7-Day Discovery Tour of Northern CaliforniaNorth Coast & Shasta Cascade Region

7-Day Discovery Tour of Northern California North Coast & Shasta Cascade Region Discover why this area has been called „California‟s Great Outdoor Adventure Land‟ for almost a century. In this spectacular region of Northern California, visitors will discover a rugged coastline, snow capped mountains, award-winning wine region, pristine lakes, wild & scenic rivers, secluded beaches, beautiful forests and a warm welcome.

Experience the best that Northern California has to offer, with fine food, wine, cozy inns and B&Bs, meadows of wildflowers, massive trees and wildlife to cross your path at an arms length. Be as adventurous or as relaxed as you like with a range of activities to suit all. Try mountain biking, whitewater rafting, houseboating, hiking, kayaking, fishing, jet boating, or for those looking for a more relaxed vacation, escape and contemplate life with a spa treatment on a deserted beach or beside a rushing river with a fine bottle of California wine and a basket filled with California‟s freshest picnic fare.

Your Northern California adventure begins on the North Coast Highway 1 or 101. It is one of the most beautiful and dramatic highways in the world and takes you through Sonoma wine country up to picturesque Mendocino. With more than 250 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline and some of the most fertile earth in California, Sonoma County embodies the organic, natural and deliberate life that typifies wine country. Mendocino, with its scenic coastline, superb wine region and quaint little villages offers a wonderful escape. Sunsets that sink into the crystal blue Pacific Ocean are truly unforgettable.

North of Mendocino is California‟s Redwood Coast. Known for the world‟s tallest trees with many taller than the Statue of Liberty, the experience of walking among these giants is truly breath taking. Eureka, the largest town on the Redwood Coast retains its Victorian charm with a slight hint of the American Western frontier.

Heading inland, the geologic makeup of the Shasta Cascade Region makes it unique. This area of Northern California is known for its fiery volcanic past where recent lava flows are often adjacent to dense rain forests. With its numerous wild and scenic rivers and lakes, water adventure experience is awaiting you. A fitting close to this outdoor adventure vacation should include Lake Tahoe and Sacramento before ending in San Francisco.

This driving itinerary going north out of San Francisco can provide an opportunity to experience the best that nature can provide, a chance to see some of California‟s most distinctive wineries and sparkling wine cellars, and enjoy a California small town experience offered in the numerous Northern California communities highlighted on this itinerary. We begin this spectacular journey just 30 minutes north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge.

DAY 1

SONOMA WINE COUNTRY Your first day includes lingering in Sonoma Wine Country and heading out along its rugged coastline. Travel along the Bohemian Highway, one of the most scenic drives found anywhere in California. Start by tasting some of the finest Pinot Noir & Chardonnay produced in the region. Continue onto the charming town of Occidental, a mecca for artists and nature lovers. Continue onto the Coast Highway with a stop in Jenner to check out the harbor seals and seal pups.

Overnight Jenner

DAY 2

FORST BRAGG You‟ll drive over the coastal mountain range through the rural Anderson Valley to visit family owned wineries, micro breweries and some of America‟s best sparkling wine houses. After a visit in the historic village of Mendocino on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, your next stop will be the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

After an opportunity to ride through towering redwoods on the historic “Skunk Train”, a visit to the local fishing harbor will acquaint you with the region‟s seafood, after which you‟ll spend the evening in Fort Bragg.

DAY 3

EUREKA Leaving Fort Bragg will provide an opportunity to drive along California‟s North Coast on Highway 1. Approximately 30 kilometers of the highway is adjacent to the rocky shoreline until it heads inland to meet Highway 101. This route will take you through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park to walk among the world‟s tallest trees along the world-famous Avenue of the Giants. Continuing north on Highway 101 will provide the opportunity to take a short side trip to the Victorian village of Ferndale, a frequently used setting for Hollywood movies. Just north of Ferndale is the City of Eureka with its historic old town district and the place to call home for the evening.

