This San Francisco to Southern Oregon road trip adventure takes you from San Francisco’s vibrant energy to Bend’s outdoor playground, traversing the scenic California coast and exploring majestic mountains, volcanoes and stunning alpine lakes.
When is the best time to take this California to Southern Oregon Road trip
California has sunshine most of the year, but to truly experience the best weather along the coast, consider embarking on this trip between April and October. Spring offers blooming wildflowers, while summer brings warm days and vibrant festivals.
Where will this West Coast Road Trip take you
- This San Francisco to Bend road trip starts in San Francisco, cruising down the Californian coast
- Along the way, you’ll hit charming towns and dramatic scenery on Highway 1, stopping in Bodega Bay and Mendocino
- Then, it’s inland to explore volcanic landscapes at Lassen Volcanic National Park and majestic Mount Shasta
- Soak up the geothermal wonders of Crater Lake National Park before hitting Bend, Oregon
- The trip wraps up with a scenic stay at Lake Tahoe, before heading back to San Francisco
| Days | 13-15 days (for a relaxed journey) can be shortened to fit your needs |
| Miles | 1,466 |
| # of Hours Driven | 27 hours |
| National Parks | 3 |
| Highways Driven | Pacific Coast Highway |
| Best Time to Visit | Late spring, Summer , to early fall for ideal weather conditions |
| Cost | Priceless |
How long will this West Coast Road Trip take
This West Coast road trip from San Francisco to Bend and back, with stops along the California and Southern Oregon coast, covers roughly 1,500miles. Depending on your pace and how long you linger at each stop, this adventure could take anywhere from 10 to 14 days, allowing you to fully soak in the beauty of the diverse landscapes.
Rent a Campervan
For maximum comfort and flexibility, consider renting a campervan. Companies like Escape Campervans offer a variety of campervans, perfect for a cozy on-the-go home. Stock up on groceries before you leave San Francisco, and don’t forget essentials like a camping stove, cooler, and basic camping gear. It will be quite the experience, should you decide to rent a campervan. We did just that and would do it again and again.Â
Quick Overview of this West Coast Road Trip
- Day 1: San Francisco
- Day 2: Bodega Bay
- Day 3: Mendocino
- Day 4: Redwoods National Park
- Day 5: Bandon (Southern Oregon)
- Day 6: Umpqua National Forest
- Day 7: Crater Lake National Park
- Day 8-10: Bend
- Day 11: Mount Shasta
- Day 12: Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Day 13-15: Lake Tahoe
- Day 14/15: Return to San Francisco
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West Coast Road trip from California to Southern Oregon
It’s the middle of July, and you just are craving adventure that’s not too costly or too inconvenient . This road trip is your answer. We took a road trip from SF to Bend last summer, and at first I was hesitant. But the idea quickly grew on me and before we knew it we were on the road to Bend. Anyways, I hope you find this blog post helpful, and if you do please share and comment below!
Day 1: Bodega Bay
🚗San Francisco – Bodega Bay (100 miles, 2.5 hours)
Head north along the scenic Highway 1. Your first stop is the charming town of Bodega Bay, famous for its harbor, birdwatching opportunities, and fresh seafood.
- Kick off your adventure in San Francisco, exploring iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge
- Continue through the scenic Marin Headlands with beautiful vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Head north on Highway 101, stopping in Sausalito for a charming harbor experience and breathtaking views and coffee
- Continue north, savoring fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant in Bodega Bay, a picturesque fishing villageÂ
- Read here for the Best Things to Do in Bodega Bay
Stay: Bodega Bay Inn & Spa offers stunning ocean views and comfortable accommodations. Or if you have a campervan, here are some pretty spots.Â
Eat: Grab some of the freshest fish and chips at The Tides Wharf Restaurant while enjoying the harbor scenery.
You could go from San Francisco to our next location, Fort Bragg in just one day, but I prefer to take it slow and easy and really soak in everything the coast has to offer. Making as many stops as I could in between.
Day 2: Mendocino
🚗Bodega Bay – Mendocino (110 miles, 3 hours)
Continue north on Highway 1, a designated scenic route, and be prepared to be mesmerized by the rugged coastline. Mendocino, a village with Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, and secluded beaches.
- Explore Point Reyes National Seashore (optional detour) for stunning vistas, lighthouses, and diverse wildlife
- Arrive in Fort Bragg, known for the unique Glass Beach with its colorful sea glass treasures. Hike the scenic trails at MacKerricher State Park. Check out Russian Gulch State ParkÂ
- Read here for the Best Things to do in Mendocino/ Fort Bragg hereÂ
Stay: The Stanford Inn by the Sea is a historic Victorian mansion with oceanfront views. Campervan spots can be found here.Â
Eat: Enjoy a romantic dinner with ocean views at Flow Restaurant, known for its award-winning cuisine
Day 3: Eureka
🚗Fort Bragg- Eureka (130 miles, 3.5 hours)
Leaving Fort Bragg, Highway 1 takes you on a thrilling coastal drive with towering cliffs and crashing waves. Your next stop is Eureka, known for its harbor and proximity to Redwood National and State Parks, the parks with the world’s tallest trees! Eureka,CA surprised me in a lot of ways, and I. am sure. it will surprise you as well.
