This multi-day adventure takes you through three national parks, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, and Crater Lake, showcase Northern California and Oregon's diverse landscape and geological history.  Numerous state parks, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, and wondrous waterfalls all wait to greet you along the way.  Whether it's a volcano, lake, or towering tree, the sheer and immense beauty of what you encounter along this journey will inspire reverence for the region.

Highlights

  • Gaze at Crater Lake, the deepest and clearest lake in the country, and learn how it was formed
  • Explore the many waterfalls in the Cascade Range
  • Feast your eyes on Lassen's blackened lava fields and cinder cones
  • Relax in the crystal clear waters of Shasta Lake

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 San Francisco to Redding - via Sacramento Redding, California
Day 2 Explore Lake Shasta - Onto Mount Shasta Mt. Shasta, California
Day 3 Exploring Mt. Shasta and Surroundings Mt. Shasta, California
Day 4 Mt. Shasta to Crater Lake Mt. Shasta, California
Day 5 Crater Lake & Wizard Island Boat Tour Crater Lake National Park
Day 6 Crater Lake to Burney - Chasing Waterfalls Burney, California
Day 7 Northern Lassen National Park: Subway Lava Cave & Cinder Cone Hike Lassen Volcanic National Park
Day 8 Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park Redding, California
Day 9 Explore Redding - Whiskeytown Lakes Redding, California
Day 10 Redding to San Francisco  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco to Redding - via Sacramento

Old Sacramento District (Photo courtesy of oldsacramento.com)
Old Sacramento District (Photo courtesy of oldsacramento.com)

Head out to the northern parts of California today, our goal is Redding.   There are not a lot of scenic stops along the way. However, if you have some time, Sacramento makes a nice detour, and only adds around 30 minutes extra driving time to the route.  While there, you can make a visit to the Old Town to soak up some gold history.  

This storied town was built almost overnight when veins of gold were discovered in the Sierra Foothills in 1849.  A massive tide of humankind, all intent on finding their fortune, raced to the Gold Country.  Sailing as close as they could get to the gold via waterways, they pulled anchor at San Francisco Bay and sailed east on the Sacramento River. The gold-hungry prospectors were forced to pull up at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers.  At this spot, Sacramento was born, with many buildings constructed out of leftover ship timbers and sails.

As you walk through Old Sacramento (now a preserved National Historic Landmark), you can get a sense of the raucous early years.  Take your time to stroll through the cobblestone streets and restored buildings.  Spend some time in the excellent museums, including the Sacramento History Museum which displays Gold Rush artifacts and offers underground tours and ghost tours of the historic district.

Grab some lunch in the Old Town, or inside the restored paddlewheel boat - the Delta King

From Sacramento, it's just a 2.5 hr (162 miles) drive to Redding.  Once in Redding, it's time to head to your hotel for a bit of R&R. For dinner tonight, you could splurge with a visit to Clearie's.   This high-end eatery is a local favorite for its friendly and cozy atmosphere, as well as amazing cocktails - did someone say smokin' martinis? 

Day 2: Explore Lake Shasta - Onto Mount Shasta

Panorama of Lake Shasta
Panorama of Lake Shasta

Shasta Lake, located just 15 miles north of Redding, is the state's largest reservoir.  It has 370 miles of shoreline and five major lake arms, each with its own distinct character.  There is much to explore on the lake, but  your destination today is a paddle up the McCloud arm.

On your way to Lake Shasta, stop by the Heritage Roasting Company, a small non-profit coffee roaster/cafe that has a friendly small-town feel, and the coffee is amazing.  Grab a breakfast sandwich for now, and a sandwich for your lunch later in the day, maybe with one of their amazing Brownies for dessert?

Pick up your kayak from Holiday Harbor in the morning, and head out onto the McCloud arm of the river.  This arm is famous for the grey rocks that rise out of the water.  These rocks were formed from ocean sediments many millions of years ago.  They make a beautiful picture against the blue-green water of the lake. Padding can be hot work, so feel free to jump into the lake at any point to cool off. Whenever you are hungry, there are plenty of nice coves to pull out of the river, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy a spot of sunbathing.  There is no rush to get anywhere today.  It is just a day to enjoy the peaceful water, beautiful scenery and fresh air.

Whenever you are ready, paddle back and drop your kayaks back at the marina.  Your last stop of the day is to visit the Lake Shasta Caverns. Thought to have formed roughly 250 million years ago, a tour through the caves provide a fascinating view of beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.  Also, the caverns are at a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter the temperature outside, so it is a great way to escape the heat in summer.  

