West Coast USA road trip itinerary-California, Oregon & Nevada: Redwoods, Waterfalls & Hidden Gems
Planning a scenic road trip through the western USA? Join me on a 7-day adventure as I explore some of the most breathtaking spots in California, Oregon, and Nevada—from giant redwoods to volcanic landscapes and peaceful lakes. This post includes a full itinerary and detailed highlights of each destination, based on my personal experience.
Day 1:
San Francisco → Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Day 2:
Thor’s Well → Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Day 3:
Silver Falls State Park → Smith Rock State Park
Day 4:
Crater Lake National Park → Toketee Falls → Rogue River Gorge
Day 5:
Lava Beds National Monument → McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
Day 6:
Lassen Volcanic National Park → Reno
Day 7:
Lake Tahoe → Old Sacramento → San Francisco
Day 1: From San Francisco to the Majestic Redwoods
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Big Tree Wayside Trail
After flying into San Francisco and stayed one night a hotel near the airport, we headed north to experience our first taste of California’s famous redwoods. The Big Tree Wayside Trail proved to be the perfect introduction – a short, easy walk that packs an incredible punch.
Walking among these ancient giants felt almost spiritual. There’s something magical about craning your neck to see the tops of trees that have stood for over a thousand years. The trail’s highlight is aptly named “Big Tree” at the middle of the trail. We returned after we took a photo with this big tree but If you want to see more trees, you can go inside more!
Pro tip: While there are longer trails available for serious hikers, this quick trail is perfect if you’re short on time but want that quintessential redwood experience.
Lesson Learned: Always Check Reservations!
We had originally planned to visit Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach, but learned a valuable lesson about advance planning. After navigating the narrow, unpaved road to the entrance, we discovered that reservations are required! The exhausting drive back out was a reminder to always check park websites before heading out.
Day 2: Oregon's Coastal Wonders and Towering Trees
Thor's Well - The "Gate to Hell”
It was a sunny day on the coast, and Thor’s Well looked dramatic with powerful waves crashing into the rocky hole. We couldn’t get too close due to the rocky terrain, but it was still beautiful from a distance.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Stout Grove Trailhead
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park was absolutely magical! The combination of towering redwoods and a crystal-clear river created one of those moments where you just have to stop and breathe it all in. The pristine water and peaceful forest atmosphere provided the perfect refreshing break from driving.
The contrast between the massive trees and the gentle river created a scene so serene it felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
Day 3: Waterfall Adventures and Rock Formations
Silver Falls State Park - South falls
Oregon’s “Crown Jewel” didn’t disappoint! We tackled both the Canyon Trail and Maple Ridge Trail to see South Falls and Lower South Falls. Each waterfall has its own personality – South Falls towers higher while Lower South Falls spreads wider across the rocks.
The best part was walking behind theFalls. Imagine standing behind a curtain of water that looks like heavy rain, but staying completely dry! It’s one of those experiences that makes you feel like you’re in an adventure movie. So fun and unforgettable!
Smith Rock State Park
The landscape of Smith Rock State Park is absolutely breathtaking – those dramatic rock formations rising from the high desert are Instagram gold! The river trail offers gorgeous views and relatively easy walking once you make it down to the water level.
I have to be honest though – I tried the famous Misery Ridge Trail… but gave up halfway because I hate heights! While I had to turn back, my husband made it partway up and confirmed the views are spectacular even from the midpoint. Don’t let my acrophobia discourage you; most visitors successfully climb the rocks.
Day 4: Volcanic Wonders and Waterfall Magic
Crater Lake National Park
Even with limited access due to seasonal closures, Crater Lake absolutely blew us away. The lake’s mirror-like surface perfectly reflected the surrounding mountains, creating a scene so stunning it barely looked real.
Essential tip: Bring proper footwear! Snow surrounds the lake even in late spring, so snowshoes or good trekking boots are a must. (We wore the trekking boots and we didn’t have any problems.) The extra preparation is worth it for views.
Toketee Falls Trail
Don’t let the “easy trail” description fool you into skipping this gem! The 30-minute round trip hike leads to one of Oregon’s most photogenic waterfalls. The thunderous sound of rushing water announces the falls long before you see them, building anticipation with every step-definitely worth a stop!
Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint
This spot surprised me! I thought it would be a quick stop, but there’s actually a mini trail with 4 scenic viewpoints. The water flows with intense power—perfect if you have a little extra time on your route.
Day 5: Underground Adventures and Natural Spectacles
Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument completely exceeded our expectations! We went in thinking “just some caves” and emerged three hours later feeling like genuine explorers.(We went to only gate point of each cave but it took three hours. It was super fun for us.) The network of lava tube caves offers adventures for every skill level.
Beginner-friendly start: Mushpot Cave is lighted and perfect for first-timers, though you’ll still need to watch your head!
Essential gear: A powerful flashlight is absolutely critical – these caves are pitch black. Helmets (You can buy at the visitor center) are highly recommended. I’m already planning a return trip with proper knee pads and multiple light sources!
I love the explorer vibe of this place and want to come back with full gear next time!
McArthur-Burney Falls State Park
The River Loop Trail of McArthur-Burney Falls State Park offers the perfect combination of moderate challenge and spectacular payoff. Yes, there are ups and downs, but walking alongside the beautiful river makes the effort feel effortless. The falls themselves are absolutely gorgeous – a wide cascade that feels both powerful and graceful.
Day 6: Volcanoes and Quiet Trails
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Despite most roads being closed (with the park’s honest admission of “we don’t know when they’ll open”), we still managed to experience something incredible. The drive from the visitor center of Lassen Volcanic National Park to Sulphur Works offers accessible volcanic landscapes that feel like another planet.
Walking beyond where the road closes revealed steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits that showcase the Earth’s raw power. May turned out to be perfect for visiting – easy parking, peaceful trails, and we even shared the experience with enthusiastic elementary school students who reminded us to see everything with fresh eyes.
Reno - A Brief Stop
Reno felt like Las Vegas’s little sibling. While not the highlight of our trip, it served as a convenient stopover point.
Day 7: Lake Beauty and Historic Charm
Lake Tahoe - Alpine Paradise
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe provided a stunning finale to our natural wonders tour. There are many vista points around the lake Tahoe. One of my favorite is the view from the Emerald Bay viewpoints.
What impressed us beyond the natural beauty was discovering that Lake Tahoe is truly a complete resort destination. As we drove around the lake, we were amazed by the variety of accommodations and activities available. Luxury hotels and cozy mountain lodges dot the shoreline, while casinos add a touch of Nevada excitement to the mix.
The area clearly caters to every type of traveler and season. We spotted numerous bike rental shops (perfect for exploring the scenic lakeside paths), and the ski facilities reminded us that this summer paradise transforms into a world-class winter sports destination. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, gaming excitement, luxury relaxation, or family-friendly activities, Lake Tahoe seems to have it all in one stunning alpine setting.
Even though we were just visited a few view points of Lake Tahoe (even so, it took 2.5 hours), it was easy to see why people plan entire vacations around Lake Tahoe alone. The infrastructure for tourism is impressive – you could easily spend a week here enjoying different activities each day while soaking in those incredible mountain and lake views.
Travel tip: We encountered significant construction delays around the lake, so build extra time into your schedule if you’re visiting during construction season.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
What a delightful surprise! Old Sacramento State Historic Park perfectly preserved the Gold Rush era atmosphere. Wandering through authentic 19th-century buildings felt like time travel, and the shops offer genuine treasures – I found an adorable Snoopy doll made by Steiff that became my favorite souvenir!
Intel Museum
Tech fans will enjoy this Intel museum! I didn’t fully understand all the technology on display, but it was still interesting to see the cutting-edge innovations. Worth visiting if you’re in the area.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Own West Coast Adventure
This road trip gave me unforgettable memories, from giant redwoods to walking behind waterfalls and exploring lava caves. I hope this guide helps you plan your own West Coast adventure!
Key takeaways for future travelers:
- Always check reservation requirements before visiting popular parks
- Pack layers – weather can change dramatically between locations
- Bring proper footwear for various terrains
- Don’t skip the “small” attractions – some of our favorite moments came from unexpected stops
- Build flexibility into your schedule for construction delays and spontaneous discoveries
Have you explored any of these amazing destinations? Share your own experiences in the comments below!