- Drive through the iconic Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, marveling at the towering trees.
- Reach Eureka, a historic city with a thriving art scene. Explore Old Town Eureka for Victorian buildings and charming shops.
- Visit Arcata, a 10 minutes drive from Eureka and go to Cafe Moka to treat yourself to a 30 minute session inside a redwood hot tub or sauna with a delicious cup of espresso at your side
- Read here for best things to do in EurekaÂ
Stay: AirBnBs are the most ideal and cozyÂ
Eat: Jacks Seafood is great for Lobster Mac n Cheese and Fish and chips. Just go, you wont regret it.
Day 4: Southern Oregon
🚗Eureka to Bandon (200 miles, 4 hours)
Anywhere North of Eureka on Highway 101, you are going to want to stop at the pretty coastal towns of Crescent City, Trinidad, Ferndale , Brookings, Gold Beach and finally Bandon. Of course you don’t have to stop at all of them, but if you have time you should! And I could write a novel on this part of Southern Oregon, but here you can find most of what you can see and do!Â
- As you drive up north, stop in Trinidad and visit Sue Meg State Park, (formerly Patrick’s Point State Park). There are a number of drive-to or walk-to short hikes to ocean vistasÂ
- Afte Trinidad stop in Brookings, home to Samuel H. Boardman State Park, and Harris Beach State Park, both with stunning beautyÂ
- Then visit Gold Beach, a town steeped in gold rush history, offering stunning beaches and the oldest bookstore and Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor
- Reach Bandon, a quirky town known for its cheese shops, while in the old town, you have to go to FaceRock Creamery, which is one of the premiere cheddar makers on the west coast. All of their cheeses are insatiable. Oh and also visit Coquille Point for panoramic views
- Read Here for more things to do between Eureka and Bandon in Southern Oregon!Â
Stay: Windermere at the Beach offers oceanfront lodging with stunning views. There are also super pretty Campgrounds in Bandon right by the ocean.Â
Eat: Grab a bite at The Wheelhouse and Crownest, a local favorite known for its giant portions.
Day 5: Umpqua National Forest
🚗Bandon – Umpqua National Forest ( 130 miles, 3 hours)
After enjoying Bandon, head inland on Highway 101 towards Camas Valley making your way towards Umpqua National Forest. Umpqua is one of those places you have to see at least once in your lifetime. It is one of my favorite places I have ever been to. The scenery is jaw-dropping, punctuated by snow-capped mountain peaks, towering forests, and spectacular waterfalls.You don’t want to miss it.
No reservations are required to enter the national forest, however there is a 5 dollar day fee.
- Hike to Toketee Falls. This 0.8 mile hike features a 113-foot waterfall is a popular destination within the Umpqua National Forest, offering a short and scenic hike with rewarding views . Check out other beautiful trails here.Â
- Go for a refreshing swim, set up a hammock or have a riverside picnic at Steamboat Creek.Â
- Soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs in the Umpqua National Forest. To get to the hot springs (no more than 3 feet deep), you will have to hike less than one mile from the trailhead and it is fairly easy.
- Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest at one of the campgrounds, like Steamboat Falls Campground  perfect for your campervan
- More things to do in Umpqua
Stay: Steamboat Falls Campground and Steamboat Inn for a historic lodge experience or Umpqua’s Last Resort for cabins and glamping. Airbnbs in Umpqua
Eat: Enjoy on-site dining if you stay at Steamboat Inn Restaurant: Enjoy on-site dining if you stay there or Stock up on groceries at Albertsons before heading into the forest. Grab your marshmallows and chocolate!Â
Day 6: Crater Lake
🚗Umpqua National Forest to Crater Lake (2 hours, 80 miles)
On this day you finally get to see Crater Lake. The drive from Umpqua to Crater Lake is super scenic (but windy), with many forest, hills and vistas. This will be the second national park we will stop at on this west coast road trip.
Pro-Tip- Always check the fire forecast before you leave. We went in early August and the views of the lake were not that visible due to the nearby wildfires.Â
- Arrive at Crater Lake National Park, a crown jewel with its stunning volcanic caldera lakeÂ
- Spend the morning exploring more of Crater Lake National Park, hiking different trails or visiting the park’s visitor center
- Drive along 33 miles Rim Drive to enjoy panoramic viewpointsÂ
- Best Things to do in Crater Lake
Stay: There are several campgrounds within the park like Mazama Campground, perfect for your campervan. Alternatively, Rim Village Lodge offers stunning lake views and comfortable cabins. There are also Airbnbs in nearby areas.Â
Related Reads: Informative Best Places to Stay in Crater LakeÂ
Eat: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake. For a sit-down meal with a view, visit the cafeteria at Rim Village Lodge.