After the tour, it's time to head to your hotel in Mt. Shasta. For dinner, try Cafe Maddalena, an elegant Mediterranean restaurant with a small garden for outdoor dining during the summer.

Day 3: Exploring Mt. Shasta and Surroundings

Mount Shasta from Yellow Butte (By Mary-Lynn, CC 2.0)
Mount Shasta from Yellow Butte (By Mary-Lynn, CC 2.0)

There is so much to explore in the Mt. Shasta region that you could spend a month here and not repeat any of the hikes.  However, with more limited time, here are a few ideas for you to get fully immersed in the area's natural beauty.

Maybe stop by The Oven Bakery before your hike.  They serve Northbound Coffee, locally roasted in Mount Shasta.  They also have some mouth-watering pastries and bread, great for breakfast, as well as perfect for lunch on the hike. 

Best View of Mt. Shasta - Climb Yellow Butte

Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 600 ft
Trail type: Out and back

One of the least visited areas in the Mount Shasta region, Yellow Butte is a hidden gem in a valley of great hikes. With very few visitors climbing the butte, you have an opportunity for one of the best views of Mount Shasta and the Shasta Valley, unfettered by other hikers and the pitfalls of well traveled paths. To the north, the valley stretches to the Oregon border, to the south lies the gorgeous Mount Shasta, to the west you'll see the Trinity Divide and the Mount Eddy range, and to the east you'll find the northern regions of the Cascades and Sheep Rock. This short climb is very well worth the time and effort. A sunset hike would be ideal, as it is a bit cooler and will offer an amazing backdrop for the big event. You'll find eye candy on the way up as well- wildflowers abound as you climb the old forest road. 

While you are here, you can take a small detour to visit Pluto's Cave.  These are a set of little known and little-traveled lava tubes.  These tubes were formed 190,000 years ago as Mount Shasta was erupting.  The caves stretch nearly two miles into the final section if you are brave enough and have the proper footwear and light. Please be aware, there is no exit, so you will have to work your way back out as you came in.  There are species of bats that inhabit this area, so make sure not to disturb them as you venture through the caves!

Hiking Mt. Shasta  - Avalanche Gulch Trail 

Distance: 4.5 miles - 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1000 ft - 3500 ft
Trail type: Out and back

Ascending Mt. Shasta can't really be done on a day hike, but for those that want to get up close to the volcano, the Avalanche Gulch hike is a good place to start.  The trailhead is 11 miles up the Everitt Memorial Hwy, and the first part of the trail up Avalanche Gulch is called Bunny Flat.  At the trail parking, you will see a healthy mix of day hikers and mountaineers all getting ready to hike up the volcano.  The trail ascends the south side of the mount through open conifer forests to the Sierra Club Hut at Horse Camp.   From the trailhead to Horse Camp and back is 4.5 miles, so this is probably a good distance to tackle if you have kids.  The next section will get much harder. 

Those that are still energized can tackle the next leg, from Horse Camp to Lake Helen.  Journeying to Lake Helen adds another 3 miles (round trip) to your hike, and another 2,500 feet of elevation gain.  Most of the year, you will encounter snow on this leg of the trail, so please be prepared for this.  Follow the footsteps of other hikers that lead the way through the winding gulch.  It is uphill every step of the way, but don't forget to look back! With every step, the view down gets more impressive.  It will be pretty obvious when you reach Lake Helen, as you reach an expansive flat area on your right.  The lake is frozen most of the year.  If you are lucky, and you arrive at the end of summer, you might glimpse some glacier green water.  Here, you will meet friendly forest rangers, checking permits and answering questions. Enjoy some well-earned rest before heading back down the mountain.  

Best Water Falls Hike - Faery Falls (Good for Kids)

Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Trail type: Out and back

Nestled in Ney Springs Canyon is the hidden Faery Falls.  The 1.5 mile round-trip hike to the falls will lead you through the old Ney Springs Resort and up the beautiful canyon surrounded by evergreens and crag outcroppings.  

The hike itself begins at the bottom of an old road. After half a mile of walking, you will come to the abandoned Ney Springs resort.  The resort was popular in the late 1800s as a spot for visitors to take the mineral waters. Very little of the resort remains today.  If you are curious, take a walk by the old pools.  The water in the pool is extremely slick and still bubbles up from below.

As you continue up the single track road from the resort for about a quarter mile, you will come upon a trail heading down towards the creek.  The trail will take you to a nice viewing area right in front of and above the falls.  From there, you can work your way down to the bottom.  This makes a truly refreshing late summer or early fall hike due to the mist from the falls.


