I am NOT a planner and yet find myself the sole planner for yet another vacation.
The scoop: 8 days San F to Crater lake and back. Camping at Crater lake on the 4,5,6th days. we love nature /cute towns/sites. do not like to drive more than 4 ish hours in a day . Please Dear Lord does anyone have any suggestions??
Thanks!

There are lots of cute towns and hiking opportunities that aren't a two-day drive (at 4 hours a day) from San Francisco: http://sf.curbed.com/maps/ten-san-fr...acular-endings

HTtY

Hi,
I live on the peninsula so I have done some of those hikes (and will check out some more of them-thanks)
But we are going to crater lake so i need to plan the stops on the way up and back. Have any ideas?

The "cute" towns in SW Oregon are Ashland (home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and Jacksonville (where Gold was found 1851).

In northern California, I like the funky, little Yreka (where there is a good Holiday Inn Express).

I've stayed at Crater Lake Lodge, but I don't know anything about hiking or camping there.

If you want a drive more rewarding than the one on I-5, return to San Francisco on Highways 62, 234, 199, and 101. It takes an hour or two more than the direct route, but it is several times more satisfying.

HTtY

The city of Mount Shasta is very cute.

Go up 101 and then 128 to the coast. Follow 1 back to 101 to redwood country. From Crescent City, drive inland to I5 to get to Crater Lake.

Coming back, return via Klamath Falls and then the Sierra. Mt Lassen NP could be a stop. The Lakes Basin above Greaeagle could be the final stop before SF.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...954074484/show

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...516613985/show

Thank you so much for your replies. I really appreciate the help.