CuatroSpruce

Hello,

I'd like to get some advice/opinions on a last-minute road trip we're planning. Basically, we have from July 23-July 28 to circle around Northern California. We're interested in seeing Lassen National Park, Redwood National Park, Avenue of Giants, Headwaters Forest Reserve. So, that said:

1) Are these good choices or are there better ways to spend our time?

2) What could we skip or switch out in the name of a more relaxed, but still satisfying, trip schedule?

3) We're big day hikers, so we'd like the destinations to be hike-worthy (as much as possible).

4) What are some good budget accommodations around these areas?

5) We've already been to Wine Country and Lake Tahoe a bunch--we're looking for new places to explore!

Thank you for your expertise!

janisj

>> Basically, we have from July 23-July 28 to circle around Northern California.

CuatroSpruce

Starting in SF and finishing in SF--we live there. Don't want to pack it in, would rather take one off the list for some breathing room. If it's all possible in 6 days, in what order, and for how many days each?

spirobulldog

You might consider a short visit to Burney Falls. It's spectacular.

For the Redwoods, I really like James Irvine Trail starting at Prairie Creek area and it goes thru Fern Canyon all the way to the ocean. You can park your car on either end of the trail. It is 4 miles or so one way. Likely to see elk here too.

Patricks Point State Park is another good option, just a few miles south of Redwoods NP. Specifically, see Palmer's Point(which is at Patricks Point) and Agate Beach. See Palmers Point at low tide for great tidepooling.

Tons of wildflowers at Lassen. We did Lassen Peak and it was a nice hike. Also did Mill's Creek and Devil's Kitchen. Saw a bear on each of those trails.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWns
Here is a link to a trip with my nephew there about 3 years ago including all the places I mentioned. The photos don't do the flowers justice, but there were many of them.

spirobulldog

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/

I like this guys wwebsite for hiking the redwoods

spirobulldog

Sorry, one more post. I think that there are camping cabins at Lassen now, and they would be very economical. I should have mentioned, my nephew and I did all that we did in 4 days

CuatroSpruce

Wow. Great info. Wildflowers at Lassen in July? So does everyone recommend that we go from SF to Redwoods, then to Lassen, or vice versa? How many days at each? Any food/motel recs? I'll check out the camping cabins now!

spirobulldog

Probably the longer you wait the better for Lassen. I have no idea how much snow they received this year. If you are lucky you might catch the huge butterfly migration. Thousands of butterflies. I don't know when that occurs either. Burney Falls is pretty much between the two. Perhaps only slightly out of your way. I think its the best waterfall in California outside of Yosemite (that i've seen anyway).

Shanti

There are tent cabins at Lassen but they are almost always booked. Lassen didnt get as much snow as usual this winter and the Bumpass Hell trail us open.

You could easily spend five days at either national park. So its up to you as to how you divide your time.

irwin_taranto

After hiking in the Redwoods, if you are near the town of Ferndale, you might consider stopping there. Small town, a little less expensive, with a good local live theater. If a performance is scheduled, it would be a worthwhile evening event.

irwin

CuatroSpruce

Looks like plenty of camp sites available in Lassen for our dates, but none in Redwoods. Recommendations?

sunbum1944

I have camped at Kamp Klamath a little south of Crescent City if that interests you. Nice place, on Sat night they had live music and an amazing salmon bake-

Its close to the Klamath overlook which has some nice trails- and you frequently see whales playing down below.

If you are tired of camping and cooking your own meals - the Requa Inn is close by- beautiful old inn overlooking the Klamath River - and a pretty amazing dining experience - you don't have to stay there to dine there but you might need a reservation

CuatroSpruce

Thank you for your Kamp Klamath recommendation! We just booked three nights there including the Salmon bake!