Best Views of Glacier Lakes - Castle Lake & Heart Lake (Good for Kids)

Distance: 2.6 miles - 3.0 miles
Elevation gain: 400 ft - 900 ft
Trail type: Out and back

Starting from the Castle Lake Picnic Area, the trail is self-explanatory. The first half mile is the toughest on the legs, as it is more vertical, but it is by no means strenuous. This part of the trail itself is rather soft until you level out and reach the saddle at 0.6 miles. From there, the trail can get confusing, as it seems to cobweb up the mountainside in various directions. Do not hike directly to the overlook, as you will end up bushwhacking your way out. Instead, keep left as the trail will take you to the easternmost side of Heart Lake.

On the hike up, you will get views of Castle Lake and see Castle Peak in view. Soon, you will be able to spot Heart Lake through a cluster of pines.  The trail comes down to the shore at a point between the two coves that make up this heart-shaped lake.  The trail precedes around the north end of the lake to a fantastic viewpoint.  Look out over a ledge and down at Castle Lake and the green pine-covered valley.  Black Butte and Mount Shasta rise prominently beyond. 

From here, continue west along the ridge.  The beginning of the overlook is only 0.3 miles away after leaving Heart Lake.  After passing through a small meadow, you will reach a narrow trail that climbs through some brush before reaching the small cliffside clearing.  Follow the trail to the peak of the overlook, with a fantastic 360-degree view.

While the trail is short, this trip makes an excellent all-day trip in the summer.  First, spend some time swimming and picnicking on Castle Lake and start the hike in the mid-afternoon.  Take some time to take a dip in Heart Lake along the way, as the shallow waters warm nicely during the summer months.  Try to time your visit to the overlook so that you arrive around dusk and catch the sunset.  The trail is short and easy enough to risk a descent after sunset.

For dinner, visit the Highland House in the Mt. Shasta Resort for a special meal.  Ask for a table near the window for a magnificent view of Mt. Shasta as you enjoy your meal.

Day 4: Mt. Shasta to Crater Lake

View of Mt Shasta
View of Mt Shasta

This morning, head out across the board to Oregon, and the amazing Crater Lake.  You don't want to leave too late so that you can maximize your time at the lake.  The drive takes around 3 hrs.  If you need a stopover for some lunch along the way, or just to stretch your legs, a good halfway point is the town of Klamath Falls. The Green Blade Bakery, an artisan bakery delighting customers with its sweet and savory products, would be a good place to stop for a bite, in addition to freshly baked bread, you will also find calzones and sandwiches.  It's also a good idea to grab some lunch for later, as dinning options are limited in the park.  

Your first adventure in the park is to visit Pinnacles Overlook. Located in the southeast corner of the park, Pinnacles Overlook is something that many visitors miss.  Take the six-mile detour off of the Rim Drive and park in the small parking lot- the Pinnacles are located a short walk from there. A fascinating sight, you can see the years of wind and water erosion at work.

After seeing the Pinnacles, you will make a drive all the way around Crater Lake.  It's a good idea to allow approximately two hours so that you don’t feel rushed as you are taking in the scenery. On the drive, you will find a number of pull-outs where you can park your car, take in a different view and snap some photos. Make sure that you stop at the Pumice Castle Overlook and the Phantom Ship Overlook. Both offer up-close views of two of the park's most famous attractions.

After your visit, head to your accommodation in or near the park.  Relax for the evening, tomorrow you will be visiting the lake up close.

Day 5: Crater Lake & Wizard Island Boat Tour

Crater Lake in Summer (Photo courtesy of of NPS)
Crater Lake in Summer (Photo courtesy of of NPS)

Get an early start this morning and head to the Crater Lake National Park.  A good starting point is the visitor center, which is full of great information about the formation of the lake and the history of the park.  After the visitor center, head to the main viewing area, where your first view of the lake will take your breath away. The water is intensely blue and the clouds in the sky cast shadows that seem to dance on the crater walls.   Walk along the pathway that winds around this side of the lake and stop at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook.  The Discovery Point Trail is also a good option to walk around the lake and enjoy the scenery, but don't go too far, as you have other appointments to keep.  After walking a short ways, head back to the car, and grab a sandwich for lunch from the Rim Village Café before you leave the area.You are going to drive to the other side of the island, to the Wizard Island Boat Dock, for your tour this afternoon.  

