If you’re craving a dose of awe-inspiring landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and six of the most beautiful National Parks, buckle up and join me on an unforgettable road trip from sunny California all the way through the Pacific Northwest. We went through some iconic National Parks, each with its own unique charm and natural wonders. It all wrapped up with a week in Lake Tahoe. So, let’s hit the road!
Redwood National and State Parks: Standing in Awe
Our journey started in California, where we met with the giants of the plant world: the majestic redwoods. Standing anywhere in Redwood National and State Parks, it’s impossible not to be humbled by the towering ancient trees that have witnessed centuries of history. Driving through the parks is stunning, in every shade of green you can imagine.
Abs and I did “hike” a loop that was supposed to be less than a mile and flat but, we got lost on said loop. Our new and different trail was not flat and was more than a mile. We ended up walking back down the road to find our car. This is a common experience for us especially when attempting to “hike”!
If you’ve read previous blogs or posts of mine then you know we love road side stops and this trip was no exception! You can drive through a tree but my truck was too large so I just took pictures to make it look like I drove through!
Trees of Mystery was cool. Not only do you drive along the coast, side note I was born and raised in California and this drive was surprising and amazing, but there is a giant Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Paul Bunyan talks to you and winks! There is a trail through the trees and suspended bridges. It ends with a ski lift ride to the top of the hill with some wonderful views.
We also saw “The Word’s Largest Totem Pole” in a grocery store parking lot.
While we were in Oregon we went to the Japanese Tea Garden and it was awesome. I loved the living roof! We also went to Powell’s Book Store in Portland and it is the coolest, biggest and most wonderful bookstore I have ever been in. The rooms are color coded and I still got lost!
While on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area road, there were even more stunning vistas, spectacular waterfalls and Bridge of the Gods, which is not remotely an appropriate name. Its was small and costs to cross in both directions!
As we continued our trip around Mt Hood we stopped and picked cherries and berries, delicious! Then we cut our own lavender, not as fun but beautiful and smelled good.
On the way out of Oregon we stopped at Tillamook. Best. Stop. Ever. Cheese and ice cream and a large gift shop that is all cheese!!
Olympic National Park
We crossed over into Washington which would be our home the next 6 nights. On day one we drove 3 hours to Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the wild coastline with its dramatic sea stacks to the lush rainforests dripping with moss and ferns, this park is a testament to the incredible ecological diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains will take your breath away.
There was road construction and the road that cuts through the park. We had to drive around the entire park to see everything which made it a long day but it gave us the opportunity to take a ferry over Puget Sound back to the campground. The sunset from the ferry was lovely.
Mount Rainier National Park
Our next stop was the iconic Mount Rainier National Park. The snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier dominates the skyline and offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. We drove through wildflower meadows, witnessed powerful glaciers up close, and breathed in the crisp alpine air. It was beautiful.
You already know there wasn’t any hiking on our end but there were a lot of hikers out there!
On day three we decided to take a break from national parks. That doesn’t mean sitting around. What that means to Abs and I is a trip into Seattle! We went to Pikes Place Market. Saw the first Starbucks, just the outside because the line to get in was unbelievably long.
We then walked a few miles to find Abs a Japanese grocery store. We ended up at Uwajimaya. It had an attached bookstore. I highly recommend stopping here. We loved it. Unfortunately, we walked quite a ways and ended up having to take a bus to get to the space needle for our reservation. We are not usually bus users so that was an adventure of itself. We ended up riding for free because the bus driver was not interested in telling us how to pay!
We went to the Space Needle which was awesome but the really cool thing we saw was Chihuly Garden and Glass.
North Cascades National Park: Peaks and Passes
The next day we headed two and a half hours further north, we found ourselves in the rugged terrain of North Cascades National Park. Known as the “American Alps,” this park is a haven for hikers and mountaineers, or so I hear. The drive along the North Cascades Highway is an adventure in itself, with jaw-dropping mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and alpine lakes that seem to mirror the sky.
