards Medford then I-5 past Cascade-Siskiyou NM & Mt Shasta and then CA-89 to McArthur-Burney Falls SP before hitting the north end of Lassen Volcanic NP.

Once I've seen LVNP I'll head west on CA-44 through Redding, stopping to see the Sundial Bridge and then pick up CA-299 towards Eureka. On my map there seems to be a tiny road (no number) that cuts up from Willow Creek to Crescent City and Redwood NP.

From Redwood NP I would make my way back to San Francisco. Hopefully, if I have any time in hand, via US-101 and the Avenue of the Giants and then turning onto CA-1 and following this down the coast. Of course, if time is short, then I will have to find a faster route but this what appeals right now.

See any pitfalls there or any better suggestions?

Thanks :)

I found this thread on the road in the Archives. It has lots of specifics on what to see and do. I feel kind of bad that you're helping me so much with my trip and I haven't been able to give you any advice on yours.

Laura

Thanks for that link - looks like a nice lot of info on there - fantastic!

I'm now getting quite excited about this trip... then realised it's best part of a year ago. Bah.

Cascade-Sisikyou NM isn't much, at least in my opinion. There aren't an real ways to get into the NM, and its basically been set aside as protected environment. Not super exciting -- I think you'd find Castle Craigs (south of Mt Shasta on I-5) a bit more interesting.

From a route standpoint, unless you're into mountain roads and lots of trees (and you'll see lots of them on this trip, no matter what route), you migth consider taking the south exit out of Crater Lake NM, then south east on 62 to Fort Klamath, and then down the western edge of Klamath lake to Odessa, and then take 140 west to Medford. A bit more varied country, a little bit of history at Fort Klamath, and a bit faster set of roads. Your choice though -- faster roads, but I think the time difference will be less than an hour.

If you're heart's not set on Cascade-Siskiyou NM, you can take an eastern route down through Klamath Falls via 97 to come in along the north side of Mt Shasta to link up with I-5 at Weed. A very good route -- I took it in the reverse direction this summer. From here it's a pretty simple route south east from Mt Shasta town past Burney Falls, and then to Lassen National Park. If you visit the park, you do need to drive into the park a ways, at least to Bumpass Hell. You'll pass Mt Lassen itself, and the peak is a walk-up, but it'll be a couple of hours (3?) hike to the peak and back.

An alternative from Lassen is to go through the park, and come back to I-5 at Red Bluff. From there you can hook north back to Redding, or continue west on CA 36, which winds through the Shasta Trinity mountains and comes out south of Eureka at 101.

And a note:
>Once I've seen LVNP I'll head west on CA-44 through Redding, stopping to
>see the Sundial Bridge and then pick up CA-299 towards Eureka. On my
>map there seems to be a tiny road (no number) that cuts up from Willow
>Creek to Crescent City and Redwood NP.

You need to check a bit more on this.. I show it as CA 96 (aka "Bigfoot Scenic Highway", I kid you not...) which takes you up in the Hoopa Indian Reservation, and then CA 169 which does sort of NW from Hoopa -- but I'm not sure it goes through all the way along the Hoopa Reservation to come out at 101. It does connect with a road that goes sort of west from there -- Bald Hill Road -- which comes out about Barry Glen on the 101, but that's still south of the really nice parts of the Redwoods, in my opinion. Most of it looks very winding and not very wide, and I'd check on the conditions on it before taking it I think...

Larrison,
Thank you for that input... it is very helpful!

I wasn't particularly fussed about Cascade-Siskiyou NM; simply saw it on the map and added it as a 'possible'. I am very happy to take your advice on the route and will very likely take OR-62 SE to US-97 down to Weed then I-5 and CA-89 (stopping at McCloud Falls) to the north entrance of Lassen Volcanic NP. I like the idea of cutting right through LVNP and exiting to the south.

I checked out that 'short cut' from Willow Creek to Redwood NP on Google Earth and Streets & Trips and you are correct; both suggest that the route ends abruptly approximately 45 miles inside Six Rivers National Forest. Glad we sussed that now!!

