This realistic Northern California and Oregon Itinerary helps you explore the region on a 4 day long road trip.

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Sights in Northern California and Oregon

Northern California and Southern Oregon make up a remote region in the Pacific Northwest. Some know it as the State of Jefferson. This Pacific “state” remains a proposal rather than an official region.

Regardless of your stance on its political future, there is a lot to see in this region. Northern California and Southern Oregon have a lot of natural wonders.

There are three national parks and two national monuments in this region. You will find Lassen Volcanic, Redwood, Crater Lake, Oregon Caves, and Lava Beds here.

Its remote location is the main issue when visiting this region. You need to drive for over 4 hours to reach it from Portland, Oregon or San Francisco, California.

This Northern California and Oregon Itinerary gives you a ready-to-go plan how to visit this region in just 4 days.

Day 1

It is time to get excited about your trip to Northern California and Oregon. Your action packed trip is about to begin. The first day is about getting from your home base to the region.

• Start: Reno, Nevada / Sacramento, California / San Francisco Bay Area
• Finish: Redding, California
• Distance: 229 miles (369 km) / 248 miles (399 km) / 339 miles (545 km)
• Driving Time: 4.5 hours / 4.5 hours / 6.5 hours
• Park Fees: none if you have Interagency Pass; otherwise $30 per car

You will not be just flying and driving on the first day of your trip. There will be time to see the first sights. You will get to enjoy lush meadows, powerful creeks, and volcanic peaks.

1.1. Fly to Nearest Airport

Northern California and Southern Oregon are quite remote. There are very few major airports in this part of the country. All of them involve a long drive to the region.

You should take a morning flight to Reno, Nevada, Sacramento, California, or any of the San Francisco Bay Area airports. These airports are the closest hubs to the sights of this region.

There are a few other reasons to take the first flight of the day. These flights are less likely to be delayed. Plus, you will gain a few hours thanks to a time difference with East Coast, Central, or Mountain regions.

1.2. Pick Up Rental Car

Flying is only part of the journey when visiting Northern California and Southern Oregon. You need to budget about half a day to reach the sights from the nearest major airport.

As a result, your next step is to pick up a rental car at the airport. There is no viable alternative to a car rental when visiting Northern California and Southern Oregon.

The Coast Starlight Amtrak Train follows Interstate Highway I-5. But its route is far from all the major sights in the region except Crater Lake. You would still need a car or a bus tour to reach this park.

You have just arrived on a red eye or an early morning flight from across the country. It has been a long morning and you are tired. But it is critical to be alert when picking up your rental car.

You should check that the car is in a good condition. It is best to document any scratches before driving off the parking lot. This way, you could avoid issues with the rental and insurance companies later.

Last but not least, make sure that your phone connects to a rental car. You have a long drive ahead of you. A malfunctioning or inexistent Apple CarPlay or Android Auto system is the last thing you need.

1.3. Stock Up on Water and Snacks

Once you are on the road, it is a good idea to make a quick stop at a grocery store. The reason is quite intuitive. You should buy some water and snacks for the trip.

Try doing your grocery shopping in a bigger city. Such cities often have a greater selection of stores. They also offer lower prices.

There will be a handful of restaurants on your way. But a picnic in the park will be by far the fastest option. Dinner and breakfast will be your main meals of the day during this trip.

1.4. Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park

With supplies stocked up, it is time to drive to the first attraction. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great park to visit on the first day. The park is between 2.5 and 4 hours from the nearest airports.

It means that you should reach the Southwest Entrance Station no latter than 3 p.m. This should leave plenty of daylight if you travel in the summer or early fall.

These are the only seasons when the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is open to cars. This 30-mi (48-km) mountainous road closes with the first heavy snowfall. It remains closed until late May.

You will not have time to take the longer hiking trails in the park. Leave Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak to another trip. Your focus should be on the easy-to-reach sights and viewpoints.

Sulphur Works and Little Hot Springs Valley are great stops. You can enjoy volcanic formations and mud pools within a short walk from the parking lot.

Make sure to stop at Emerald Lake, Bumpass Trailhead, and Lake Helen. These viewpoints are within a 0.7-mi (1.1-km) section of the road. It is still worth stopping at all of them thanks to their beauty.