Day five was laundry day so we really only had a half day to see and do some fun stuff. We chose to spend it in Bellevue, the town not the hospital! Went to the Botanical Gardens which was nice but very hot! Then, I took Abs to Water Grill restaurant and she had her first crab! It was good and our waiter was very funny! Parking the truck in Lincoln Square was rough but other than that it was fun!
Crater Lake National Park: Nature's Blue Jewel
No road trip to the Pacific Northwest would be complete without a visit to the stunning Crater Lake National Park. As we stood at the rim of the caldera, the mesmerizing sapphire-blue waters of Crater Lake unfolded before us. Whether you choose to hike around the rim or take a boat tour to Wizard Island, this place radiates tranquility and pure natural beauty. There wasn’t a time that the lake came into view that I didn’t gasp from its beauty.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
As we headed back towards home we stayed a couple of nights in Bend, Oregon. After I got some much needed new tires we went to Lassen Volcanic National Park. This hidden gem is a geothermal wonderland, featuring hydrothermal areas, bubbling mud pots, and volcanic landscapes. The hike to Bumpass Hell (which I had done before) offers a surreal experience, where steam rises from the ground and the scent of sulfur fills the air. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the trail head it was closed due to SNOW! Snow in July!
The biggest surprise of the trip Burney Falls State Park. It was about a mile down the main road (CA-209) the opposite direction of Lassen. It’s a state park and I had never heard of it. The town of Burney, the parts we saw on the main road, were sketchy. With the exception of Chatty Kathy’s, a little DQ type burger joint. We had a good time there and the food was good. The state park itself was a surprise but I still wasn’t expecting too much as far as the falls went. Afterall we had seen some amazing falls this entire trip in some amazing National Parks.
The Falls were breathtaking! It is a draw as to which I was more awed by, Crater Lake or Burney Falls. This time we did the hike! It was a loop but it was up and down and in the woods so it totally counted. It was so beautiful I wanted to do it twice but Abs was over the heat! The roar of the water and the levels of the falls were just amazing. It was a very last minute stop and I am so happy we made it!!
We also made a last minute trip to The High Desert Museum. Birds of prey, reptiles, replica homesteads, art installations and an outdoor walking path that had a forest that burned. It was different and interesting and beautiful!
Next, we headed to Lake Tahoe for a week. My two older daughters were meeting us there!
Lake Tahoe: My Favorite Place
If you’re looking for a week of alpine adventures, stunning lake views, and charming mountain towns, look no further than the beauty of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. It is my favorite place. My family had a house in King’s Beach most of my life. Unfortunately, it was sold a couple years ago so now we camp in Truckee at Coachland RV.
Arriving in North Lake Tahoe, you see the crystal-clear waters of the lake, surrounded by towering pine trees almost immediately. We settled into the trailer and waited for the girls to arrive!
Tahoe City sits at the edge of the lake, offering a blend of art galleries, boutique shops, and lakefront dining. A visit to Tahoe City is usually on the agenda but this year we made a trip to Nevada to visit family, go shopping at Scheels in Sparks and ended the day at Circus Circus in Reno. It was a blast!
Another regular stop we didn’t make this trip was Sand Harbor. It is beautiful but you have to get there super early or you won’t get a spot. There is also Northstar which is fun shopping in the summer but I prefer the resort in the winter.
A trip to the historic town of Truckee, a short drive from the lake, is not to be missed. Make sure you stop for a meal at Jax at the Tracks (get the hot dog). The town’s old-western charm is evident in the architecture and streets lined with unique boutiques. On Thursday nights, in the summer, they close the main street and have booths, food and music. We never miss it! Side note, the Ace Hardware in town is awesome!
No visit to this region is complete without exploring its hiking trails but as stated before we don’t hike! Instead we choose to tackle a portion of the Tahoe East Shore Trail. The trail starts in Incline where Bonanza used to be and it goes to Sand Harbor three miles away. There are views of the lake the entire way and you can even see Hidden Beach! It is paved and you can rent bikes at the start if you want. Be aware the ground is hot if you take a pet with you. There is also a super cool garden store, High Sierra Gardens, across from Starbucks in Incline.
