Budget-Friendly Scenic Road Trip from Issaquah to Northern California's Top Sights

Day 1: Scenic Drive to Portland

Issaquah, WA to Portland, OR on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Home

Prepare and pack a budget-friendly breakfast to save money for the trip ahead.
USD0, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive Issaquah to Portland

Start the road trip driving south along I-5. The drive is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes, so plan a stop midway.
USD0, 3h15m

11:30am

Break at Centralia, WA

Stop for a quick leg stretch at the Centralia Outlets parking lot, perfect for a restroom break and snack from your own supplies.
USD0, 0h30m

2:30pm

Visit Washington Park, Portland

Enjoy Washington Park’s gardens and viewpoints with minimal walking. Locate spots like the Japanese Garden and scenic lookouts without spending on entrance fees.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Light Walk at Pittock Mansion Viewpoint

Drive to the viewpoint parking area of Pittock Mansion to enjoy panoramic city and mountain views with a very short walk, free of charge as long as you don’t enter the mansion.
USD0, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner with Packed Food

Eat a pre-packed dinner at a public picnic area in Portland’s Waterfront Park with river views, saving money by not dining out.
USD0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Overnight Stay Budget Motel or Camping

Check into an affordable motel or campground near Portland for rest before the next day’s drive.
USD40, overnight
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Day 2: Redwood National Park

Portland, OR to Redwood National Park, CA on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast from Packed Food

Enjoy a simple breakfast prepared from your supplies before heading out early.
USD0, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive Portland to Redwood National Park

Travel south on I-5, then US-199; approximately 5 hours of driving. Plan a short break midway.
USD0, 5h0m

10:00am

Break at Grants Pass, OR

Stop for restroom and snack breaks. Pick up affordable snacks if needed from grocery stores for the trip.
USD5, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch with Packed Food Picnic

Have a picnic lunch at the large and accessible Bald Hills Overlook within the park, offering stunning views of the redwoods and coastline.
USD0, 0h45m

1:30pm

Drive through Redwood Hwy Scenic Drive

Take a leisurely drive along Redwood Highway (US-101) to enjoy breathtaking roadside views of towering redwoods and nature.
USD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Short Hike: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Enjoy an easy 1.5-mile loop through ancient redwoods, ideal for experiencing nature with minimal exertion.
USD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner with Packed Dinner

Have dinner prepared from your supplies at a picnic area near the park or campground to save costs.
USD0, 0h45m

6:30pm

Overnight Camp or Budget Motel nearby

Rest overnight at a budget-friendly lodge or campground near Redwood National Park.
USD40, overnight
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Day 3: Mount Shasta Views

Redwood National Park, CA to Mount Shasta, CA on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast from Packed Food

Prepare a quick breakfast before leaving the campground or motel.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Mount Shasta

Starting the 3.5-hour drive inland via US-97 and I-5 to see Mount Shasta’s remarkable volcanic peak.
USD0, 3h30m

10:30am

Break in Weed, CA

Stop in the small town of Weed for a rest and refresh, perhaps enjoying a quick walk around the town center.
USD0, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Lake Siskiyou

Relax by the lake with a packed lunch while enjoying scenic views of Mount Shasta from the water’s edge.
USD0, 0h45m

1:00pm

Short Drive to Mount Shasta Viewpoints

Visit the Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery and nearby viewpoints, accessible with minimal walking and great photo opportunities.
USD0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Downtown Mount Shasta

Walk briefly in the quaint downtown area and enjoy mounts and mountain backdrop views before heading to next destination.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner with Packed Food

Have dinner at a public park or your motel to continue saving on food costs.
USD0, 0h45m

6:00pm

Overnight Budget Motel

Rest overnight in Mount Shasta area at a budget motel or affordable lodge.
USD45, overnight
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Day 4: Return via Ashland

Mount Shasta, CA to Ashland, OR on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast from Packed Food

Eat your early breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive Mount Shasta to Ashland

Drive 1.5 hours north to Ashland, a charming town known for its scenic parks and viewpoints.
USD0, 1h30m

9:45am

Visit Lithia Park

Enjoy a leisurely and mostly flat stroll around the beautiful Lithia Park, famous for its natural setting and minimal entrance fees.
USD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Coffee break/Picnic

Either grab a budget-friendly coffee or enjoy a snack you brought along while relaxing in the park.
USD3, 0h30m

11:30am

Drive Ashland to Eugene, OR

Begin the longer drive north towards Eugene (3 hours), breaking it up with a rest stop midway.
USD0, 3h0m

2:00pm

Break in Cottage Grove, OR

Short break to stretch legs and enjoy small town charm, perfect for quick photos or snacks from your supplies.
USD0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Light walk at Alton Baker Park, Eugene

Visit this large city park accessible by car with short walking trails and scenic river views before continuing home.
USD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner from Packed Food

Early dinner with your packed food in the park or rest area before final drive home.
USD0, 0h45m

6:15pm

Drive Eugene to Issaquah

Final 3.5-hour stretch back to Issaquah along I-5 north, aiming to arrive before late evening.
USD0, 3h30m
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Day 5: Relax at Home

Issaquah, WA on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Rest Day

Recover from the trip, enjoy time at home or visit local parks such as Lake Sammamish State Park for easy relaxation without cost.
USD0, all day
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