Epic 8-Day Scenic Road and Hiking Adventure: San Jose to Redwood, Crater Lake & Mt. Shasta

Day 1: Scenic Drive Start

San Jose, CA to Redwood National Park, CA on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Departure from San Jose

Begin your road trip northward on US-101 towards Redwood National Park, enjoying scenic views along the way.
USD0, 0h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Cafe, Rohnert Park

A hearty breakfast to fuel your drive, known for large portions and classic American breakfast items.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive north via US-101 with stop at Avenue of the Giants

Take the scenic detour through Avenue of the Giants to marvel at some of the tallest trees on Earth—perfect for short walks and photo stops.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch in Garberville at The Freshwater Oyster Depot

Enjoy fresh seafood and local fare in the charming town of Garberville, a good midway stop before heading to the park.
USD25, 1h

12:30pm

Arrive at Redwood National Park - check into accommodation

Recommended stay at Elk Meadow Cabins or nearby lodges that provide comfort and close access to park trails and coast.
USD150, 0h30m

1:00pm

Short hike: Lady Bird Johnson Trail (3 miles)

An easy to moderate 3-mile loop that showcases old-growth redwoods and peaceful forest scenery. Great warm-up hike.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax and explore nearby coastal town: Trinidad, CA

Visit the small scenic town of Trinidad. Walk on Big Lagoon or explore the tide pools and beaches.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lighthouse Grill, Trinidad

Enjoy a casual dinner with fresh local seafood and views of the Pacific Ocean. Open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Redwoods Hiking

Redwood National Park, CA on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Redwood Cafe, Orick

Start your day with a homestyle breakfast near the park entrance, open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Hike: Tall Trees Grove Trail (4 miles)

Accessed via a permit-required hike, this trail offers stunning redwood giants and river views for about a 4-mile round trip.
USD0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Tall Trees Grove Picnic Area

Pack a picnic or grab supplies at the Visitor Center. Enjoy lunch amidst the forest ambiance.
USD10, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic drive: Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway

Drive this 10-mile loop surrounded by old-growth redwoods, perfect for spotting wildlife and short interpretive stops.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park — Fern Canyon

An enchanting spot where silver ferns grow on canyon walls. This easy 1-mile hike is a must-see and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
USD10 parking, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at the park’s Elk Meadow Cabins restaurant or nearby

Casual dining featuring locally sourced food with options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Coastal & Forest Adventure

Redwood National Park, CA on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cypress Restaurant, Klamath

Breakfast with views of the coastline where the Klamath River meets the sea.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Hike: Trillium Falls Trail (3 miles)

Explore a lovely redwood forest walk to a beautiful waterfall, with moderate terrain.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Beach Time at Gold Bluffs Beach

A stunning, less crowded beach near Prairie Creek with tide pools and sand perfect for relaxing or beachcombing.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonstone Grill, Klamath

Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood and regional specialties in a cozy setting.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Hike: James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon (5.5 miles)

A longer loop hike through ancient forests leading to the famed Fern Canyon from a different approach. Great for immersive hiking.
USD10 parking, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Historic Requa Inn

For a dinner steeped in local history and excellent river views, the Requa Inn offers classic comfort food and fresh catches.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Exploration and Relaxation

Redwood National Park and Coastal Towns, CA on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your lodge or cabin

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a light day to recharge and soak in the coastal atmosphere.
USD0 included in lodging, 1h

9:30am

Visit Klamath River Overlook and Scenic Drive on Coastal Route 101

Drive the coastal scenic byway with stops at viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean and river mouth, perfect for photos and bird watching.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at SeaQuake Brewing, Klamath

Sample local craft beers and grab light bites or sandwiches in this casual brewery near the coast.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Gentle hike: Boy Scout Tree Trail (3 miles)

A peaceful hiking trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park featuring giant trees and lush surroundings.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Crescent City