The drive to the other side is around 30 minutes, but give yourself some additional time to walk down the rather steep Cleetwood Cove Trail (1.1-mile descent) to the boat dock. Your tour starts at 12:45 pm- if you are early, you cantake the time to have lunch at the side of the water. If you are brave enough, you can take a dip in the chilly waters of the lake.

Your program on the boat will combine a tour of the lake's perimeter with a 3-hour visit to Wizard Island.  Wizard Island is a 763-foot cinder cone created by an additional, smaller eruption on the caldera floor after Crater Lake first filled with water and the volcano collapsed. While on Wizard Island, be sure to hike the Wizard Island Summit Trail. This moderate hike is approximately 1 hour to the top of Wizard Island, with a path leading to the 90-foot deep crater at the summit. Total trail length is 2.2 miles round trip. 

Tour duration: 5 hrs

After the tour, if you are looking for dinner, the Crater Lake Lodge offers casual dining with a beautiful lake view setting.

Day 6: Crater Lake to Burney - Chasing Waterfalls

Upper falls (Photo courtesy of Mt. Shasta Trail Association)
Upper falls (Photo courtesy of Mt. Shasta Trail Association)

Today, you will be retracing your steps from Crater Lake to Mt. Shaster, and from there you will be heading to waterfall country!  This is a longer drive day (approximately 4 hrs), but you will have plenty of stop over options, either in Klamath Falls or in Mt. Shasta.  One of our favorites is Mount Shasta Pastry,  stop by for some pastries and coffee.   Also great to pack a lunch for you to eat near the waterfalls you will shortly enounter.

From Mt. Shasta, your first stop today is the McCloud River, and the three falls here, just outside the town of McCloud and 20 minutes from the town of Mt. Shasta. The Three Falls Trail is a great hike through a mountainous, high desert forest with a wonderful variety of flora along the trail, including redwoods, Douglas fir, orange honeysuckle, and thimbleberry.  

In the summer, the 12-foot tall Lower Falls and its downstream pool is very popular with swimmers.  Rock formations above the pool make for a fun cliff jumping spot.  Head up the trail, past the crowds at the Lower Falls, to discover the far more impressive and scenic Middle and Upper Falls. 

If you are pressed for time, you can also enjoy the three falls from the road, as there are overlooks for each of the falls along the way.  However, we would recommend taking your time, and hike the three falls, and follow the hike up with a picnic lunch by the lower falls and some swimming. 

Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation: 350 ft

The day of waterfall exploration continues with a visit to McArthur-Burney Memorial Falls State Park. The park's centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but is possibly the most beautiful. Teddy Roosevelt called Burney Falls the "eighth wonder of the world."  It does have to be seen to be believed.  The water from the creek falls over the cliff edge, and an underground river that flows below the creek at the top also feeds the waterfall.  This is what makes the falls so special, as you see water coming out of a dozen holes right in the middle of the waterfall.  Great views of the falls are accessible right from the parking lot.  However, for a more refreshing perspective, take the trail to the pool at the base of the falls and along the stream (1.3 miles).    

The stream from the waterfall flows to Lake Britton, which is worth a stop if you have time.  The 4,700-square-mile reservoir is an ideal spot for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The site also offers great wildlife watching—look for bald eagles, river otters, osprey, and some very large trout. Kayak into Burney Creek or over to the PG&E Britton dam. If you don't have your own boat, the Lake Britton Marina rents canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and small motorboats as well as boat slips.

Head to your hotel in Burney after exploring Lake Britton.  For dinner consider The Rex Club in Burney, best described as Gourmet food in a rustic atmosphere.  Don't let it's modest exterior deceive you.  You will enter into a warm country style interior with friendly service and great food.

Day 7: Northern Lassen National Park: Subway Lava Cave & Cinder Cone Hike

Fantastic Lava Beds
Fantastic Lava Beds

Start the morning in with a hearty breakfast at BlackBerry Cafe in Burney.   If you are hungry, try their famous "Mountain Man" breakfast with everything!!  

After breakfast, you start your exploration of Lassen Volcanic National Park and the fascinating changes in the landscape caused by volcanic activity.  The first stop of the day is just outside of the park, called the Subway Lava Cave.  This self-guided trail is inside an underground lava tube.  It's pitch black inside and the floor is rough and jagged, so don't forget to bring a flashlight and a pair of sturdy shoes.  A jacket is recommended as well, as the cave remains a cool 46 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. 