One big question I am left with really. Is Redwood NP a real 'must see' or would I be better off visiting one or two of the state parks to the south of Eureka and spending the saved time meandering back to San Francisco along CA-1? I guess that's something to decide on the ground when I know how much time I have at the end of the trip, but it'd be real helpful to get peoples thoughts on that.

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Originally Posted by UKCraig

Is Redwood NP a real 'must see' or would I be better off visiting one or two of the state parks to the south of Eureka and spending the saved time meandering back to San Francisco alongCA-1?

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You just need to be sure that you understand that the coastal route between Eureka and San Francisco is not spectacular in the way that the Big Sur coast is. Most of the time you can not see the coast -- you can see the ocean -- but the shoreline is blocked.... The redwood groves south of Eureka are pretty great -- I still think you can concentrate on the Avenue of the Giants and stop in for one of those amazing burgers at Knights Restaurant in Myers Flats.

Mark

Thanks, Mark. I appreciate that the coast is different but I read that in places it's as good as, or maybe better, than Big Sur. I guess it's all about taking the right side turns off CA-1? I think perhaps I need a guide book to the coastline.

And, yes, I've read that report before and most definately intend to cruise through. The mention of those burgers made my mouth water :)

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Head south along the coast road, camping overnight in Cannon Beach, towards Portland visiting Multnomah Falls en route.

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Sound like maybe you've abandoned the idea of Northern Oregon/Washington for your trip, but, just in case....

You won't find Multnomah Falls "en route" from Cannon Beach to Portland - it is east of Portland about 30 minutes...

I'm also going to post 2 articles that I wrote a few months ago about a "long weekend trip" for both Oregon and California. It may give you some ideas.

Carol White

Oregon – is it Hip, or just Cool?

Oregon is where, generations ago, a Governor coined a saying about “Come visit, but don’t stay” that is still quoted by tourists. Oregon, the place that is best known for its Silicon Forest, its environmentalism and smart urban planning, and yes, being totally laid back in the rain, is really a very cool place.

So how do you get a flavor for the state in a three night, four-day tour? You try to see a little of everything – the mountains, the desert, and the ocean; the sleek urban and the small towns, the trendy and the Wild West. Perhaps you’d call it an Oregon Sampler.

DAY ONE

Wake-up in one of Portland’s downtown boutique hotels; get up early and throw on some sweats and head out to the nearest coffee shop – sure to be not more than a block away. Head towards the Willamette River and walk, jog or bike along the waterfront – maybe even get a peak at the Dragon boats preparing for competition or a tugboat preparing for the day’s work. Maybe even amble along the Eastbank Esplanade for a stunning view of the city.

Enjoy breakfast at the Bijou, Cadillac Café or Milo’s. It’s mid-morning as you leave Portland behind and turn your thoughts towards the outdoors. You’re heading up Interstate 84 to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Stop to see the newly renovated Vista House with spectacular views of the Gorge, take a short hike at Multnomah Falls, and continue to Hood River, the self-proclaimed wind surfing capital of the world.

Proceed to Highway 35 with Timberline Lodge as your lunch destination. High on the flank of Mt. Hood, this WPA-era lodge provides vistas of an array of snow-capped mountains to the south and provides year-round skiing to both locals and Olympic ski teams.

After lunch, make a beeline for Bend, your first night’s destination. As you travel along, you’ll pass through Oregon’s high desert region and the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where the tribe still follows ancient customs in the midst of a modern world.

Enjoy the downtown area or the newly redeveloped Old Mill District, constructed on the site of an old lumber mill. A visit to Mirror Pond and the Pine Tavern Inn will give a flavor of fast-growing Bend’s historic roots. This town is now one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and becoming another sought-after Oregon destination with sunny weather much of the year.

DAY TWO

Next, you are headed for one of Oregon’s crown jewels, Crater Lake National Park. A two-hour drive will take you through a panorama of ancient volcanic high-mountain peaks. Cruise Rim Drive around the lake to enjoy the this volcano that collapsed to create this infinitely clear, deep lake and plan on having lunch at the delicious, recently restored Crater Lake Lodge dining room.