We always get ice cream in Kings Beach at The Log Cabin. The beach is nice, but it is more action packed with watercraft than some of the others.
A short drive away, The Palisades (used to be called Squaw Valley) has a bunch of activities. From scenic gondola rides to hiking and mountain biking trails, there was no shortage of excitement. We opted for shopping…three daughters equal a lot of shopping!
As our week came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness to leave this place that I love and at the same time be so ready to go home! So, with a heavy heart, I bid farewell to this place I’ve loved my whole life. If you’re seeking a week of mountain exploration, lakeside tranquility, and a touch of rustic charm, look no further than North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. We’ll be back this winter!
As we wrapped up our epic road trip to the Pacific Northwest, we were left with a lot of memories etched into our brains and a lot of miles (about 6000) under our belts. From the ancient redwoods to the towering peaks, each park we explored gifted us with moments of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of our natural world. So, fellow travelers, remember to always leave no trace and respect the wilderness.
We live in a beautiful country, and you should make it a goal to see it all! I can help!
Campgrounds
Mad River Rapids RV Park (Arcata, CA)-We stayed 2 nights at about $30/night. It was clean and easy to get in and out of. I wouldn’t camp there for an out in the wilderness, hang out in the campground type trip but as a hub to explore the area it was pretty nice. We didn’t use the amenities since it was the beginning of the trip and we didn’t have laundry yet.
Sandy Riverfront RV Resort (Troutdale, OR)- We stayed here 3 nights at about $55/night. This was a great campground. we were right on the river. It is located at the beginning of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Drive on Historic Columbia River Highway. If you get the chance to take this scenic route it is totally worth it. It was clean and the office was super nice. Even brough laundry tokens to my site because we were always gone during office hours!
Lake Pleasant RV Park (Bothell, WA)- This was our longest stay of the trip. 6 nights at about $68/night. Our site was right on a fishing pond which was cute. It was clean and the laundry was nice. The only problem I had was the geese! Did you know geese hiss? They do and it’s scary! The park was pretty centrally located with the exceptions of Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park. They were pretty far especially when you sit in the horrible Washington traffic!
Bend Sunriver RV Campground (Sunriver, OR)- We stayed 3 nights at about $98/night. This campground was huge! It had everything…pool, basketball, pickleball, tennis, etc. It was a nice campground very woodsy. The oddest thing was that when you arrive you drive around and find an open spot. You are not assigned one. It worked out fine but I imagine if you show up late on a Friday night you may have a struggle! No on site sewer but they have dump stations.
Lassen RV Campground (McArthur, CA)- We stayed 2 nights at about $68/night. This campground is in the middle of nowhere! I was afraid I would run out of gas because we went so long without a town! Their motto is “You Made It!” Let me say it was one of the coolest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. I would camp there anytime and stay on property. It had trails and art scattered around. At night it is so dark you can see all the stars. It was just really a good vibe! Close to Lassen National Park and Burney Falls State Park.
Coachland RV Resort (Truckee, CA)- We stayed 5 nights at about $96/night. Okay it’s an expensive campground but it is awesome! We have stayed before and just love it. Close to Tahoe, less than a mile from downtown Truckee and half hour from Reno. They have free breakfast on Saturday mornings and I’m not talking about a few old pastries. Its a proper breakfast! The staff is amazing. Laundry and park in general are clean. They are building these cool cabins if you don’t RV. I’m already planning on booking again next year!
Things I'd Do Differently
If I had it to do over I would have camped closer to Olympic and North Cascades National Parks. Those were some long days and a lot of driving!
I would have stuck to my own rule about filling up at half a tank. Almost running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere was terrible!
I would have focused a bit more on cuisine!
We live in a beautiful country, and you should make it a goal to see it all! I can help!
