Lassen Volcanic National Park
With great coastline to the west, miles of vineyards in the center, and four national parks to the east it’s easy to overlook northern California as a travel destination. That would be a mistake.
We’ve put together a short road trip that hits some great, and mostly overlooked, spots in the Golden State. Our itinerary round trips from Sacramento but, if you have the time, a great alternative is to keep heading north and attach Southern Oregon destinations – Ashland and Crater Lake – into the mix.
Stop Number One: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lake Helen, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hissing steam vents and bubbling mud pots are evidence of the activity still raging beneath the surface at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Along with the shades of Yellowstone, there are soaring peaks, alpine meadows and serene, glistening lakes. The best part: Less than a three-hour drive from Sacramento, Lassen is one of the least-visited national parks in the system–meaning this natural beauty comes without the crowds.
Next Up: Mount Shasta
From just about anywhere in the town of Mount Shasta you can see its namesake, the highest mountain in northern California at just over 14,000 feet. For a closer look, head into Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Although there are plenty of hiking trails that offer great mountain viewing, we took the path of least resistance and scaled the terrain by car as far as the road allowed.
Third Stop: Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake’s most striking feature is the scalloped red rock that forms its banks. Ironically, we got our best views of the lake by taking a tour of Shasta Lake Caverns, starting with a boat ride across the water. Once on the other side, we hiked up a steep hill to the cave entrance, which is perched high above the lake. The subterranean views are striking, too.
Break for a Pint: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
As long-time fans of Sierra Nevada, we recommend beer drinkers stop by their brewery in Chico. For us it was like coming home to the mother ship. We sampled two flights—one dark, one light—and savored brews that aren’t available on store shelves.
Back to Sacramento
California State Capitol
The only soaring peaks at Sacramento’s Crocker Art Museum are on canvases. The museum has one of the largest collections of works by California artists, along with a range of other globe-spanning offerings, all housed in two connected buildings—an Italianate mansion circa 1872 and a circular, modern wing. Other man-made wonders to see in Sacramento are the state Capitol, situated on a 40-acre park; a copycat of London’s Tower Bridge, gilded and spanning the Sacramento River; and the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, modeled on a Parisian church.
Everywhere Once 
This northern Californian whole-heartedly agrees with your choices!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on peregrinations and commented:
One of their recommended stops is Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. I, too, am a longtime fan and hope to get to the “mother ship” in Chico! Love Northern CA –
LikeLike
As always, beautiful photography Brian and Shannon!
LikeLike
Thanks Chuck!
LikeLike
Love the photos and thank you for the information!!! I would love to do a road trip through California!
LikeLike
California does have a lot to offer.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your photos! I’m heading to Lassen at the end of June. Did you hike any trails?
LikeLike
We didn’t do any major hiking while we were there. A couple of small things, I think.
LikeLike
Loved Shasta and Crater Lake.
LikeLike
Two really good spots, for sure.
LikeLike
Lovely, lovely. Sierra Nevada is one of the only things worth drinking in the states.
LikeLike
We do love Sierra but they aren’t nearly the best brewery in the States. If you like Sierra we could take you on a brew tour that would knock your socks off. And then of course there are wines from California, Oregon and Washington. Mmmmmmmm.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Spotlight On Travel and commented:
Beautiful Spotlight on Cali!
LikeLike