DAY 4

EUREKA This day‟s activities can include visiting the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, a Humboldt Bay cruise, or just walking the streets of Eureka and Arcata to enjoy the many fine examples of Victorian architecture. If you would rather get close to nature this day, head north to Redwood National Park and enjoy one of the many hiking trails through the Redwoods. This area also includes spectacular Fern Canyon (used in one of the Jurassic Park films). A popular activity is watching the numerous herds of Roosevelt elk commonly seen in this area. Of course the many beaches along the North Coast should not be missed by those wanting to experience this magnificent coastline. Return to your lodging to rest your feet before trying another exciting restaurant in Eureka.

DAY 5

REDDING An early start will provide the opportunity for several stops and possibly a raft trip on the Trinity River. Highway 299, the nationally recognized Trinity Scenic Byway will take you through such quaint towns as Willow Creek and Weaverville. The highway follows the Trinity River for more than ninety kilometers of this beautiful 250 kilometer drive, and provides numerous picnic spots next to the water‟s edge. Just before arriving in Redding is an opportunity for a mid afternoon swim in Whiskeytown Lake. Your overnight stay in Redding will be a chance to unwind after seeing some of the Shasta Cascade‟s most spectacular scenery. Redding is far Northern California‟s largest city and offers a wide-range of lodging opportunities and numerous restaurants. The region around Redding is known for its numerous wild and scenic rivers, pristine lakes, fiery volcanic activity and beautiful waterfalls.

Plan on arriving in Redding by late afternoon for a walk along the river on the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail. The trail includes the Sundial Bridge, a glass decked pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. The bridge, located at Turtle Bay Exploration Park--far northern California‟s largest museum--is Calatrava‟s first free-standing bridge in the United States, and links the north and south campuses of the park.

DAY 6

REDDING

Heading north out of Redding on Interstate 5 will almost immediately take you across California‟s largest lake. Shasta Lake is considered the best boating lake in California and numerous marinas provide the opportunity to rent a boat for the day (no license required). If you choose this, this will consume your entire day. For those of you who want to explore some of the volcanic legacy of Northern California continue driving north another 30 minutes. Possible stops along this route include the Upper Sacramento River or Castle Crags State Park. Great hiking trails are easily accessed in the state park and also on Mt. Shasta, just ten miles north. The town of Mt. Shasta provides a great lunch stop. At this point head east toward McCloud on Highway 89. McCloud, a historic logging town and the nearby McCloud waterfalls provide another interesting stop. Further south on Highway 89 is the region‟s best-known waterfall and state park – McArthur-Burney Falls State Park, a scenic wonder that should not be missed. Continue on Highway 89 south to Highway 299 and return to Redding for your last night‟s stay.

DAY 7 SAN FRANCISCO An early start will be necessary to see what awaits you on this journey towards Lake Tahoe. Heading east on Highway 44 will bring you to Lassen Volcanic National Park in about 45 minutes. Here you will turn south on Highway 89, one of America‟s newest scenic “All American Roads”. This route through the park will provide numerous opportunities to see the results of millions of years of volcanic activity. Continuing south will take you by Lake Almanor, one of California‟s most scenic mountain lakes as well as through a nationally renowned mountain golf resort area, Plumas Pines/Graeagle. Continuing south on your way back to San Francisco, take Hwy. 89 to Hwy. 70 along the Feather River Scenic Byway which follows the North Fork of the Feather River. A side trip to Lake Tahoe and Sacramento will complete your Northern California adventure vacation.

Karen Whitaker Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association 1699 Hwy. 273 Anderson, CA 96007 530-365-7504 / fax 530-365-1258 www.shastacascade.org Email: karen@shastacascade.org

Scott Schneider North Coast Tourism Council 120 S. Franklin Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707-964-9010 / 866-836-7557 www.northcoastca.com Email: info@ northcoastca.com