Epic Family Adventure in the National Parks: Lassen Volcanic, Redwood & Crater Lake

Touch down in Sacramento early in the morning, grab your rental car, and drive a couple of hours north to Redding. This will be your home base for exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park and the surrounding area.

After checking in, head straight to Lassen Volcanic National Park to get your first taste of the landscape. The quiet atmosphere is a welcome change from busier destinations, and kids will immediately notice the volcanic peaks rising in the distance. Spend the afternoon getting your bearings and enjoying the views. End the day with a simple hotel dinner (Instacart grocery delivery for the win!) and an early bedtime.

Kid-friendly tip: Arrange an Instacart delivery to your hotel prior to your departure from home. This not only optimizes your travel day by saving time, but also eliminates the need to search for groceries in an unfamiliar store.

Family-friendly hikes

• Manzanita Lake Loop (1.7 miles, easy): A flat trail around a picturesque lake with views of Lassen Peak, perfect for a first walk.

• Devastated Area Interpretive Trail (0.4 miles, easy): A short loop highlighting the dramatic aftermath of Lassen’s 1915 eruption.

Where to eat

• C.R. Gibbs American Grille (Redding, CA): A family-friendly option with hearty American classics.

Today is all about the highlights of Lassen. You’ll want to head to the park’s most famous hike: Bumpass Hell (the name alone will make kids giggle). Be sure to check trail conditions before you go, since snow can linger late into the season.

During our visit in late July, the trail was still closed, so we explored other short stop-offs and viewpoints instead. One of the best moments was a picnic overlooking the crystal-clear shores of Lake Helen. Our boys loved wading in the icy water—and you’ll definitely want to have a towel and water shoes handy for rocky alpine lakes like this.

Kid-friendly tip: Bring a thin microfiber towel and water shoes. The water is freezing but irresistible for kids!

Family-friendly hikes

• Bumpass Hell Trail (3 miles round-trip, moderate): Steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots await on this boardwalk loop (check seasonal closures).

• Loomis Peak Trail (1.8 miles, moderate): Short climb with excellent views over Manzanita Lake and Lassen Peak.

Where to eat

• Woody’s Brewing Co. (Redding, CA): Laid-back with craft beer for adults and plenty of kid-friendly menu options.

On your last day in Redding, venture a little further afield. Start with a visit to Burney Falls, about an hour’s drive. The hike down to the base of the falls is short and rewarding, with mist filling the air and spectacular views. Continue with a one-mile loop trail around the falls—great for both kids and parents.

Next, drive north toward Shasta Lake, known for its emerald water and striking red clay banks. Don’t miss the Shasta Caverns Tour, which takes you through fascinating underground caves (and doubles as natural air conditioning on a hot summer day).

Family-friendly hikes

• Burney Falls Loop (1 mile, easy): Circles the falls with views from above, below, and along the river.

• Baum Lake Trail (2.5 miles, easy): A gentle lakeside path near Burney, good for spotting wildlife.

Where to eat

• Jack’s Grill (Redding, CA): A classic steakhouse with a historic vibe.

• View 202 (Redding, CA): Upscale dining with a patio overlooking the Sacramento River.

Today you’ll leave Redding behind and head west toward the coast. The landscape changes dramatically as you approach Redwood National and State Parks. Redwood is actually composed of multiple state and national lands, so you’ll be entering different areas as you drive through the park.

After checking into your hotel near Crescent City, stretch your legs with a walk along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. It’s the perfect introduction to the redwoods—quiet, magical, and larger-than-life.

Family-friendly hikes

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove (1.5 miles, easy): Peaceful loop through towering redwoods and lush understory.

• Big Tree Wayside (0.3 miles, easy): A short stop to marvel at one of the largest trees in the park.

Where to eat

• Chart Room (Crescent City, CA): A local favorite for fresh seafood, with sea lions often lounging nearby.

Start early with the Tall Trees Grove, which requires a free permit, but rewards you with a truly awe-inspiring hike among some of the tallest trees on Earth. After your hike, treat yourself to Mojo’s Pizza, a small food truck slinging delicious pies. You won’t regret it!

