We are a retired couple planning to fly into PDX, rent a car, and drive one-way to San Francisco in early September. Our schedule is flexible and we aim to visit the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, and Lassen Volcanic NP with possible inclusion of Tilamook Cheese Visitors Center, and Redwoods NP and Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (the most scenic portion of the coast). Heading to SF, it would be nice to visit Mendocino. To visit these sites, it seems like there would be a lot of driving back and forth from the coast and then inland. What would be the best route(s) and how many days should we allow for this trip.

Moved to the US Forum and tagged for Caiifornia & Oregon

From the Oregon coast I would go to Crater Lake and from there to Lassen and then back to the coast for the redwoods and Mendocino.

Just very quick -- don't focus on Redwoods National Park. Most of the California redwood State Parks are superior. The state got there first and took the best groves/scenery/trails. The NP got the left overs -- stil good but the SPs are better.

Honestly, I would plan at least 10 days for this trip, maybe even more. It would be a lot of driving.

When are you planning on going?

It is extraordinarily hot around Lassen National Park in July/August. It gets to be about 110F on average in Redding, albeit would be slightly cooler around LNP. Consider checking out Burney Falls nearby as well.

I thought i had read Crater Lake is going through some repairs, but not sure when that is set to happen or if it impacts vista point or not. Worth looking into.

In early September it's still likely to be quite hot in eastern Oregon and northeastern California, but it's worth noting that it also will be the peak season for wildfires. Not only can there be road closures, but smoke can really diminish the appeal of these parks. While I should emphasize it's just personal opinion, frankly I'd pass on all the zigzagging and focus on a more coastal route.

One minor exception I'd make to this rule would be to take a couple of days to explore the Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood areas, which are not only very beautiful but which in late summer can be very enjoyable. Have a look, for example, at the Hood River Fruit Loop which includes numerous orchards and vineyards/wineries in harvest mode, overlooked by Mount Hood where you could visit iconic Timberline Lodge.

From Mount Hood you could drive south a couple of hours to Smith Rock State Park, which offers stunning red-rock "old west" scenery. From Smith Rock and nearby Bend, you could aim for the coast and visit some pleasant towns like Yachats and Bandon enroute to the (most) scenic part of the Oregon coast, between Port Orford and the California state line.

This misses the northern Oregon coast (Cannon Beach, Tillamook etc.) but IMO (again, personal views) the loss is not that great. If you're keen on craft ice cream, consider dairy-hopping in Humboldt County CA (Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, Ferndale...) where there are several producers. I personally find Tillamook to be something of a tourist trap, but just my (jaded) opinion.

The others are right about the redwoods - Redwood National Park was established long after the State of California had "cherry picked" the best groves as state parks. The Avenue of the Giants, which parallels US 101, includes parts of Humboldt Redwoods State Park; farther north (near Crescent City) the Jedediah Smith SP redwoods are also fab.

If you want to follow CA1 through Mendocino and on to the Golden Gate, you are going to need to make reservations for lodging ASAP - it's close enough to the SF Bay Area that it's within weekend range for millions of people, so plan accordingly.

Here's a map with a possible routing. Google the places on it but do NOT rely on Google's time estimates; they're notoriously optimistic. https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHz61SdHei9QDD4P8

As for how many days, well, that really depends on your travel style.

I'll include a couple of pictures of places mentioned (not mine) so you can see what I'm talking about.

Smith Rock



Bandon Beach



Avenue of the Giants

10-day trip in the second week of September, flying into Sacramento and returning our rental car to San Francisco. Our highest priority is to visit Lassen Volcanic NP, Crater Lake, and the southern portion of the Oregon coast. Any additional time could be spent exploring the redwoods and Northern California coast. We are a retired couple interested in short hikes and scenic beauty. Itinerary advice for the best driving routes and places to stay in would be greatly appreciated.

You mentioned hiking- there are many waterfall hikes along Hwy. 138 in Oregon. Some of them are just short walks, some longer. Watson Falls is a favorite- its one of the longer ones. Susan Falls is short but beautiful. The drive along the Umqua River is beautiful. Stop for lunch at Steamboat Springs Resort- they might have marionberry cobbler on the menu

I tried posting earlier but it doesn’t display. You will need a plan B an even a plan C. Sept is the worst of our fire season. N. Calif. & S Ore. could be fine, semi-fine, or a total no go.