🗺️ 3-Day Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Bay Area (Golden Gate Bridge)→ Stinson Beach → Bodega Bay → Anchor Bay → Redwood National Park
- Day 2: Drive to Crater Lake → Rim viewpoints + short hike → Overnight in Klamath Falls
- Day 3: Morning at Crater Lake → Return drive to the Bay Area via I-5
Sometimes all you need is a weekend to feel like you’ve traveled through time and terrain. In just three days, we took a 21-hour loop from the Bay Area to the Pacific Coast, through ancient redwood forests, all the way up to the rim of Crater Lake, and back home again—tired, happy, and filled with awe.
We kicked things off by heading north from the Bay, passing familiar sights like the Golden Gate and the California coastline past Stinson Beach and Bodega Bay. As the ocean breeze followed us along Highway 1, we wound through Anchor Bay before turning inland toward the towering redwoods.
We entered through the Kuchel Visitor Center. It was quiet, calm, and the trees towered like they had been there for ages. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail made for the perfect short walk to immerse ourselves in the magic of the redwoods. After a peaceful overnight stay near Crescent City, we continued north, driving through the misty Shasta-Trinity wilderness until we reached the brilliant, otherworldly blue of Crater Lake. There’s nothing like standing at the rim of a volcanic crater, staring into the stillness of the blue water. Sunset at Rim Village was spectacular.
We spent the night in Klamath Falls, a small but welcoming town, before looping back through Oregon and Northern California on our final day. This drive offered long stretches of quiet roads, mountain views, and that unique satisfaction that only comes from such road trips. If you’re looking for a fast but fulfilling escape into nature, this loop offers coastal charm, ancient forest wonder, and alpine beauty—all in one weekend. Download offline maps before you go, fuel up in advance, and pack for changing weather. We didn’t have much time, but we came home refreshed—and already dreaming of the next trip.
🖊️ Written by Shree Neupane and Reeta Sharma
📍Outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and founders of Trail and Tread