Life’s too short not to take the scenic route. San Francisco —> Seattle. 1,200 miles, 4 national parks, 3 states, 1 amazing guy, & another memorable road trip I’ll cherish forever.
Me: Ryan, there’s 4 National Parks between San Francisco & Seattle. Can we please hit them all on our way!?!?
Ryan: *Unsurprised face* Why do you even ask?
And so the adventure began. We were determined to check off 4 more National Parks (NP), of the 58 total in the United States, in 4 days.
1. Point Reyes National Seashore
Monday. We landed in San Francisco, retrieved my car from the shipping container it was stored in for 3 weeks on Treasure Island & crossed North over the Golden Gate Bridge one last time, for now at least. First, we made a quick, but certainly worthwhile, stop at Point Bonita Lighthouse. Sadly, we missed the lighthouse visiting hours, but we were still able to walk the beautiful 1 mile path that overlooked the Golden Gate, Downtown SF, & the Pacific Ocean, all in one.
With the city in the rearview mirror, we waved goodbye to San Francisco as we hopped on Highway 1, the famous, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The drive along the ocean’s coast is a truly remarkable, must-do once in your life experience; I’ve been very blessed to be guided to my past two nursing assignments by the PCH. Within an hour of driving, we entered our first National Park, or Seashore, rather, of the trip- Point Reyes National Seashore. While the drive along the coastline & through the pine forests were mesmerizing, I was destined to visit the Cypress Tree Tunnel. This extraordinary spot is a playground for photographers & viewers as a long driveway of Cypress Trees have grown to literally create a tunnel, hence the name. Recently investing in a new camera, we had a blast letting our creativity come alive through the trees & enjoying another hidden gem discovered on our journey.
With our adrenaline still high, we managed to voyage up to Williams, CA & stayed the night in our first hotel after clocking out of a 20 hour traveling day.
2. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Tuesday. Afterreviewingthe expected forecast with temperatures to reach 100°F, we were motivated to get an early start to NP number two- Lassen Volcanic National Park. Upon entry to the park, I scooped up a Annual National Parks Pass. For $80, a pass will grant you access to any National Park/Forest in the nation for 365 days since purchase- definitely worth it in my opinion. As Spring can be a tricky season for visiting NP due to some winter closures still in effect, most trails at Lassen Volcanic were inaccessible unless by snowshoes/skis. This didn’t prevent us, however, from discovering unique park features on the Sulfur Works trail such as boiling mudpots & steam vents. These rotten-egg smelling hydrothermal areas are a product of underground water that has been heated by molten rock & surfaced through fractures in the earth. Warning signs to stay on the trail & away from boiling mudpots are posted to prevent visitors from becoming severely burned. While at the park, we trekked on the paved road for four miles taking in the snow top mountain views & blissfulness of nature surrounding us.
After we left the park & reached civilization in Redding, CA, the temperature was 104°F, & us being Wisconsinites, we were uncomfortably warm. Three hours later of driving west we reached Eureka, our final destination of the night where we checked into hotel number two. We were happily reunited with the Pacific Ocean & relieved that it was 60°F.
3. Redwood National Park
Wednesday. It was 2:45 am. We heard a baby screaming, a T.V. blaring, & a mom yelling, “Eat this banana! You haven’t had anything all day!”Though a family that checked in to our hotel extremely late may have disrupted our R.E.M. sleep, we weren’t going to let that get in the way of NP number 3- Redwood National Park. After scoping out best hikes on the REI National Parks app, we decided on the Damnation Creek Trail,for its high ratings by others, mix of forest & ocean, & difficulty. This free app is a great informational resource, but the best part about it is that it continues to function perfectly in airplane mode or without service, as within many NP, visitors will not get cellular reception. On the trail, we were as always, stunned by the magnificent Redwood Trees that towered above us.
Redwood Trees Fun Facts
1. Also known as Sequoia sempervirens
2. Tallest & largest trees in the world, measure over 300+ feet
3. Ancient trees, can live for over 2,000 years
4. Their roots can extend up to 100 feet & intertwine underground with others, holding one another up
Though a bridge was out along the hike, we were able to easily walk underneath it as we were determined to reach the ocean shore- & man, were we glad we did when we saw the views. Redwood National Park is as mystical, magical, & marvelous as the pictures paint it.
Up, up, & away we drove- out of California & over the Oregon boarder to Grants Pass, where we checked into hotel number three of the road trip week.
4. Crater Lake National Park
Thursday. After the hands down best continental breakfast of the trip, we scurried off to the car to continue our journey. But first, we needed gas. Fun fact: Did you know that in Oregon & New Jersey, by law, employees are required to pump gas for you? This was an alarming realization as a man slowly approached me in the parking lot. I laughed, he filled my gas tank, & we were on our way to our fourth & final NP of the trip, Crater Lake National Park. The enormous body of water was formed from the collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. Notorious for its deep blue color, there are no rivers or streams that flow into or out of the lake. Therefore, all water that is accounted for is due to evaporation & rain, maintaining its purity. Similar to Lassen Volcanic NP, many trails were still closed or only accessible by snowshoes, but we were able to hike along the lake on higher ground for roughly a mile & take in the lake from many viewpoints. The short hike was mostly due to frigid temperatures with strong wind & if you know me, I have terrible circulation, which just doesn’t mix well. Nonetheless, it was a breathtaking sight to see & the perfect cap to our National Parks road trip!
Well, we did it! 4 National Parks in just 4 days. After our last park, we continued North & stayed in Portland, OR. Friday morning we hiked to the top of the picture-perfect Multnomah Falls & then rewarded ourselves with the popular Portland delicacy, VooDoo Donuts, on National Donut Day. Without skipping a beat, we crossed over the Columbia River into Washington & moved into our new apartment in Puyallup, WA. We are beyond excited for more exploring in the PNW this summer, but first- it’s time to dust off the scrubs & get back to work!