Day 7: Bend
🚗Crater Lake National Park – Bend (130 miles, 2 hours)
From Crater Lake, you can drive straight on The Dalles California Highway and reach Bend in just under 2 hours, or… you can take the best detour of your life and take the Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway road, adding only an extra 30 minutes to your drive. You may want to stay a couple days in Bend, cause there is so much to do and see!
- Immerse yourself in Bend’s outdoor scene. Hike or bike in the scenic Deschutes National Forest
- Float on the Deschutes River. The perfect summer activity is taking a lazy float and sun drenching yourself on the Deschutes River.Â
- Soak in hot springs around Bend for peak relaxationÂ
- Smith Rock State Park is located in Terrebonne, Oregon about 40 minutes North of Bend. There are various kinds of hikes at the park
- Take an evening canoe or kayak tour by the light of the moon, or beneath a sky full of stars on the Cascade Lakes!Â
- Continue south, stopping at the charming town of Sisters for unique shops and delicious food (optional detour).
- More things to do in Bend
Stay: Mckay Crossing Campground is a neat little campground. Or try staying in one of these cozy AirBnBs in Bend Â
Eat: For a quick bite to eat, try Mod Pizza, it’s a chain and not fancy but super cheap and delicious. If you are craving Thai food while in Bend, try Wild Rose Thai.Â
Day 8: Mt. Shasta
🚗Bend – Mt. Shasta (200 miles, 4 hours)
As you enter California, Highway 89 takes you past majestic Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano.Â
Related Read: Scenic Road Trip from San Francisco to Mt. Shasta
- Arrive near majestic Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano. Visit the town of Mount Shasta for its unique shops and artsy vibe.
- Hike through McCloud Falls or Castle Lake for stunning views, or visit the charming town of McCloud for a taste of small-town lifeÂ
- Hike through alpine meadows and dense forests, with trails like Bunny Flat Trail providing a chance to experience the mountain’s grandeur
- For a serene escape, visit Siskiyou Lake. This tranquil body of water is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the lakeshore.
- Best Things to do in Mt. Shasta
Stay: Castle Lake Campground offers a scenic location for your campervan. Alternatively, McCloud Hotel offers comfortable accommodations. For Glamping to Airbnbs in Mt. Shasta
Eat: Enjoy a delicious meal at Sparky’s Landing, a local favoriteÂ
Day 9: Lassen Volcanic National Park
🚘Mount Shasta to Lassen Volcanic National Park – (100 miles, 2 hours)
From Shasta you will drive CA-89 and Volcanic Scenic Legacy Byway ( which is super pretty) and arrive at Lassen Volcanic National Park,a landscape dotted with volcanic craters, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles.
- Spend the morning exploring more of Lassen Volcanic National Park with geothermal features, volcanic peaks, and stunning scenery.
- Hike to Bumpass Hell, a geothermal wonderland with boiling mud pots and sulfur vents or soak in a natural hot spring
- Hike to stunning Lake Helen, or Manzanita Lake a vibrant blue reflective lake surrounded by volcanic peaks. After take a dip in the lakeÂ
- More things to do in Lassen National Park Here!
Related Reads: Road Trip from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Stay: Drakesbad Guest Ranch (located near the southeast entrance) offers a unique experience with cabins. Manzanita Lake Campground right next to a lake perfect for your campervan.
Eat: Manzanita Lake Camper Store, this is your best bet for a sit-down meal within the park.
Day 10: Lake Tahoe
🚗Lassen Volcanic to Lake Tahoe – 190 miles (3 hours)
Finally, you reach the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe. Choose between the lively south shore or the serene north shore offering pristine beaches and outdoor activities.
- Enjoy kayaking on the crystal-clear waters, hike through towering pines, or simply relax on the beach
- Relax on the beaches of Lake Tahoe, my favorites: Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor
- Take in breathtaking panoramic views from the Heavenly Mountain Gondola or the Squaw Valley Cable Car.
- Kayak/ Paddleboard to a picturesque island in Emerald Bay State Park
- For an adrenaline rush, try whitewater rafting on the Truckee River, flowing from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake
- More things to do in Lake Tahoe
Stay: South Lake Tahoe offers a variety of resorts and hotels, while North Lake Tahoe boasts charming cabins and campgrounds.
Eat: The culinary scene around Lake Tahoe is diverse, from fine dining at The Beacon Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe to casual lakeside dining at The Beacon on Commons Beach in North Lake Tahoe.
Day 11: San Francisco
🚗Lake Tahoe to San Francisco – 200 miles (3.5 hours)
For a scenic journey, take the slower but breathtaking Highway 50, also known as “The Loneliest Road.” This route winds through the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, allowing you to savor the Californian landscapes one last time. If you’re short on time, opt for the more direct I-80, which will take you through rural areas and historic gold rush towns.