In the afternoon, keep things more relaxed with smaller hikes or exploring Crescent City. My boys enjoyed looking for sea lions while admiring the Battery Point Lighthouse. We also took a much-needed snack break at Sea Front Baking Company.

Family-friendly hikes

• Tall Trees Grove (4.5 miles, moderate): Descend into a secluded grove of some of the tallest redwoods in the world.

• Simpson-Reed Trail (0.9 miles, easy): Flat loop through dense, mossy forest—great for younger kids.

Where to eat

• Sea Front Baking Company (Crescent City, CA): Great lattes, homemade ice cream, and plenty of space to relax.

• SeaQuake Brewing (Crescent City, CA): Casual atmosphere with pizza, burgers, and local brews (we loved the smashburgers!).

This will likely be your kids’ favorite day. Hike through Fern Canyon, where the dripping green walls and stream crossings feel like a natural playground. Permits are required and go fast, so plan ahead in the spring. Afterward, spend the afternoon on Gold Bluffs Beach, where kids can run, dig in the sand, and splash in the waves while you soak up the coastal scenery.

Family-friendly hikes

• Fern Canyon Trail (1 mile, easy): Short but unforgettable—wear water shoes for stream crossings.

• Trillium Falls Trail (2.8 miles, moderate): Family-friendly loop with a small waterfall and lush forest views.

Where to eat

• Perlita’s Authentic Mexican (Crescent City, CA): Casual and delicious, with hearty portions perfect after a long day outdoors.

Spend your morning driving the scenic Howland Hill Road, a narrow dirt road that winds through the heart of the redwoods. This stretch is filled with pull-offs worth stopping at, but the highlight is the Stout Grove Trail—a short loop that takes you through one of the most beautiful groves in the park. The sheer size and quiet majesty of these trees make this a must-do before leaving the redwoods.

In the afternoon, head to the Trees of Mystery, a kitschy roadside attraction that turns out to be surprisingly fun. The gondola ride offers treetop views, and kids love the rope boardwalks strung between the canopy. It’s a lighthearted way to wrap up your time among the redwoods before driving north into Oregon.

Family-friendly hikes

• Stout Grove Trail (0.7 miles, easy): A must-see grove with massive, photogenic redwoods.

• Boy Scout Tree Trail (5.5 miles round trip, moderate): Longer option for families with older kids, leading to the giant Boy Scout Tree.

Where to eat

• The Historic Requa Inn (Klamath, CA): Charming and cozy, with a small but excellent restaurant for a special farewell meal.

From the coast, drive inland to Crater Lake National Park. Start with the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only path to the water’s edge, and (if visiting in 2025) board a boat tour for incredible views from the water itself. Kids love seeing the lake from this new perspective.

If you can, opt to stay at Crater Lake Lodge for its convenience and historical beauty. Originally built in 1915, it has been updated through the years. Its various fireplaces and sitting areas are cozy and inviting. Being able to view the sunset and sunrise over Crater Lake while sitting on its back deck is pure bliss.

Important note: The Cleetwood Cove Trail is scheduled to close after the 2025 season for major rehabilitation and won’t reopen until 2028. If you visit during that time, you won’t be able to reach the lake or take the boat tours.

Family-friendly hikes

• Cleetwood Cove Trail (2.2 miles round trip, strenuous): Steep trail down to the water and back up, but rewarding if open.

• Discovery Point Trail (2 miles, easy): Rim-top path with panoramic lake views and minimal elevation change.

Where to eat

• Rim Village Café (inside the park): Simple but convenient, with panoramic lake views.

Start your final morning with the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, a short and colorful walk perfect for families. Then take your time along the Scenic Rim Drive, stopping at multiple overlooks for postcard-perfect views of the lake’s blue waters. It’s a fitting finale before continuing home (or on to Lake Tahoe as we did!).

Family-friendly hikes

• Castle Crest Wildflower Trail (0.4 miles, easy): Short but stunning, with wildflowers in bloom in mid-summer.

• Sun Notch Trail (0.8 miles, easy): Gentle loop with an iconic view of Phantom Ship Island.

Where to eat

• Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room (inside the park): Cozy lodge dining with hearty meals and sunset views.