You could also take a 2.7-mi (4.3-km) out-and-back hike to Bumpass Hell. These hot springs are sure to remind you of Yellowstone. If you only take one hike in Lassen Volcanic, Bumpass Hell should be the one.

Kings Creek Falls Trail near Upper Meadow is a contender for the second hike of the day. But these falls cannot rival Bumpass Hell in beauty.

There will be few other stops on the scenic drive until you reach Reflection Lake. This lake is right next to the park boundary. Try to capture mountain peak reflections if the water is still.

1.5. Stay in Redding, California

You would have spent a total of 4 to 6 hours in the park. You would have already had a long and eventful first day of the trip. The last part of your journey is a drive from the park to Redding, California.

It is the time to safely reach a place to stay less than an hour from Lassen Volcanic. Redding is the largest city in Northern California. It has a lot of lodging options for you to choose from.

Take a closer look at TownePlace Suites Redding, Fairfield Inn & Suites Redding, or Hampton Inn & Suites Redding. There are also a few boutique options, like Hope Inn Redding or Americana Modern Hotel.

You will likely be starving by the time you reach Redding. Stop by Woody’s Brewing Co, Champa Garden, or Le Testimony Organic Bistro. Have a nice dinner and a restful night.

Day 2

Well rested you will be ready for the adventures of the second day. Redwood National and State Parks will be your main attraction of the day.

You are looking at the following day route:

This plan leaves plenty of time for you to explore Redwood groves and Pacific oceanshore. You will see the main sights from the viewpoints and scenic drives. A couple of short hikes are also on the agenda.

2.1. Drive to Redwood

Redding is about 160 miles (258 km) from Redwood. It means that you will cover over half of the distance for the day before reaching the parks.

You need to budget about 3 hours to get to the first sights in Redwood. Most of the drive is on State Highway CA-299. It goes through the mountains. Get ready for constant switchbacks and elevation gain.

If you start the drive early, around dawn, be on the lookout for wildlife. Dusk and dawn are the primary times of the day for wildlife viewing. Be alert in case a deer decides to cross the road.

You will reach the coast in McKinleyville. There will be a handful of beaches and coastal parks. You can enjoy great views of the rugged oceanshore in Sue-Meg State Park.

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area and Humboldt Lagoons State Park are nice parks, too. But you could enjoy them right from the scenic Redwood Highway.

2.2. See Wildlife at Elk Meadow

Once you pass Berry Glenn, you will enter the Elk Country. The names of the parks would leave no doubt. Elk Meadow and Elk Prairie are great spots to see wildlife.

You could take a short detour to the Trillium Falls Trailhead or stop at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. Elk are often present in these fields.

2.3. Hike to Big Tree Wayside

With elk viewing complete, you should continue with your journey. Do not get too comfortable since you are about to take the first hike of the day.

Just minutes after the Visitor Center you will find yourself in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This park is home to countless redwood groves.

The Big Tree Wayside is also in Prairie Creek Redwoods. This tall and massive tree is about 1,500 years old. It is a good reason to get out of your car.

The hike to the Big Tree Wayside is more of a walk. You just need to find a parking spot before walking 330 ft (100 m) to the tree. Get ready to feel small when you stand next to the Big Tree Wayside.

You will have a few options to extend your hike in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. But you might want to enjoy the groves from your car.

You will be driving on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This is a very scenic section of the already picturesque Redwood Highway.

It brings you from the Big Tree Wayside to Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail. You will pass a handful of trailheads to longer hiking routes.

2.3. Explore Pacific Oceanshore

Still, there is a reason to keep driving. The area between the Klamath River and Wilson Creek is full of scenic viewpoints.

The Klamath River Overlook involves a short detour from the main route. But it is well worth the time and extra miles. You will see the mouth of the river and the Pacific Ocean.

The next viewpoints are right next to the Redwood Highway. Lagoon Creek and Wilson Creek Beach are marvelous stops. You will explore a beautiful cove with rocks and water lilies.

The Crescent Beach Overlook is another notable stop on the route. Just like the Klamath River Overlook, you would need to take a detour from the Redwood Highway.

This pristine beach looks a lot like Ocean Beach in San Francisco but without crowds. You can take a hiking trail to nearby Endert Beach or just enjoy the ocean cliffs.

