7 days in Northern California's untamed landscapes
Experience the rugged beauty of Northern California on this seven-day road trip through towering redwood forests, wild rivers, and pristine alpine lakes. See the world's largest trees at Redwood National and State Parks, enjoy the Lost Coast, learn about California's heritage, and visit Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
Days 1 and 2
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Exploring Redwood National & State Parks
The tallest trees on earth
Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, stopping at Big Tree Wayside and the Cathedral Trees Trail (1.4 miles) for a serene walk among massive old-growth redwoods. Visit Fern Canyon, a lush, narrow gorge where ferns drape the canyon walls, and take in sweeping coastal views from Gold Bluffs Beach.
Stout Grove & Smith River
Take the Stout Grove Trail through some of the most photogenic redwoods. Then, enjoy an afternoon along the emerald waters of the Smith River, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or a scenic riverside stroll on the Hiouchi Trail.
Coastal views
End your time along the coast with a visit to Battery Point Lighthouse, one of California’s oldest lighthouses, accessible at low tide. Watch the sunset from Pebble Beach Drive, where rugged sea stacks rise from the Pacific.
Day 3
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Lost Coast
Wild and remote adventures
Drive south along Highway 101 to the Lost Coast, one of California’s most remote and untouched coastal regions. Hike a section of the Lost Coast Trail, beginning at Mattole Beach or Black Sands Beach, where crashing waves meet dramatic, misty cliffs.
Avenue of the Giants
Detour to Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 31-mile route winding through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Stop for short hikes at Founders Grove (0.5 miles) and Rockefeller Forest (0.7 miles), home to some of the world’s largest remaining old-growth redwoods.
Overnight in Eureka
Spend some time in the historic town of Eureka, where you can explore its well-preserved Victorian architecture, including the Carson Mansion.
Days 4 and 5
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Trinity Alps Wilderness & mountain trails
Alpine lakes and high country hikes
Drive inland to the Trinity Alps Wilderness, a vast mountain range with glacier-carved valleys and pristine alpine lakes. Visit Eleanor and Shimmy Lake (6.8 miles) or, for a more strenuous challenge, climb 4,000 feet along Granite Peak Trail (8.2 miles) for breathtaking high-elevation views.
Trinity River adventure
Spend an afternoon on a rafting or kayaking tour of the Trinity River, a scenic waterway known for its emerald pools and varying levels of rapids. If you prefer a relaxing day, take a dip in the river or go fishing for steelhead trout.
Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park
Wander the streets of this former Gold Rush town steeped in western heritage, featuring charming shops, galleries, and the Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds, the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California.
Days 6 and 7
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Discovering Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Waterfalls and hidden trails
Begin your time in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area with a hike to Whiskeytown Falls via the James K. Carr trail (3.4 miles round-trip), a stunning cascade hidden deep in the forest.
Lakeside adventures
Spend the afternoon at Whiskeytown Lake, where you can kayak, paddleboard, or swim in its clear blue waters.
Optional add-on
Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you have extra time, venture east to Lassen Volcanic National Park, a geothermal wonderland of steaming fumaroles, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and volcanic peaks.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Redwood National and State Parks, Whiskeytown, and Trinity Alps have limited services in remote areas. Download offline maps and bring extra food and water. Some backroads require high-clearance vehicles.
Stay informed
Check for road closures, fire restrictions, and weather conditions before heading out. Some areas may require permits for backcountry camping or rafting.
Gear up
Northern California’s coastal and mountain climates vary. Carry plenty of layers and rain gear.
Leave no trace
These landscapes are important to many Indigenous peoples. Stick to trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife to help preserve these incredible places for future explorers.
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