Head down Highway 138 through one of the most awe-inspiring forested drives you’ll ever encounter with the Umpqua River tumbling madly along the road nearly the entire way to Roseburg, one of Oregon’s oldest lumber towns and still very much a small Oregon town. Try the Holiday Inn Express with its views of the river for relaxing accommodations and McMenamin’s Pub, a truly funky Oregon, home-grown business with locations throughout the state in historic venues.

DAY THREE

Today is a real treat, the Oregon Coast. The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is so spectacular that the entire length of US 101 in Oregon is designated a scenic drive by AAA. The small towns dotting the drive range from fishing towns, to lumber towns to tourist towns of every ilk. Stop at Reedsport, known for its ocean-going fleet of salmon fishing boats at nearby Winchester Bay.

Reedsport is also located in the middle of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area that boasts some of the largest natural sand dunes in the world. Jessie M. Honeyman State Park is one of the best places to see the dunes up close. If you are adventuresome, take a dune buggy ride. There are a variety of outfitters from Reedsport to Florence, but remember, it’s all about choices: time here is less time later!

From Florence to Lincoln City, the world is your oyster. There are more parks and beaches to visit than you’ll possibly have the time or energy for. Some highlights are the Heceta Lighthouse and Beach (Florence), Sea Lion Caves (Florence), the waterfront areas in Newport and Depoe Bay, Devil’s Punchbowl State Park(North of Newport), and The Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport).

Sample some of the local food scene also. Moe’s Clam Chowder is known up and down the coast. Dungeness crab is a local delicacy as well as local Chinook salmon. An opportunity to try any of these seasonal treasures should not be missed. But Oregon Blackberry Cobbler in late summer is the best!

You’ll arrive in Lincoln City invigorated by the fresh ocean breezes, but with sand in your shoes and ready to put your feet up. Treat yourself tonight to one of the Oregon Coast’s finest lodgings, Salishan Lodge. Check out the Side Door Café this evening – frequent entertainment makes it a fun place to hang out.

DAY FOUR

The last leg of your “Oregon Sampler;” but take time to fly a kite, walk on the beach or shop in some of the many locally-owned stores throughout the area.

As you head up Highway 18, lunch and wine tasting are in Dundee, the heart of Oregon’s Pinot Noir wine country. Armed with your map, you can spend the rest of the day wine tasting and deciding which wines you just must take home.

Back in Portland your world is calling you home with a promise to return to explore the other two-thirds of the state. You now know why I say “Oregon is the only place where you can snow ski in the morning, water ski in the afternoon and watch the sun set over the ocean – all in one day – year round.” The diversity of this state is incredible. It’s up to you to decide whether it is truly hip, or just cool. So come visit – and maybe you’ll also decide to stay.

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I Left My Heart – where?

Northern California may not be as glamorous as its Southern California cousin, but there is so much to see that a three-night, four-day get-away is not nearly enough. The first decision that one must make is: do I go north or south – of San Francisco? You really can’t do both, so we’re headed south for the sheer variety of activities.

DAY 1

Start your first morning in downtown San Francisco. A run along the Embarcadero is an exhilarating way to start the day. Don’t choose a boring chain hotel/motel. San Francisco has one of the richest palettes of small local choices throughout the city. You must, of course, ride the cable cars for a total SF experience, as well as visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Park. You could spend a whole week just in SF, but there is so much to see on your long weekend, that you’ll agonize over your choices. Consider the Cliff House for breakfast or lunch for one of the best ocean views around – as long as the fog has lifted.

Leave the city via US1 through Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and on to Santa Cruz. The road is slow, but well worth the drive. Each small town along the way gives a different picture of small town California with historic roots in each. Our destination tonight is Monterey – home of the world famous aquarium and John Steinbeck fame. We have enjoyed the Hotel Pacific, but the choices are many. For a total splurge, continue on down the coast a short distance and stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay. Both are “wow” experiences, especially if you are a golf fan. But don’t miss sightseeing in Cannery Row and downtown Monterey if you decide to head to the Carmel area for the night.

DAY 2

Either wake in the heart of one of the world’s Golf Mecca’s, or head there for breakfast – maybe at Katy’s Place. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the quaintest towns you’ll ever find and dotted with small Inns and wonderful small restaurants. Their restrictions on everything have kept it much the way it was in the 1960s. It is still known as an artists retreat and evidence of that is shown throughout the many galleries sprinkling the courtyards of the town. A great way to see the town is via a self-guided walking tour.