Crescent Beach is a great place to enjoy a sunset on a clear day. The beach overlook is just 10 minutes from Crescent City. It is a good reason to change your itinerary and make it the last stop of the day.

2.4. See Redwoods Again

There is still plenty to see on Day 2. You will enter residential areas near Crescent City once you rejoin the Redwood Highway. You could finish your exploration at this point. But you might want to keep going.

Take the unpaved Howland Hill Road through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It will bring you through another picturesque redwood grove. You could admire the giant trees from the viewpoints.

There are also a few hiking trails for you to explore if you feel like it. Look into Nickerson Ranch, Boy Scout Tree, and Grove of Titans trails.

All of these trails are fairly long. If you are looking for an easier path, take the Simpson-Reed Trail. The trailhead is next to the Redwood Highway.

You would need to finish the Howland Hill Road and pass the Hiouchi Visitor Center to get to there. Enjoy a 30-minute leisurely stroll among the redwood trees.

2.5. Stay in Crescent City, California

You would have visited all of the sights for the day when you finish the Simpson-Reed Trail. It will be time to drive to Crescent City for a well deserved dinner and rest.

SeaQuake Brewing, Kin Khao, or Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya offer a variety of food and beverages. Pick a restaurant that works with your preferences and budget.

The next stop on your itinerary is to reach a hotel. While Crescent City is the largest town nearby, you will not find a lot of hotel chains there. You would need to stay at an independent property instead.

Look into Hiouchi Motel, Oceanview Inn and Suites, or Shiraz Boutique B&B. All of these places to stay have nice rankings across different lodging platforms.

Day 3

The third day of your Northern California and Oregon Itinerary will bring you to Oregon. It will be a long day full of driving. It is best to get up early since you have a lot of ground to cover.

As a reward, you will see Oregon Caves National Monument and Crater Lake National Park. Both parks are spectacular destinations.

Here is your Northern California to Oregon Itinerary for the day:

• Start: Crescent City, California
• Finish: Klamath Falls, Oregon
• Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
• Driving Time: 6.5 hours
• Park Fees: $10 per adult if you have Interagency Pass; otherwise additional $30 per car

3.1. Drive to Oregon Caves

Your third day will start with a 70-mile (113-km) drive from Crescent City to Oregon Caves. You will follow the scenic Smith River on Highway US-199.

This highway will cross into Oregon about halfway into your 1.5-hour journey. The last section of the drive goes on the Caves Highway. Do not be fooled by its name. It is a narrow and winding mountain road.

Give yourself a little extra time to account for wildlife, road construction, or slow cars on the way. It is quite difficult to pass on the Caves Highway.

3.2. Join Cave Tour

Without a doubt, a cave tour is the must-do activity in Oregon Caves. There are four tours you could join. But the Discovery Tour is the best option for your Northern California and Oregon itinerary.

You will cover 0.9 miles (1.5 km) in the cave over 90 minutes. The tour path will bring you uphill inside the mountain. It is a moderately challenging route.

The Discovery Tour tour goes through all the main chambers. You will see Imagination Room, Niagara Falls, and Paradise Lost.

All of this beauty costs just $10 per adult. America the Beautiful annual pass does not provide any discounts on tour fees at Oregon Caves.

The Discovery Tour takes just 15 visitors per tour. The tours often sell out. But you should not leave your itinerary to chance. It is best to book a tour in advance to guarantee a spot.

3.3. Stop by Prospect State Viewpoint

After a visit to beautiful Oregon Caves, you need to get back on the road. You are looking at another 3 hours of driving to Crater Lake National Park.

This route is quite scenic but there are very few viewpoints. If you would like to take a break, stop at Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint. This is a great place to stretch your legs after a few hours in the car.

This small park along the Rogue River is home to the Avenue of the Boulders. You can also see three waterfalls if you do not mind short hikes.

3.4. Enjoy Crater Lake

It will take you another 40 minutes to reach Crater Lake National Park. Budget at least 90 minutes to complete the Rim Drive around the lake. You might wonder whether such a long trip is worth it.

There will be no doubts left as soon as you see the lake from Rim Village or Discovery Point. Blue waters of Crater Lake are captivatingly beautiful.

You could spend hours admiring the lake, its islands, and surrounding mountain peaks. Make sure to stop at the Watchman Overlook, Merriam Point, and Cloudcap Overlook.

