Northern California & Southern Oregon Family RV Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Geyserville

Morning: Arrive in Geyserville, settle into your RV park, and take a stroll around the charming town.

Afternoon: Visit local vineyards such as Seghesio Family Vineyards for a family-friendly picnic while parents enjoy tasting.

Evening: Cook dinner at the RV site and enjoy stargazing in the clear Northern California skies.

Day 2: Russian River & Armstrong Redwoods State Park

Morning: Head to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for easy hikes among ancient coastal redwoods.

Afternoon: Spend time along the Russian River at a kid-friendly beach or rent kayaks for a gentle paddle.

Evening: Dinner in Guerneville before heading back to the RV.

Day 3: Drive to Mendocino and Explore

Morning: Drive to Mendocino Village and explore its quaint shops and galleries.

Afternoon: Visit Mendocino Headlands State Park for spectacular ocean views and tide pools exploration.

Evening: Enjoy local seafood dinner and relax at your RV campground near Mendocino.

Day 4: Mendocino to Redwood National and State Parks

Morning: Depart early towards Redwood National and State Parks, with stops for scenic views along the coast.

Afternoon: Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Trail, an easy walk perfect for kids among towering redwoods.

Evening: Set up camp at a family-friendly campsite within the park.

Day 5: Exploring Redwood National Park

Morning: Go on a ranger-led Junior Ranger program or easy hikes like Big Tree Trail.

Afternoon: Visit the Kuchel Visitor Center for educational exhibits and beach access.

Evening: Campfire stories and roasting marshmallows at the RV site.

Day 6: Drive to Ashland, Southern Oregon

Morning: Begin scenic drive to Ashland, Oregon, crossing into southern Oregon.

Afternoon: Explore downtown Ashland, visiting parks and kid-friendly stops like ScienceWorks Museum.

Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant and overnight at an RV park near Ashland.

Day 7: Ashland to Crater Lake National Park

Morning: Drive to Crater Lake National Park, stopping for scenic overlooks on the way.

Afternoon: Explore the rim trail, take photos of the deep blue lake, and enjoy a picnic.

Evening: Overnight at the park's RV campground or nearby lodge.

Day 8: Crater Lake to Eureka via Redwood Coast

Morning: Leisurely morning at Crater Lake, then begin returning south via the scenic Redwood Coast.

Afternoon: Stop at Patrick's Point State Park in Humboldt County for beach time and hiking.

Evening: Overnight at an RV campground in Eureka.

Day 9: Eureka & Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Morning: Visit Sequoia Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., great for children.

Afternoon: Drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park and explore the Avenue of the Giants.

Evening: Return to Eureka for dinner and RV rest.

Day 10: Return to Geyserville

Morning: Start back toward Geyserville with stops at local farms or fruit stands along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in Geyserville for relaxing afternoon at the RV site or a casual walk through town.

Evening: Final dinner in Geyserville and prepare for departure.

Day 11 - Optional Day: Sonoma County Exploration

Morning: Visit Safari West for a kid-friendly wildlife safari experience.

Afternoon: Explore Sonoma Plaza with its playgrounds, shops, and ice cream stops.

Evening: Relax at your RV site or visit a local park to wind down.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Seghesio Family Vineyards: 2 hours, $15 tasting fee (adults only)
• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: 3 hours, $10 parking fee
• Russian River Kayaking: 2-3 hours, approx. $40 per kayak rental
• Mendocino Headlands State Park: 2 hours, free
• Redwood National and State Parks: 2 days, $35 vehicle pass (valid 7 days)
• ScienceWorks Museum (Ashland): 3 hours, $12 per person
• Crater Lake National Park: 1 day, $30 vehicle fee
• Patrick's Point State Park: 2 hours, $7 parking fee
• Sequoia Park Zoo: 2 hours, free (donations appreciated)
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Avenue of the Giants): 3 hours, free
• Safari West: 3 hours, $70 per person (kids under 5 free)

Total estimated cost: Approximately $270-$350 excluding food and RV site fees

Tips

To extend the trip: Consider adding more days exploring additional coastal towns like Trinidad and Crescent City, or spend extra time at Crater Lake for boating and fishing activities.

To shorten the trip: Focus on either the Northern California coast (Geyserville to Eureka) or Southern Oregon (Ashland and Crater Lake) sections to reduce driving time and allow a more relaxed pace for kids.