As you say good-bye to Carmel, continue down highway 1 through the most spectacular scenery on the west coast – Big Sur. Rugged, isolated, wondrous, and rural don’t begin to describe the scenery of this area. Small restaurants dot the northern portion of the highway, but a treat would be lunching at either Ventana or the Post Ranch Inn. Be prepared to stop frequently and take in the scenery and allow extra time on this narrow, twisting scenic highway arriving at San Simeon and the Hearst Castle. Be sure to make reservations ahead for this popular destination and allow plenty of time for one or more of the magnificent tours.

After walking and exploring all day, take just a short drive on into Pismo Beach for the flavor of a true California beach town. There are several reasonably priced ocean-front hotels with good local dining close by. Enjoy the sunset and a great seafood meal before turning in.

DAY 3

No visit to California would be complete without a visit to at least one of the remaining 21 California Missions. These were originally stopovers for travelers and community centers for the area, as well as religious institutions. We’ll stop and tour the San Luis Obispo mission built in 1772 in downtown San Luis Obispo – a delightful destination even without the mission. It is the fifth oldest mission and is still an active church.

California is legendary for their wine growing regions and the Paso Robles area is gaining recognition for their wines. This wine growing area was made famous by the 2004 movie, “Sideways.” Explore several wineries then pick up a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the winery grounds with a good bottle of local wine overlooking the actual vineyard.

After lunch, we have a two and half hour drive through both wine country and California’s famous agriculture areas following Highway 41 to Fresno, then North to Merced on Highway 99. Stop along the way at one of the many fruit and vegetable stands and enjoy the local flavor of your choice. Merced is a farming community first and foremost and a working class town in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. A good night’s sleep is in order before our assault on Yosemite National Park.

Note: An alternate would be to continue on into Yosemite Park tonight and stay at one of the four National Park Lodges or other accommodations if you can get reservations. It is about an additional two hours from Merced on Highway 140.

DAY 4

California has more national parks than any other state, so a visit to this great state just has to include a visit to at least one of them – and Yosemite is arguably the most famous.

If you managed the extra driving yesterday, you are waking up in this glorious park, or you are rising early to arrive in the park by mid-morning. A half-day is not nearly enough time to explore, but it is enough time to take in the valley floor, gaze at El Capitan (look for the rock climbers hanging on the side where they sleep!), view Yosemite Falls, maybe drive out to Glacier Point for a picnic lunch (just don’t let the chipmunks get it – they are fast!) and a view of Half Dome.

It is a four hour drive out of Yosemite back to San Francisco, so you’ll arrive late and tired, but full of the memories of your quick tour of just a small slice of Northern California. So, where did you leave your heart?

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Carol White is the co-author of the award-winning book, “Live Your Road Trip Dream” – the ultimate road trip planning guide for extended road trips.

Thanks, Carol, interesting read.

I think I've got a reasonble idea of the route that I want to take now although I a very much open to suggestions - especally of those who have been to or otherwise know the area though which I'll be travelling. Particularly interested in tips for the final leg down the coast. I have read that the 'Lost Coast Scenic Byway' from Ferndale down to the 'Avenue Of The Giants' is a great drive -- any other tips for scenic routes or side trips off CA-1 would be very welcome. Any worthwhile hikes? Any tips where I could stop and see the San Andreas Fault; if in fact there is anything to see?

I have realised that I've done it again. My last trip fell on the Labor Day weekend, my next over Thanksgiving and this trip covers July 4th. Will that impact on my plans in any way? Will shops, gas stations, state parks, etc. remain open, close entirely or offer a reduced service?

My trip last year started on the 4th of July. A lot of regular stores were shut, but none of the attractions were. It posed no problems for me. But - try to find a local fireworks show where ever you stop. Most towns put on a big show for the 4th.

Laura

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Originally Posted by UKCraig

I have realised that I've done it again. My last trip fell on the Labor Day weekend, my next over Thanksgiving and this trip covers July 4th.

