Natural Wonders: San Francisco to Crater Lake Road Trip Itinerary

Start your west coast natural wonders adventure in San Francisco, where you’ll pick up a California campervan rental from Traveller’s Autobarn. Take I-880 North and I-580 West for US-101 to get to Redwood National and State Parks.

Point Reyes National Seashore is an hour north of San Francisco on your way to Redwood National Park. This natural wonder features 80 miles of coastline, foggy tree-lined roads, and the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel.

When you near the Redwoods, take a pit stop in Eureka, a northern California town with architecture almost as beautiful as the craggy shores. Head to Humboldt Bay for photo-worthy views of the Pacific and a glimpse of the local seals.

US-101 will bring you to the southern end of the park, known as Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The closest camping spot is Elk Prairie Campground. You can also reach Gold Bluffs Beach Campground and Fern Canyon via Davison Road off US-101.

After camping beneath the redwoods, spend the entire day walking this natural wonder’s giant tree-lined trails and driving down its most scenic roadways.

Stout Memorial Grove Trail in the park’s north end will take you down the banks of Smith River, while the Boy Scout Tree Trail offers a more challenging hike. The Grove Of Titans, Fern Canyon Loop Trail, and Trillium Falls are other popular areas for walking and hiking.

Before you leave Redwood National Park, make sure to take a drive down Howland Hill Road and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to see the biggest redwoods up close and personal. Bald Hills Road is another picturesque area offering a glimpse of the park’s lesser-known rolling hills and open prairie.

Say goodbye to the redwoods via Klamath Tour Thru Tree, a massive carved-out tree trunk you can drive through. You’ll also have the chance to take a detour down Howland Hill Road if you didn’t have the opportunity yet.

You’ll hop on US-199 North for Oregon when you reach Crescent City. Consider stopping at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve when you pass the state line for a quick guided tour through the intricate marble caverns.

When you hit Medford, you’re only a few miles away from Ashland. The best place to park your van is at Ashland’s Creekside Campground. From there, you’re only a few miles away from the stunning Lithia Park, a 100-acre green space complete with water features, wooded areas, and a botanical garden.

Retrace your tracks back toward Medford to reach OR-62 E. This highway will take you to Crater Lake National Park. But before you get there, pause at some of the top West Coast landmarks along the way.

Joseph Stewart County Park offers well-maintained camping grounds with trails circling Lost Creek Lake. A few miles up the highway, you’ll run into Natural Ridge and Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint. These nature and wildlife areas offer beautiful views of the nearby Rogue River.

Hop back in your van for the last few miles of your journey. OR-62 will take you into the park’s southwest corner, where many campgrounds are available. You can also get a preview of the adventure to come by following the 33-mile Rim Drive, which circles Crater Lake.

Crater Lake National Park is home to one of the deepest, clearest lakes in the world. The beautiful blue lake was created from the collapse of a volcano. Today, it offers ample photo opportunities via the 30 overlooks on Rim Drive and miles of trails throughout the forests and ancient volcanic fields.

Get ready for a true wilderness experience because Crater Lake National Park only offers backcountry campgrounds. You’ll choose your campground based on the season, as some spots are not accessible in the wintertime.

There are dozens of ways to explore the park. Check out the local hiking trails, ranging from easy to long-distance and challenging. The 33-mile Pacific Crest Trail is a must for the best views of the nearby mountains.

Sinnott Memorial and Cleetwood Cove Trail are the best ways to see the lake itself. Just keep in mind that the latter trail is very steep and reserved for advanced hikers only.

Eugene is a quick two-hour drive from Crater Lake in Oregon. We recommend making a day trip out of it with a detour toward Redmond and Smith Rock State Park. This stop will add two and a half hours to your trip, but we promise it’s worth it.

One of the most unexpected natural wonders on our list, Smith Rock State Park features towering red rocks jutting out of Oregon’s High Desert region. There are multiple trails of various difficulties, as well as opportunities for rock climbing.

When you leave Smith Rock State Park, you’re less than three hours away from Eugene via OR-126. When you arrive, head to Armitage Park Campground to stay closer to town or check out Richardson Park Campground for a lakeside getaway.

After enjoying the Beaver State’s natural wonders, it’s time to turn your campervan around. The best way to get back to California is through Medford. I-5 South will take you through Oregon wine country.

When it comes to pit stops, you have options. You could take a quick detour for some much-needed R&R at the famous King Estate Winery just south of Eugene. Or you can explore the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, which is about 75 miles southwest of Medford.

You can camp at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve’s Cave Creek Campground. Look into the Medford/Gold Hill KOA if you prefer to stay closer to the city limits.

The hour-and-a-half drive from Medford to Mount Shasta will take you back through Ashland and over the California State Line. Stay on I-5 S to get to the California mountain town of Mount Shasta.

On the way, you’ll also pass through the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. If you plan your road trip in the winter, consider hitting the slopes. There’s also plenty to do in the summertime, including a native American drum circle and water blessing ceremony.

Park your campervan at the Mount Shasta KOA or head over to one of its namesake mountain’s many developed and dispersed campgrounds. If you choose the latter, you’ll be close to mountainside hiking trails and ski slopes.

As you leave Mount Shasta, you’ll travel south past many more of the region’s most famous attractions. Mossbrae and Hedge Creek Falls are just off of I-5, as is the stunning Castle Crags State Park, where you can camp for the night if you have time.

Before the Pit River Bridge, you’ll find the Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark. These incredible caves are also close to a lake, offering scenic boat rides. A few miles before you reach your destination, you’ll run into the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, where you can see the area’s wild animals in their natural habitats.

There are tons of places to camp in Sacramento, from lakeside campgrounds to spots situated beneath towering trills. You’ll also have your pick of amenity-filled RV parks closer to the city’s downtown area.

The final leg of your natural wonder adventure will only take you an hour and a half. If you want to stretch out the trip, we recommend checking out the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Headquarters and the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek.

It’s a quick 30-minute drive to downtown San Francisco from Walnut Creek. Spend one last night at a San Francisco campground before dropping off your campervan and saying farewell until next time.

Nature buffs can’t miss out on the incredible nature scapes on display from California to Oregon. Whether you’re looking for forests, mountains, or waterways, this itinerary has a natural wonder for you.

Ready to pick up a campervan rental in San Francisco and check out these incredible natural wonders for yourself? Traveller’s Autobarn makes renting a campervan easy with free unlimited miles, 24/7 roadside assistance, and convenient pick-up and drop-off times.

Get a quick quote and start road-tripping with Traveller’s Autobarn today!