Northern California & Southern Oregon | National Parks Tour

Days 1-3

San Francisco

San Francisco is the kind of quirky place where a fog-calling contest might compete for attention with gala balls marking the opening of the symphony, opera and ballet seasons. From Union Square to North Beach to Japantown, you’ll find intriguing neighbourhoods at every turn. The writers of the Beat Generation, the hippies of the Summer of Love in the late 1960s and the lgbt population contributed to make the city what it is today. San Francisco is also one of the world’s great dining destinations, thanks in part to the diverse cultural influences and proximity of fresh ingredients. During your three days in San Francisco you will have plenty of time to explore this alluring city. Whether you want to explore the shops around Union Square or stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, be sure to ride the world-famous cable cars over the hills. A guided city tour is a good idea for new visitors and a ferry across the Bay to Sausalito gives a grand view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

TIP. If you want to visit Alcatraz, ask Frontier to book it in advance as it does get very busy.

3 nights in San Francisco

Day 4

San Francisco to Mendocino

Pick up your car in the morning and drive out of town over Golden Gate Bridge. Head north on highway 101, taking a break in downtown Petaluma in Sonoma County. Continue north on Highway 101 where you will experience rolling hills of beautiful vineyards as they give way to majestic redwoods. The road meanders through the famous Anderson Valley wine region to the Pacific Ocean leading you towards the coastal town and artists’ colony of Mendocino. If the time is right, you may even see whales from the Mendocino Headlands State Park and we would recommend a visit to the Big River Estuary where you could rent a kayak or canoe.

1 night in Mendocino

Day 5

Mendocino to Eureka

Take your time to meander through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, marvelling at the height and breadth of these mammoth trees, on your route north; but first you should stop in Fort Bragg to ride the Skunk Train as it snakes its way along the Noyo River, zigzagging through the redwood-thick Noyo River Canyon. Eureka is known for its Victorian era architecture, artisanal shops and good restaurants.

1 night in Eureka

Days 6-7

Eureka to Crater Lake National Park

You will continue to follow the coastal Highway 101 until Crescent City where you branch inland through the Siskiyou Mountains, over the Oregon border to visit the Oregon Caves National Monument. You will spend a couple of days in the area which will give you time to explore Crater Lake National Park and the Cascade Mountains. Crater Lake, one of the 7 wonders of Oregon, was formed over seven thousand years ago by the collapse of the Mount Mazama volcano. It has no rivers flowing into it, the water comes from the melting snows of the surrounding mountains, so only the very hardy will want to swim even though the cobalt water looks inviting.

You will have a full day to experience this incredible natural phenomenon by hiking the local trails or perhaps taking an electris boat cruise on Crater Lake. This operates from the north side of the lake at Cleetwood Cove from late June to mid-September and is guided by an Interpretive Park Ranger but does require a strenuous hike.

As you head south from Crater Lake you’ll have joined the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500 mile (804 km) route that takes you from Crater Lake to Mount Lassen. Along this route you will find live volcanoes, amazing waterfalls, and a natural history millions of years old.

TIP: White Water Rafting on the Rogue River is an awesome experience. Ask Frontier about day and overnight trips.

2 nights Crater Lake

Day 8

Crater Lake National Park to Redding

Today will be a full day as we suggest you take a 150-mile detour to visit the phenomenal Lava Beds National Monument. Make sure to hike the 0.75-mile trail to the top of 5,260-foot Schonchin Butte. From the summit there’s a glorious view of the lava. Then you have a choice, you can continue along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway through McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park to Redding or you can retrace your steps and take the main road south past Mount Shasta, one of the highest peaks in the USA. Stop in the pretty town of McCloud and enjoy many views of the mountain before heading south to Redding, “the second sunniest city in the US”.

TIP: Stay a while! Rent a house boat on Lake Shasta or Trinity Lake.

1 night in Redding

Day 9-10

Redding to Sacramento & Gold Country

An easy drive south along Interstate 5 unless you feel like further exploration along the side roads.

Sacramento was at the forefront of the pioneer expansion and the ’49 Gold Rush, when pioneers travelled to the town by boat from San Francisco. A day walking tour of the city is a must, from the Capital building, modelled on the Washington DC Capital building, to the famous riverfront “Old Town”, one of the few remaining original wooden townships left. This tour will highlight the old west for you, as will the beautiful Delta King paddle steamer moored at the dockside. Alongside is the superb railway museum, celebrating the expansion of the railway through the High Sierra Mountains, an incredible feat of engineering.

TIP: If you want to explore the Sierra more, we suggest a day trip to Lake Tahoe via the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

2 nights in Sacramento, California’s Capital City

Days 11-13

Sacramento & Gold Country to Napa Valley

A very pretty drive today through the Californian vineyards. Many of the vineyards open their doors for wine tours although you may be better to take the excellent Napa Valley Wine Train as the samples are very generous. Take a couple of days to wind down after a busy holiday; enjoy a wine tasting, relax in one of the many spas or just enjoy the glorious countryside.

3 nights Napa Valley

Day 14

Napa Valley to San Francisco

Enjoy the last day of relaxation before returning your car to the airport in time for your overnight flight home.