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Us USA locals avoid traveling on those holiday weekends -- and you end up traveling on them and they aren't even holidays for you? That is pretty funny!

Mark

Well, Thanksgiving was kinda fun, so I'm quite looking forward to 4th July :)

Just read this rather interesting article linked from the RTA homepage and it's got me in the mood for looking at this next trip again in ernest now. I may look to shave some time off as I have plans for Feburary now which I really need some holiday days for, but... looking forward to this one :)

Has anyone here visited the USS Hornet? I did a search on the forum and it came up with no results at all! Can't believe no one has been at all...

No, but I've been on the USS Midway, which is the carrier/ naval musuem in San Diego.

If you haven't been on one.. they are impressive ships to tour.

I like the sound of that - thanks for the confirmation that's worth finding time to stop and visit. I will do my best as it sounds pretty cool!

Hi there - only me!

Events have overtaken this trip and it has now found itself part of a far larger trip. This has given me two further weeks to explore the area so I can now do all of the destinations that I wanted to do originally. As I'll not be flying into the US - this trip will start several weeks earlier in Canada - I have rejigged the order so that I am now starting in the Bellingham/Seattle area.

I would welcome any suggestions for how best to start this leg of trip - ie how to join it on to the previous leg which will end in Vancouver. Should I cross the border on foot, by ferry, train or another route. I will be looking for a car rental company in Bellingham ideally as that is where I will be catching the ferry to start the next leg.

Here's the itinerary:

9th June Cross US border, pick up rental car and head towards Olympic NP (100 miles)
10th June Olympic NP (101 miles)
11th June Drive to Mount St Helens NVM (258 miles)
12th June Visit Multnomah Falls and Portland (107 miles)
13th June Drive to Crater Lake NP (248 miles)
14th June Crater Lake NP
15th June Drive to Redwood NP (263 miles)
16th June Redwood NP
17th June Drive to Redding to and visit McArthur-Burney Falls SP (212 miles)
18th June Drive to Lassen Volcanic NP (200 miles)
19th June Drive to San Francisco (100 miles)
20th June Oakland - USS Hornet & baseball ground (25 miles)
21st June San Francisco
22nd June Race: Nascar - Infineon Raceway (100 miles)
23rd June US-50 to Great Basin NP (280 miles)
24th June US-50 to Great Basin NP (280 miles)
25th June Great Basin NP then drive to Bonneville Salt Flats SP (180 miles)
26th June Drive to Craters of the Moon NM (282 miles)
27th June Drive to Grand Teton NP (206 miles)
28th June Grand Teton NP
29th June Drive to Yellowstone NP (90 miles)
30th June Yellowstone NP
1st July Start driving to Glacier NP (300 miles)
2nd July Complete drive to Glacier NP (176 miles)
3rd July Glacier NP
4th July Coeur d' Alene for fireworks at dusk (249 miles)
5th July Coeur d' Alene
6th July Drive to Mt Rainier NP (335 miles)
7th July Mt Rainier NP
8th July Drive to Seattle (107 miles)
9th July Seattle
10th July Boeing Tour then Drive to North Cascades NP (130 miles)
11th July North Cascades NP
12th July North Cascades NP
13th July
14th July
15th July Drop rental car and take ferry at 6pm

I have two and a half days spare at the end of the loop before I take the ferry to Alaska. Any ideas?

I have listed rough mileage to be driven each day based on estimates from Streets & Trips. I am restricted a little in the first half of the trip in that I have tickets for the race on the 22nd and I'm meeting some people at Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone NP a week later. Everything else has to be squeezed up a little to fit in with that. I think it's worked out pretty well though I am, as ever, keen for the opinions of you guys!

I was tempted to add another day at Yellowstone after my friends had departed but I was keen to see Glacier NP and then make Coeur d' Alene for the 4th July celebrations. It's the same reason that I haven't added a trip into the Canadian section of the Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park - you can't be in the middle of a trip through the USA and then pop over to Canada for the evening of the 4th July! What is the deal there anyway? I presume there remains some form of border crossing? Also, is there any campgrounds in the park? I've looked on the NPS website and can't really find anything pertaining to camping?