Stroll through the coastal town offering museums, shops, and the historic Battery Point Lighthouse (climb if open).
USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Chart Room Restaurant, Crescent City

Dine seaside on fresh seafood and Pacific northwest cuisine with stunning harbor views.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Redwood to Crater Lake

Redwood National Park, CA to Crater Lake National Park, OR on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at lodging

Prepare for a longer driving day with a good breakfast before hitting the road.
USD0 included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Crater Lake National Park via US-199 and OR-62

A scenic 4.5 to 5-hour drive through Siskiyou National Forest and along the Rogue River, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints.
USD0, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch stop in Ashland, OR at Greenleaf Restaurant

A charming farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Ashland serving fresh American cuisine.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Arrive and check into Crater Lake Lodge or nearby accommodation

Stay inside or near the park for best access to trailheads and sunset views over the lake.
USD200, 0h30m

3:00pm

Scenic drive: Rim Drive (partial)

Drive the Rim Drive around Crater Lake to several viewpoints like Watchman Overlook and Cleetwood Cove Trailhead for sunset and lake views.
USD30 park entrance fee, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy a refined dinner experience with spectacular views of the lake and high-quality local dishes.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Crater Lake Exploration

Crater Lake National Park, OR on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Crater Lake Lodge

Start the day with fresh pastries and coffee overlooking the majestic lake.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Hike: Garfield Peak Trail (3.4 miles)

Moderate hike with panoramic lake views from the summit; ideal morning activity to avoid afternoon crowds.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch picnic at Rim Village

Enjoy sandwich or snack lunches with amazing lake vistas at the designated picnic areas open daily.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Boat Tour on Crater Lake or visit Pinnacles Overlook

Boat tours seasonally available for July-September; if unavailable, drive to Pinnacles Overlook for unique rock formations and wildlife viewing.
USD30 for boat, 0 otherwise, 2h

4:00pm

Leisurely evening stroll: Watchman Peak Trail (1.6 miles)

Shorter trail with a steep climb, rewarding with sunset views over the lake and Wizard Island.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at lodge or park restaurant

Relax with dinner offering regional Oregon fare and locally sourced ingredients.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mt. Shasta Overnight

Crater Lake National Park, OR to Mt. Shasta, CA on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Fuel up before the drive south towards Mt. Shasta with a full breakfast.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Mt. Shasta area (approx 2.5 hours)

Enjoy picturesque views of volcanic landscapes en route.
USD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Check into accommodation: Mount Shasta Resort or cozy cabin nearby

Comfortable lodging options with proximity to hiking trails and downtown amenities.
USD150, 0h30m

11:30am

Hike: McBride Springs Loop Trail (5 miles)

Moderate loop trail leading through forested areas with great views of Mt. Shasta’s south side and natural springs.
USD0, 3h

3:00pm

Sightseeing: Visit Lake Siskiyou

Relax by the lake with options to walk the perimeter or rent kayaks for a peaceful afternoon on the water.
USD0 free stroll, kayak rental approx USD25, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Black Bear Diner, Mt. Shasta

A hearty diner offering American classics and local dishes with generous portions.
USD25, 1h
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Day 8: Return to San Jose

Mt. Shasta, CA to San Jose, CA on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodging or local cafe (Dunsmuir Coffee Roasters)

Enjoy a fresh coffee and light breakfast to start your drive back south.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Mt. Shasta to San Jose via I-5 South

About a 4.5 to 5-hour drive through scenic forested and foothill landscapes, arriving mid-afternoon.
USD0, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch stop in Redding at Jack's Grill

Classic American steakhouse offering great meals to break up the drive.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Continue drive to San Jose

Scenic final leg through California’s Central Valley arriving by afternoon/evening.
USD0, 3h

5:00pm

Arrival in San Jose, trip end

Reflect on your scenic, adventure-packed journey from coastal redwoods to volcanic lakes and majestic mountains.
USD0, 0h
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