Distance: 1/3 mile
Elevation gain: none

From the lava cave, we head into Lassen Volcano National Park proper.  This northern section of the park is less visited but has some of the most interesting volcanic landscapes of the whole park.  One of the highlights is the remains of a Cinder Cone volcano, aptly named Cinder Cone.   A 4.4-mile round-trip trail allows you to experience the wonder of Cinder Cone Volcano first hand. This kind of volcano is formed when gas-charged lava is violently ejected high in the air from a single vent. The lava is blown apart into small bits that solidify in the air, and fall back to earth as cinders called scoria, forming a circular or oval cone as they accumulate.

From the Butte Lake parking area follow the relatively flat trail bordered by woodlands on the right, and the Fantastic Lava Beds on the left.   The fantastic lava beds are jagged, black, cooled lava, that erupted from the volcano and dried up the lake that used to be there.  The juxtaposition of the fantastic lava bed and the blue/green Butte Lake makes for an amazing photo.  As you follow the trail, at 1.2 miles, the trail reaches a fork at the base of Cinder Cone. Look to your left here for the first views of the colorful Painted Dunes. Be sure to take a break in the shade of the surrounding Jeffrey Pines before following the trail to the left and beginning the heart-pumping climb to the top of the cone. As the trail slowly circles around to the south side of the cone, Lassen Peak comes into view. The trail then continues to the top where climbers are rewarded with views in all directions. Prospect Peak, Lassen Peak, Snag Lake, the Fantastic Lava Beds, and the Painted Dunes are all clearly visible. A separate trail continues down into the crater of Cinder Cone.

This hike is best done at the start or end of the day because there is no shade to be had as you start the climb on Cinder Cone.  Also, at the end of the day, the sunset creates a beautiful glow over the crater of the Cinder Cone and the Painted Dunes.

Distance: 4.8 miles
Elevation gain: 1,043 ft
Trail type: Loop

From here, head to your accommodation inside or near the park, as you will continue exploring tomorrow.

Day 8: Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park

Manzanita Lake in the Fall (Photo courtesy of NPS)
Manzanita Lake in the Fall (Photo courtesy of NPS)

Today, you will be exploring the central section of Lassen Volcanic National Park.  The recommended stops for today give you a taste of the different aspects of the park, from serene alpine lakes to active fumaroles, and from smoking mud pots to jagged mountain peaks. Please be aware that many of the hikes recommended in this central area are at a high elevation, and may still be snow-packed in early summer.  The average opening date is around July 4th, but it depends on the year, so it is essential to check with the national park service before you travel. 

The first stop of the day is the serene Manzanita Lake.  Visiting the lake early in the morning gives you a better chance to capture the still reflection of Lassen Peak in the lake.  Take a walk around the lake as far as you like- there are plenty of opportunities to catch glimpses of wildlife here, from deer to woodpeckers.  You can also visit Loomis Museum to learn more about the park.  Before you leave the area, head to the Manzanita store for a late breakfast, some coffee and to pick up some picnic supplies for lunch, as there are not many food options in the park.

The next stop on your list is Lassen Peak, for which the park is named.  Park at the sign markers for the Devastation Area, which is also the trailhead for Lassen Peak.   You won't have time to climb the peak today. However, at the trailhead, there are some good displays that show what the area looked like right after the volcanic eruption.  This is a good place to learn a bit more about the geology of the park.

Your hike for the day is to the Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes.  This trail is a photographer's dream - three crystal clear lakes with contrasting colors situated one after another!  The trail is 4 miles round-trip, with a moderate amount of elevation gain (750 ft).  The first mile is the most challenging, and after that, it's a gradual incline to the lakes.  All three lakes are swimmable, but depending on when you visit, it might be too cold to take a dip.  

Just down the road from the lakes is Bumpass Hell.  The trailhead for Bumpass Hell is near Lake Helen.  You can take a short walk near Lake Helen before heading onto the trail.  Bumpass Hell contains the largest and most interesting hydrothermal area in the park.  With its hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and boiling mud pots, it's like walking around in a geology textbook (but much cooler)!  The hike into Bumpass Hell is an easy 3 miles round trip.  You can access the area safely on a boardwalk, and it’s forbidden (and very dangerous) to leave the trail and walk elsewhere in hydrothermal areas. You don’t want to earn yourself a boiled foot as a souvenir from the hot springs...so stay on the boardwalk.

From here, it's time to head to your hotel for a bit of R&R.  It's best from Bumpass Hell to exit the park from the south entrance, and it is an amazing drive, where you will see Lassen Peak up close and an amazing view of the mountain scenery.   

