$25 per vehicle entrance fee. I (Samantha) will be renewing my National Park America the Beautiful pass come June, so we will be able to get into the park at no charge. Park is open 24 hours [ Google Review ] Absolutely breathtaking! Completely worth the drive! My family and I almost didn't make the drive here and we are SO glad that we did. The water is so blue and calm. We made the drive around the entire lake and there were so many spots to pull off and enjoy the view.
Rim Visitor Center opens on June 3, 2022 and closes in late September.
- Garfield Peak Trail = 3.4miles out and back and is marked as moderate (access to this from Rim Visitor Center) - Discovery Point Trail = 2.4miles out and back and is marked as easy (access to this from Rim Visitor Center) - Cleetwood Cove Trail = 2miles out and back - moderate hike (north east of the visitor center and this trail takes you down to the dock for the boat tour) https://westcoastwayfarers.com/best-crater-lake-hikes/ https://www.dangtravelers.com/best-crater-lake-hikes/
In summer, Crater Lake Hospitality, a concessioner for the park, offers daily boat tours on Crater Lake. A park ranger is aboard most tours, which circumnavigate the caldera. Captains and boats are US Coast Guard certified. On this two-hour cruise, you’ll circle the perimeter of the lake, taking in up-close views of Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and other natural formations. The boat tour offers spectacular views of the natural beauty of the lake and the sheer cliffs that were formed thousands of years ago when the volcano collapsed and Crater Lake was born. A ranger on board shares information about the lake’s history, geology, and culture. Cost: $44 per person. Crater Lake Customer Support (866.292.6720) Samantha called Customer Support on 2/2 to understand when boat tours open. Crater Lake support boat tours would tart very late June, depending on weather and how quickly the cove trail down to the dock is clear (not snow covered). Last year (2022) boat tours didn't open up until July based on weather. August would be a safe bet for boat tours. Will have to look closer to Augusts to book tour tickets. https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/boat-and-trolley-tours.htm
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center at Redwood National Park is a 3hr and 45min drive from Prospect, OR There is no park entrance fee for Redwood National Park
[ Google Review ] Came to look at the trees to find a wedding/photo venue. The park ranger at the info center was knowledgeable and pleasant. Everything was nice. As far as the park goes, this is an amazing national park and I am happy to know my tax dollars here are for such a great use. Trees are massive and it is crazy to stand next to them. Trails are well maintained.
Redwood National Park Hikes
- Big Tree via Karl Knapp and Cathedral Trees Loop Trail = 2.9miles loop and is marked as moderate (near Orick, CA). Takes an average of 1hr to complete.
Cost: $495.55 for 2 nights Half ($245) paid at time of booking Cancel by Aug 13th - Full refund: Get back 100% of what you paid. 1 king bed and 2 queen beds Details: On a quiet private street right in the center of town-walk to natural food store, parks, and trails. Great home base for your trip to the redwoods and other north coast attractions. Cosy beds, kitchen set up for cooking, back deck set against wetland with great bird watching. Great place for a vacation with the family or remote work. Good reviews!
Redwood National Park Hikes
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail = 1.5miles loop and is marked as easy (near Orick, CA). Takes an average of 34mins to complete. - Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail = 3.6miles loop and is marked as moderate (near Trinidad, CA). Takes an average of 2hrs to complete.
I've heard good things about Arcata, CA. Where the ocean meets the Redwoods. If we wanted to treat ourselves to a dinner out, Salt Fish House could be an option. [ Google Review ] Wow, I was blown away by how good the clam chowder was. The perfect balance between creaminess and broth. The contents inside the clam chowder are perfectly cut in size and very flavorful. We were tempted to order two quarts of it because it was just that good! The fish and chips on the other hand.. It was pretty mediocre. It wasn't bad, but the breading was not crispy at all and the fries were very soggy as well. Maybe it could be because of the to-go container it was in? Either way, it was not very satisfying.
I've heard good things about Arcata, CA. Where the ocean meets the Redwoods. If we wanted to treat ourselves to a dinner out, Campground could be another option. [ Google Review ] Very delicious steaks and amazing brussels sprout (one of the best I have ever had). This would be a very good steakhouse in any city, and may be one of the best restaurants in the area.
Leave for Lassen Volcanic NP
Drive time from McKinleyville, CA to Lasssen Volcanic NP is 3hr 40mins.
$30 per vehicle entrance fee. I (Samantha) will be renewing my National Park America the Beautiful pass come June, so we will be able to get into the park at no charge. Park is open 24 hours
[ Google Review ] Really great place to stop by before going into the park or starting your home up the road in the winter. The road is paved up until the visitor's center. Really warm inside and the staff is super friendly and helpful. They offer ideas for hikes and make sure you stay safe while in the park. There's a lot to see in here and learn from. Great gifts, and lots of info on the park. The restrooms are very clean. There's plenty of parking too. The sulfur works were only about a mile up the road. We walked up there and checked them out. It was a nice hike up the road in the snow! Lots of snow when we went (around Oct).
Cost: $171 for 1 night Free cancellation before Aug 16. 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed A 10min drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park Details: Rustic, cozy 400 sq. foot cabin located in the cute logging town of Westwood. 1 mile walking distance to local restaurants and a photo-op with the towns Ol' Paul Bunyan statue. Surrounded by adventure, and just minutes from Biz Johnson Trailhead, Hidden Lakes Trailhead, Lake Almanor, Eagle Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park