See the Phantom Ship and Vidae Falls. And if you still have time, take a side road to Pinnacles Valley. These rock needles are a great addition to an already scenic park.

The Rim Drive does not provide access to the lake. You would need to hike downhill at Cleetwood Cove to feel the cold lake waters. There is also a boat tour and shuttle that start from this cove in the summer.

3.5. Stay in Klamath Falls, Oregon

There is a little more driving from Crater Lake to Klamath Falls, your final destination for the day. You must be starving after all the sights you saw on Day 3.

It is time to get a proper dinner. See if you like any dishes at Thai Orchid Cafe, Nibbley’s Cafe, or Rodeos Pizza and Saladeria. All of these restaurants could be a great choice for a nice dinner.

Klamath Falls is home to a few hotel chains. You could stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Klamath Falls Central, an IHG Hotel. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Klamath Falls is another good option.

Running Y Ranch Golf & Spa Resort is a place to stay if you prefer more independent properties. A relaxing spa session could be a wonderful end to a long day on the road.

Day 4

The fourth day marks the end of your trip to Northern California and Southern Oregon. Your main goal should be to reach the airport in time for your return flight.

But it does not mean that you need to drive straight from Oregon to Reno, Nevada or the Bay Area. If you book a late evening flight, you could have plenty of time to explore volcanic caves at Lava Beds.

Your itinerary for the day will depend on your return airport:

• Start: Klamath Falls, Oregon
• Finish: Reno, Nevada / Sacramento, California / San Francisco Bay Area
• Distance: 264 miles (425 km) / 347 miles (558 km) / 411 miles (661 km)
• Driving Time: 5 hours / 6 hours / 7 hours
• Park Fees: none with an Interagency Pass; otherwise $25 per car

4.1. Reach Lava Beds

Your day will start with a 1-hour drive to Lava Beds Visitor Center. You will reenter California and drive past Tule Lake. Stop by Gillem Bluff, Devils Homestead Flow, and Schonchin Butte.

You are unlikely to have time to hike to any of these sights. But it should not be a problem. Despite its name, Lava Beds National Monument is best known for its volcanic caves.

4.2. Go Caving

You should first stop by the Visitor Center. Lava Beds is a unique park. It allows you to explore the caves without a guide. You still need to pick up a free permit at the Visitor Center.

Unless you have experience caving on your own, steer clear of the very challenging caves. Leave Catacombs, Hercules Leg, and Labyrinth to a different trip.

Instead, try visiting the easy and moderate caves. Mushpot Cave is right next to the Visitor Center. It has lighting and is the easiest to explore.

Consider going to Golden Dome Cave or Valentine Cave next. These are easy to moderate caves. Even better, both of them are on your way. You would not need to take a detour to reach them.

4.3. Drive to Airport

After a fun stop at Lava Beds, it will be time to continue with your journey. You are looking at a long drive to the airport.

It could take you anywhere from 3.5 hours to 8 hours depending on your destination and traffic conditions. Leave plenty of time to fill up your car rental with gas, reach the airport, and make your flight.

It could also a good idea to fly out the next morning. This is true if you are flying from the San Francisco Bay Area airports.

In this case, consider visiting the sights of the Bay Area in the afternoon. You could admire the Golden Gate Bridge, see the Historic Ships, or tour the Mystery House.

Any of these destinations could be a great addition to your Northern California and Oregon Itinerary. You could also reduce your stress levels by not worrying about missing your flight.

Takeaways: Northern California and Oregon 4 Day Itinerary

Northern California and Oregon are a fantastic region. You could visit the major sights on a 4 day road trip. Get ready for a lot of driving, early departures, and late arrivals.

If you do not mind the drive, you will get spectacular views. From volcanic hot springs and giant trees to deep lakes and caves, this region is one of a kind.

Hop in your car (or rental) and visit the “state” of Jefferson. Explore Lassen Volcanic, Redwood, and Crater Lake. And stop by lesser known Oregon Caves and Lava Beds.

You are certain to look back fondly at your trip to Northern California and Oregon. If the number of vacation days is not a problem, extend your trip. There are plenty of longer hikes in this region.

Take a look at this Video Playlist of Northern California and Oregon Itinerary. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe realist travels!