📍 United States

REDWOODS AND LASSEN: ANCIENT GIANTS AND VOLCANIC WONDER

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide. Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer. Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks. Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

Thousand-year sequoias towering over visitors, volcanic peaks smoking under blue sky, wild Pacific waves pounding rugged coast. Northern California inspires humility.

≈ 12

Days

280

Stops

📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Leave San Francisco, then climb toward Lassen and its volcanic landscapes. Then drive the Avenue of the Giants amid redwoods, before ending at Eureka, Victorian port facing the Pacific. Northern California offers a wilder road, between immense forests, coastal fog and villages where you take your time.

Redwoods: ancient giants cathedral groves
Lassen Volcanic: steaming peaks mudpots
Avenue of Giants: towering forest drive
Eureka: Victorian seaport wild coast

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

San Francisco

golden gate fishermans wharf departure city fog

3 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

San Francisco departure logistics and coastal outlooks.

🎯

Activities

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Golden Gate viewpoints (timing/weather dependent).

Day

Redding

sundial bridge shasta gateway lassen access

4 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Drive north into Shasta country; prep for Lassen Volcanic NP.

🎯

Activities

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Evening riverfront walk in Redding.

Day

Redding

sundial bridge shasta gateway lassen access

4 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Lassen Volcanic — Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Bumpass Hell boardwalks.

🎯

Activities

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Sunset at Lake Helen pullout (conditions permitting).

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 208.8 km

Travel time: 2h37

Day

Redwood

9 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Transfer to the coast via Trinity forests and Klamath River country.

🎯

Activities

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Short beach stop near Trinidad Head.

Day

Redwood

9 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Prairie Creek Redwoods — Big Tree and cathedral‑quiet loops among old growth.

🎯

Activities

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Fern Canyon wade if road access is open.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 71.4 km

Travel time: 1h11

Day

Eureka

victorian old town oyster bars wild coast

9 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Southbound along the Redwood Highway; optional groves and overlooks.

🎯

Activities

→

Old Town Eureka architecture walk.

Day

San Francisco

golden gate fishermans wharf departure city fog

3 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Return to the Bay Area via Highway 1/101 segments; buffer for departures.

🎯

Activities

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Packing and return logistics.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.