8-Day Scenic Road Trip from San Jose to Crater Lake and Redwood National Parks with Immersive Hiking

Day 1: Drive to Crater Lake

San Jose, CA to Crater Lake National Park, OR on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Depart San Jose

Begin your drive north via I-5, aiming for a smooth, early start to minimize traffic.
USD0, 0h30m

7:30am

Breakfast at In-N-Out Burger, Redding

Quick and satisfying breakfast option to fuel up, located off I-5 for convenience.
USD15, 0h45m

8:15am

Continue drive to Crater Lake National Park

Drive approx 5.5 to 6 hours along I-5 N and OR-62 E through scenic forests with minimal stops to arrive in the afternoon.
USD0, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch in Medford, OR at Larks Home Kitchen

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine in a casual atmosphere before heading deeper into the park.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Arrival and Check-in at Crater Lake Lodge

Settle into your stay inside the park to maximize your time exploring the lake and surroundings.
USD200, 0h30m

4:00pm

Short Rim Drive and Watchman Overlook

Take a gentle drive around Rim Drive with a stop at Watchman Overlook for spectacular views of Crater Lake near sunset.
USD30 park entrance fee (7-day pass), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room

Dine with panoramic views of Crater Lake featuring regional ingredients and classic dishes.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Crater Lake Hiking

Crater Lake National Park, OR on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Start the day with a lakeside breakfast including fresh pastries and coffee.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Hike Garfield Peak Trail (3.4 miles round trip)

Enjoy a moderate trail with commanding panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, great for morning light.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch picnic at Rim Village Picnic Area

Refuel with a packed lunch while soaking up lake vistas at a designated scenic picnic spot.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Optional short hike to Watchman Peak (1.6 miles)

A slightly steep but short hike rewarded by spectacular lake views and photo opportunities in the afternoon.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Pinnacles Overlook and Twin Rocks viewpoint

Drive and stop for striking volcanic formations and scenic views along Rim Drive.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Crater Lake Lodge or nearby

Savor local cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and Oregon specialties.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Crater Lake Exploration

Crater Lake National Park, OR on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal with stunning views before a longer hike.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Hike: Cleetwood Cove Trail (3 miles round trip)

Only trail leading down to the lake shore where boat tour access is located. Moderate descent with amazing lake views.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Boat tour on Crater Lake (seasonal)

Explore Wizard Island and lake’s unique geography by boat; book in advance. If unavailable, hike a slightly longer trail like Sun Notch to Sand Creek Overlook.
USD30, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Rim Village Cafe

Light lunch options with incredible lake views to recharge after morning activities.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Leisure walk or drive: Discovery Point and Plaikni Falls Trail (2 miles)

Short scenic trails alongside the lake featuring waterfalls and forest ecosystems; great for an afternoon unwind.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Crater Lake Lodge

Relaxing dinner rounding out your Crater Lake stay with great ambiance.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Crater Lake to Redwood

Crater Lake NP, OR to Redwood National Park, CA on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and check-out

Prepare for the drive south towards Redwood National Park; hearty breakfast to start the day.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Crater Lake to Redwood National Park, via US-199

Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours driving through the scenic Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and into northern California redwoods.
USD0, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch stop in Grants Pass, OR at Roxy Ann Peak Brewing

Relax after your drive with pub fare and local craft brews in a casual environment.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Arrive and check-in: Elk Meadow Cabins or Redwood National Park lodging

Settle into comfortable accommodations surrounded by ancient redwoods, optimizing your time for exploration.
USD150, 0h30m

2:30pm

Short hike: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (3 miles)

An iconic and accessible redwood loop trail showcasing old-growth giants, perfect for an afternoon warm-up hike.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Trinidad, CA

Visit this charming coastal town with scenic beaches and tide pools; ideal for a sunset walk.
USD0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lighthouse Grill, Trinidad

Enjoy coastal cuisine with fresh seafood in a relaxed setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Redwood National Park Hiking

Redwood National Park, CA on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Redwood Café, Orick

Fuel up near park entrances with hearty breakfast offerings open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Hike: Tall Trees Grove Trail (4 miles)

Permitted hike into a spectacular, less crowded section of towering redwoods and river views.
USD0 (permit required, arrange in advance), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch picnic at Tall Trees Grove Picnic Area

Pack your own or pick up lunch to enjoy amidst old-growth forests.
USD10, 1h

2:00pm

Scenic drive: Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway Loop

Leisurely 10-mile drive through lush redwood groves with short stops for wildlife and photo ops.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Fern Canyon

Explore the famous Fern Canyon with its scenic walls covered in ferns—perfect nature photography spot, open daily.
USD10 parking, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Elk Meadow Cabins restaurant or nearby

Relax with freshly prepared, locally inspired meals with dining surrounded by the forest.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Redwoods Coastal and Forest

Redwood National Park & Coastal CA on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cypress Restaurant, Klamath

Breakfast in a cozy coastal village with views of the river and ocean, a local favorite.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Hike: Trillium Falls Trail (3 miles)

Walk through majestic forest to a beautiful waterfall, easy to moderate terrain, great for morning hike.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Beach time at Gold Bluffs Beach

Relax or explore tide pools and sand along a pristine coastline near Fern Canyon.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moonstone Grill, Klamath

Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood and warm ambiance in nearby town.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

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

Longer loop hiking deeper trails to the famous Fern Canyon from a different route, very scenic and rewarding.
USD10 parking, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Requa Inn

Historic inn offering classic meals and views over the Smith River; perfect for local ambiance and dining.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Redwoods Exploration & Relax

Redwood National Park, CA on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at lodging or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in preparation for your last day hiking and exploring the redwoods.
USD0 included, 1h

9:00am

Hike: Boy Scout Tree Trail (3 miles)

A moderate trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with lovely forest scenery and fewer crowds.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Explore Crescent City

Visit Battery Point Lighthouse (check opening hours) and walk the harbor area for some coastal charm.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Chart Room Restaurant, Crescent City

Coastal dining with fresh seafood and panoramic views of the ocean to savor your last meal near the redwoods.
USD35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Beach or local parks

Spend a couple hours absorbing the peaceful coastal environment before packing for departure the next day.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at local eatery or lodging

Casual dinner and early night for the drive back tomorrow.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to San Jose

Redwood National Park, CA to San Jose, CA on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge or local cafe

Early breakfast before the long drive south.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive south to San Jose via US-101

Approximate 6.5 to 7-hour drive through scenic northern California stopping as desired; minimal stops suggested to maintain schedule.
USD0, 7h

12:30pm

Lunch in Ukiah at Brambles Bakery & Cafe

Good stop for fresh sandwiches and pastries at a cozy spot.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Continue drive to San Jose

Final leg heading into the Bay Area, expected to reach by afternoon or early evening.
USD0, 4h

5:30pm

Arrive San Jose, trip ends

Complete your journey with plenty of memories from national parks, coastal towns, and forest trails.
USD0, 0h
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