Hi,

I like the idea of doing a loop through Lassen to Burney Falls. Getting off I-5 is always a good idea.

There is a beautiful view of the middle falls of the McCloud River near McCloud on the north end of Hwy 89, east of Shasta. The waterfall is a classic, wide, falls in a beautiful setting. Not a long walk from the parking lot.

In fact, (I'm not pushing my photography because I don't usually sell prints) if you go to my website and click the "Waterfalls" button you'll see the first two shots are of the Middle Falls of the McCloud River and of Burney Falls.

There is also a swimming hole at the lower falls of the McCloud that is usually busy but fun on a hot day.

If, for some reason, you can't make it to Ashland, the drive from Redding west past Whiskeytown Lake and along the Trinity River is beautiful, too. That area has so much great scenery and interesting driving opportunities.

We stay in B&B's whenever possible. The contact with locals as well as interesting travelers is always worth the extra cost, if it is more than a decent motel. Sometimes the price is actually less and the comfort is almost always more (though you may not get a TV in your room).

Most importantly, I'm glad you are taking some time. This area is not a quick-stop-and-keep-on-driving sort of place. It needs a relaxed attitude and a willingness to soak it in.

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