Scenic and Budget-Friendly 6-Day Road Trip from Issaquah to Northern California

Day 1: Mount Rainier Views

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Home

Prepare a simple breakfast at home to save budget for the day ahead, such as oatmeal and fruit.
USD0, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Leave Issaquah and drive approximately 2.5 hours to Mount Rainier National Park for breathtaking mountain views.
USD0 (entrance fee is $30/car for seven days), 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Paradise Area

Explore the Paradise Visitor Center area with spectacular views and accessible short walks like the Nisqually Vista Trail, an easy 1.2-mile loop.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Paradise

Have a packed picnic lunch in the designated picnic areas with views of Mount Rainier to save costs and enjoy nature.
USD0, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Sunrise Area

Drive about 1 hour to the Sunrise area, the highest point reachable by car with panoramic views and short trails.
USD0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Sunrise

Walk the easy 1.5-mile loop to enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier and nearby glaciers.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Return Drive to Issaquah

Begin the approximately 2.5-hour drive back to Issaquah, stopping for gas or rest as needed.
USD0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Home

Cook a budget-friendly dinner at home with ingredients you brought along or have on hand.
USD0, 1h
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Day 2: Portland Scenic Drive

Issaquah, WA to Portland, OR on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Home

Eat a simple breakfast before heading out to maximize time on the road.
USD0, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Portland

Drive approximately 3 hours south to explore the outskirts of Portland, focusing on scenic stops.
USD0, 3h

11:30am

Visit Pittock Mansion viewpoint and Washington Park

Drive to Pittock Mansion viewpoint for quick panoramic views of Portland and surrounding mountains, then explore nearby Washington Park’s accessible trails.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Packed Lunch at Washington Park

Enjoy your packed lunch at designated picnic areas in Washington Park.
USD0, 1h

2:00pm

Drive toward Redwood National and State Parks area

Start the long drive (about 5.5 hours) toward Redwood National and State Parks with planned breaks for stretching and refueling.
USD0, 5h30m

7:30pm

Check-in and Dinner

Check into budget accommodation near Redwood National Park and prepare a simple dinner or buy affordable groceries to cook.
USD0-USD30, 1h
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Day 3: Redwoods and Coast

Redwood National and State Parks, California on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Eat breakfast made with groceries to save money and gain energy for short hikes.
USD0, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive through Scenic Redwood Highway

Take a leisurely drive along the Redwood Highway to see giant redwoods and coastal views, with plenty of pullouts for short walks and photos.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Short Walk at Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Explore the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, an easy 1.5-mile loop through towering old-growth redwoods.
USD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch

Eat a packed picnic lunch in the grove’s designated areas for a peaceful nature experience.
USD0, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and stop at Fern Canyon

Visit Fern Canyon, a unique and scenic spot reachable with a short walk (about 0.5 miles round trip).
USD8 parking, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax and Explore Crescent City

Head towards Crescent City to stretch your legs and explore the coast or beach areas before heading back to accommodation.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Accommodation

Prepare another simple budget-friendly dinner with groceries for an early night after the full day.
USD0, 1h
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Day 4: Eureka Local Sights

Eureka, California on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have breakfast with your groceries to keep costs low.
USD0, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Old Town Eureka

Walk around historic Old Town Eureka with its Victorian architecture and waterfront views. Accessible and relaxing without extra entry fees.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Humboldt Bay Overlook

Visit the Humboldt Bay Overlook for a panoramic view of the bay and city, easily accessible by car.
USD0, 30m

11:30am

Lunch at Grocery Store Picnic

Buy some fresh deli items or sandwiches from a local grocery store to enjoy a picnic in the park nearby.
USD10, 1h

12:30pm

Drive toward Crater Lake National Park

Begin the drive (about 4 hours) towards Crater Lake National Park, with a few brief rest stops to stretch.
USD0, 4h

4:30pm

Check-in Midway Lodging and Dinner

Find budget accommodation roughly halfway back to Issaquah and prepare or buy a simple dinner.
USD0-USD30, 1h
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Day 5: Crater Lake Views

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Prepare a simple breakfast to fuel the day of sightseeing.
USD0, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Crater Lake National Park

Take an early drive to Crater Lake to enjoy the famous deep blue waters and cliffs with easy drive stops and short walks.
USD30/car, 1h

9:30am

Scenic Rim Drive

Drive the Rim Drive for spectacular photo stops with very short walks (~0.1 - 0.5 miles) to viewpoints around the lake.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Packed Lunch at Rim Overlook

Enjoy your packed lunch at one of the many viewpoints overlooking Crater Lake.
USD0, 1h

1:30pm

Start Return Trip Toward Issaquah

Drive for approximately 3 hours back towards Issaquah with planned short breaks to stretch your legs.
USD0, 3h

4:30pm

Break Stop in Portland Area

Stop at a rest area or park near Portland to relax and have a light snack or stretch.
USD0, 30m

5:00pm

Continue Drive Home

Drive the remaining distance to Issaquah, about 3 hours, to complete the loop trip.
USD0, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Home

Enjoy a well-deserved budget-friendly home-cooked dinner to conclude the road trip.
USD0, 1h
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