Once in Redding check into your hotel.  For dinner, you have a huge choice of restaurants, for a great river view, try View 202. Modern decore, with floor to ceiling windows and a huge deck, it is the perfect place to relax after an active day of hiking!

Day 9: Explore Redding - Whiskeytown Lakes

Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake

Today you will explore the Whiskytown Lakes just outside of Redding. The lake takes its name from the Gold Rush mining town beneath its waters, which was inundated after the building of 282-foot Whiskeytown Dam.  The lake is known for it's warm, crystal-clear waters perfect for sunbathing, summer-novel reading, and sandy picnics.  The best place to do all of that is at Brandy Cove, with a sandy beach, shallow water provides all the ingredients for a relaxing summer afternoon.

After lunch, if you want a bit more action, head to one of the 4 waterfalls in the area.  Whiskeytown Falls is the tallest in the area, with an impressive 220-foot drop.  From Hwy-299 the turn off at Crystal Creek Road and drive up around 3.5 miles till you reach the James K. Carr trail.  From the trailhead follow the signs for the James K. Carr Trail, and follow it as it ascends steadily uphill through a ravine.  The trail is 3.4 miles round trip, and the trail is very steep in parts, with over 600 ft of elevation gain, so it is not suitable for young children.  

For those with younger children, Brandy Creek Falls might be a better option.  From Hwy-299, take the turnoff at Kennedy Memorial Drive towards the Whiskeytown Dam.  After crossing the dam follow the pave road that winds around the ake to the Brandy Creek Beach area, and then turn onto Brandy Creek Road.  Drive 2.5 miles on the road till you reach the sign for Brandy Creek Falls Trail.  The trail is 3 miles round trip and still has modestly steep sections, so watch your step.  The waterfall is made up of 5 large cascading falls that sweep down the polished granite rock.  From the trail, you will enter a narrow box canyon and see the first of the tiers - Lower Brandy Creek Falls.  The Upper Falls is still 0.25 miles ahead.  Cross the plank bridges to cross over the creek, and use the footholds chiseled out of the rock and the iron railings to ascent to the upper falls, pass five pools and cascades. The upper falls are split in the middle, creating two cascades that flow on either side of the 50-foot-high waterfall.  Entering the upper chamber of the waterfall is like being in one of nature's chapels.

After the hike, it's time to head to your hotel in Redding for a bit of R&R.  In Redding, you have a huge choice of restaurants, for a great river view, try View 202. Modern decore, with floor to ceiling windows and a huge deck, it is the perfect place to relax after an active day of hiking!

Day 10: Redding to San Francisco

Old Sacramento District (Photo courtesy of oldsacramento.com)
Old Sacramento District (Photo courtesy of oldsacramento.com)

Today is the last day of your road trip! Enjoy the last morning in Redding and grab a leisurely coffee and breakfast at Evergreen Coffee before heading off on your 3.5 hr (219 miles) drive back to San Francisco.

There are not a lot of scenic stops along the way. However, if you have some time, Sacramento makes a nice detour, and only adds around 30 minutes extra driving time to the route.  While there, you can make a visit to the Old Town to soak up some gold history.  

This storied town was built almost overnight when veins of gold were discovered in the Sierra Foothills in 1849.  A massive tide of humankind, all intent on finding their fortune, raced to the Gold Country.  Sailing as close as they could get to the gold via waterways, they pulled anchor at San Francisco Bay and sailed east on the Sacramento River. The gold-hungry prospectors were forced to pull up at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers.  At this spot, Sacramento was born, with many buildings constructed out of leftover ship timbers and sails.

As you walk through Old Sacramento (now a preserved National Historic Landmark), you can get a sense of the raucous early years.  Take your time to stroll through the cobblestone streets and restored buildings.  Spend some time in the excellent museums, including the Sacramento History Museum which displays Gold Rush artifacts and offers underground tours and ghost tours of the historic district.

Grab some lunch in the Old Town, or inside the restored paddlewheel boat - the Delta King

If Sacramento is too much of a detour for you, the Nut Tree in Vacaville is closer to the route.  This is a great stop for those with younger kids.  There is a small playground with rocking horses, a carousel, and a miniature train that is bound to be lots of fun for the little ones.  Many restaurant options are available at the Nut Tree, if you want to extend the stop with some lunch or an afternoon snack.

Whatever stop you choose, enjoy the drive and embrace the journey home!

Yenyi
Written by Yenyi Fu, updated Feb 18, 2021