Would appreciate any suggestions or thoughts on our itinerary for 2 weeks in the fall. We just want this to be an easy, low key trip split between the northern coast and Shasta/Trinity area. Plan to do easy hiking; hoping to discover some of the beautiful rocky lakes I've seen pictures of in Trinity area. Anyone discovered any special places in this area either to hike, eat or just sit and soak up the ambiance?

Flying into SFO. First night average place near Santa Rosa or somewhere before 116 on 101.

Next day drive 116 or 128 to coast. Stay 3 nights Howard Creek Ranch, Westport. Explore Mendocino and coast for 2 days.

Stay in Trinidad 3 nights. Not sure of place. Explore coast/redwoods.

Drive 299 inland to Coffee Creek and stay at VRBO 3 nights.

Either McCloud River Inn or McCloud B&B Hotel next 2 or 3 nights. Has anyone stayed at either place?

Visit Lasson Nat Park and then stay somewhere in Chester or Chico 1 night before driving back to SFO for last night. Any suggestions here?

Unless it is MUCH cheaper to fly to SFO try flying to Sacramento (SMF). The rental cars are a little cheaper and the airport is next to I-5 not far from I-80. You are less likely to get in a traffic jam.
Since you have 2 weeks, try coming to southern Oregon for a day or 2 and see Crater Lake.
I never stayed in McCloud, but I did enjoy the town for a couple hours. Lassen is a lot more stark than Crater Lake IMHO.

I'd take the 116 to the coast, you'll be along the Russian River much of the way, a bit more interesting than 128.
In the Trinidad area, the Fern Canyon Trail is an easy, interesting hike.
An interesting day trip from Fort Bragg is the historic Skunk Train Willits.
As you go north on 101 after you leave the coast the Richardson Grove of redwoods near Benbow and the Humboldt redwoods north of Garberville are worth visiting. The Jediadiah Smith and Lady Bird Johnson redwoods also worth seeing.
Have driven by the McCloud places, both look nice but have never stayed at either one.

This actually is one situation where SMF makes more sense than SFO. Even if you have to connect somewhere vs. a non-stop to SFO, it probably is faster to use SMF. Or possibly fly intoSFO and home from SMF.

Chico to SMF is less that 2 hours. There is essentially no commute traffic between Chico and SMF. (Chester is about 3 hours from SMF).

Chico to SFO is about 4 hours (or considerably more during commute hours).

I haven't stayed in either place in McCloud but do know them b -- You'd probably be happy at either one IMO.

(IMO Detouring up to Crater Lake really doesn't fit into your plans. Trinity Center to Crater Lake is about a 5 hour drive)

Don't miss Burney Falls while in the area.

We did Lassen and the Redwoods last year and enjoyed both.

Stout Grove in Jedidiah Smith is good and the drive is nice.

James Irvine Trail connecting with Fern Canyon is a great trail in Prairie Creek. If you don't do the entire trail at least do Fern Canyon section.

Tidepooling at Patricks Point State Park is good.

Unfortunately already have booked flights in and out of SFO so SMF won't work. We were wondering how long to allow to get to SFO from say Chico. Don't want to arrive too early just to sit in a hotel room.

We have traveled to Oregon several times, including Crater Lake, so this trip just want to concentrate on northern CA.

We do love tide pooling, so that's a good suggestion. Any particular beaches or spots that are especially scenic in the area?

The city of Ferndale is south of Trinidad and worth a stopover. If you go north of Eureka, Fern Canyon is worth the trip. The road in is a bit rough and off the beaten path but it is surely one of the most unique geographical areas in N. California, well worth the effort.

Adding sidetrips to Fort Bragg and Noyo Harbor while in Mendocino is worthwhile. If you take the Skunk Train, going only halfway and back is a better option than going R/T all the way to Willits.

Inland and northeast of McCloud is Lava Bed National Monument which I found interesting, it's sort of a lunar landscape with lots of caves and hiking options. We were there in June and the place was practically empty, which always works for me. We stayed at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel which is the second floor of the mercantile general store in McCloud, our room was spacious, well-appointed and shiny-clean. The restaurant on the ground floor serves a wonderful breakfast.

I'd opt for Chico over Chester. The city of Chester is not very charming though the area around it is, Chico is a college town, cute but not much happening. Check out the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (California portion) and incorporate as much of it as time allows.

May I say, with the exception of Yosemite, the trip you are taking is about as good as it gets in Northern California. Enjoy.

Chico to Half Moon Bay is 3.5 to 4 hours via the Oakland Bay Bridge. That is if you avoid the rush hours. I would stay somewhere south of SFO and leave early enough to be at SFO 2 hours before your flight time.
Be careful not to burn yourself on hot lava rocks. Pack a pair of gloves if you want to enjoy a lava pile up close.
Use lots of sunscreen as well.

Just reading through more info on this area and it really does look great. Two weeks seems much to short to experience it. It will really be difficult to choose a beach to explore.

Anyone have any favorite places to eat? Not necessarily looking for the most upscale place, just good, fresh food and a view wouldn't hurt.

Thanks for all your comments so far.

If you end up going thru or near Occidental after staying in Santa Rosa, have breakfast at Howard's: http://www.howardstationcafe.com/HOW...breakfast.html

And if the strawberry waffles are in season - you are in for a treat!

You won't be sorry if you try any Black Bear Diner. The original is in the town of Mt. Shasta.