Yes, it’s the middle of the unofficial opening weekend of summer. That barbeque you’re cooking up smells great, but you would much rather be on that long stretch of California, heading north and south.
We know it’s going to be a little while before that can safely happen, but as you enjoy those ribs and hot dogs and then fall asleep in front of an ESPN Laker highlight show (maybe that’s on the History Channel), you can still dream of great road trips.
And to help you along, we’ve come up with another one for you. This one is based on a three-day weekend, and it’s up north, so pack up lots of water and road snacks and a road playlist, as you chase waterfalls and volcanoes from Sacramento to Shasta.
Okay, first, get to Sacramento. There you go. All right, let’s ride.
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Day 1: Start your road trip in California’s capital, Sacramento. Here, you’ll find museums of the state’s mining history, as well as fresh dining in the farm-to-fork capital of the world. From Sacramento, head out to the Tehama Trail, near Chico, which links together vineyards and orchards for some wine, olive oil, and fresh produce. And as long as you’re near Chico, be sure to stop for a beer at Sierra Nevada Brewery to learn about how California’s craft brewery scene began.
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Day 2: Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park, a volcanic park filled with steaming sulphur vents, splattering mud pots, boiling springs. Must see spots inside the park include Bumpass Hell and Kings Creek Falls. Then, it’s time to chase waterfalls! Discover one of Northern California’s hidden gems at McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which is home to the 129-foot-tall, fern-draped waterfall that flows year round. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Western United States, President Teddy Roosevelt even dubbed it, “the eighth wonder of the world.” Just 40 miles away is another set of staggering waterfalls, Mccloud Falls. Travelers can see all three falls by driving the McCloud River Loop or hiking the 3.5 mile trail.
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Day 3: Start your day in Redding to enjoy world-class kayaking, a walk across the beautiful Sundial Bridge and a bike ride along the Sacramento River Trail. Finish the day strong at the lake and mountain town of Shasta. Travelers can enjoy a walk on the Ney Springs Canyon Trail, which travels to the ruins of an 1880s resort and 42-foot-high Faery Falls or drive up the slopes of Mount Shasta on the Everitt Memorial Highway. On the lake, which is California’s largest reservoir, travelers can rent jet skis, fishing boats, inner tubes and more for a day of fun in the sun.
It’s a lot of driving, a lot of outdoor stuff, and a lot of everything is that California. As we said, you’ll need a three day weekend, so we’re thinking Labor Day. Say goodbye to summer and hello to healthier days.
Look for us, we’ll look for you.