9 days in Northern California road trip help

Question

Arriving SMF (Sacramento) 5/20. Need to be in Eureka late on 5/22 through 5/25. Return SMF 5/29

Would like to travel inland going north then coastal heading south. Looking for input on places to visit on the way.

We are seniors interested in scenic drives,waterfalls,short hikes,ghost towns,maybe mining? Museums, not so much. Moderate budget. Yosemite seems too overwhelming to navigate.

Considering Bodie, Lassen, Mount Shasta?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer

With 9 days for a Northern California road trip, your plan to go inland north first and then return down the coast is excellent. Since you are seniors interested in scenic drives, waterfalls, short hikes, ghost towns, and maybe some mining, here’s a detailed suggestion tailored for your preferences and moderate budget. Avoiding Yosemite is wise if you want something easier to navigate.

Here’s a possible route and stops:

Day 1 – Sacramento to Lassen Volcanic National Park: Depart SMF on 5/20, drive north toward Lassen. This is about a 3.5-4 hour drive. Lassen offers scenic drives, hydrothermal areas, and short hikes (Manzanita Lake, Bumpass Hell Trail for an easier option). Stay nearby in Chester or in the park if possible.
Day 2 – Lassen to Mount Shasta area: Drive north toward Mount Shasta (about 2.5-3 hours). Stop at McCloud Falls, a series of three waterfalls just off the highway. Explore the town of Mount Shasta for local charm and small hikes. Overnight in Mount Shasta or Weed.
Day 3 – Mount Shasta to Eureka: Head west via US-299 to the coast and down to Eureka (~4-5 hours). Scenic drive through forests and along rivers. Arrive late May 22, check in and relax.

During your stay in Eureka (5/22–5/25):

Explore the historic Old Town Eureka with Victorian architecture.
Drive to Redwood National and State Parks, short walks among the giants.
Consider a drive through the Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods State Park) for an easy, scenic loop.
Optional short hikes at Lady Bird Johnson Grove or Big Tree Wayside.

Heading back south (coastal route) 5/25–5/29:

Day 6 – Eureka to Mendocino Coast: Drive down the scenic coastal route via US-101 to the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Stop at Patrick’s Point State Park and Trinidad for short walks and viewpoints. Overnight in Fort Bragg or Mendocino.
Day 7 – Mendocino Coast to Point Reyes/Sonoma: Scenic coastal drive with stops at Glass Beach (Fort Bragg), Mendocino Headlands, and Bodega Bay area. Overnight near Point Reyes or Petaluma.
Day 8 – Explore Marin/Sonoma area: Optional short hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore, visit small coastal towns, scenic drives through vineyards or coastal bluffs. Overnight near San Rafael or continue down to Napa/Sonoma region.
Day 9 – Return to Sacramento: Head back to SMF (1-2 hours from Sonoma/Napa area). Use this day to take a relaxed route home through scenic country roads if desired.

Additional tips:

Consider Bodie Ghost Town as a side trip near Mono Lake if you want a historic mining town, but it’s about 2 hours east from Lassen or Mount Shasta area. You may need to adjust the inland route slightly.
Lassen roads are typically open by late May, but check conditions for snow closures or trails.
Keep accommodations booked in advance for smaller towns like Chester, Mount Shasta, Mendocino, and Eureka.
Pack layers; Northern California coast can be cool and foggy even in May.

This plan balances inland scenic mountains, waterfalls, and redwoods along the coast while keeping driving times manageable and providing plenty of opportunities for short hikes, sightseeing, and leisurely exploration.

9 days in Northern California road trip help

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