If you want to escape into the beauty of nature with hidden waterfalls and amazing mountain views, a road trip to Northern California is a must to do. You can start your road trip from San Francisco, which is a beautiful city to start your trip. You also get to explore the coastal region with the best scenic views.
The road trip includes:
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Bed National Monument was formed more than 30,000 years ago. There are more than 500 cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves, and pit craters.
If you like to explore the underground world you can go to the caves. Before you go caving you need to follow the rules. Not all the caves in the monument are accessible there are developed caves. These caves are divided into three groups based on their difficulty level which is least, moderate, and most challenging.
Driving Direction From Lava Beds National Monument
- If you are heading from the north via Klamath Falls, take Oregon Hwy 39 south 15 miles across the state line and following brown Lava, Beds highway sings through the town of Tulelake.
- From the I-5 corridor, you have to take U.S 97 North at Weed towards Klamath Falls then turn right onto California Hwy 161.
- From California Hwy 89 from south to Medicine Lake Road you have to drive through the Modoc National Forrest
Point Reyes National Seashore
It is a paradise for hikers, beach lovers, and whale watchers. You get to see the historic lighthouse and breathtaking landscape while exploring the park. One of the best things to do is bird watching with nearly 500 species of birds. It is the perfect spot for bird watchers.
Point Reyes National Seashore is a 1-hour drive from highway 101 to Manzanita, then north CA-1 to Olema which leads to the park entrance.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic is home to all four types of volcanoes composite, shield, cinder cone, and plug dome. The park also has peaceful forests, wildlife, and lakes. Lassen Volcanic has plenty of activities to offer wildlife watching, hiking, and camping.
If you like to go for a scenic drive the park has a 30-mile Highway towards the east side of Lassen Peak and connects the northwest and southwest entrances of the park. You enjoy the beautiful landscape with your favorite playlist.