Fill your water bottle up here!…read more This is a favorite stop for me off the I5. The little Main Street is just a few miles from the freeway and easy to get to. Once there you will find a sleepy, historical town from the 1920s and 1930s tucked away under her highness, Mt. Shasta. It is because of Mt. Shasta that the water is so good. And it has actually won awards too. There is a water fountain monument at the entrance of the town, two spigots for tall humans, one for small humans and one for dogs. This is where I fill up my water bottle with the sweetest water I have ever had. And it's free! Further down the street there is a pizza parlor that's always open and a video/general store that sells cold drinks and homemade fudge and a bar with a mellow crowd. My only wish is that Dunsmuir had more shops and restaurants open later in the day. Everything seems to close so early there!

This was a really neat town. Very quaint with some incredible restaurants to choose from. There…read moreis a railroad resort that is awesome to stay in, or look around for a neat little place to stay here.

It's was a good adventure to bad my truck didn't fit but it's worth the trip and specially the viewread more

Price went up to $20 when it was just $5 before. Not worth the cost when it's literally just the…read moretree you're driving through and nothing else to do.

The Road to Petrolia! The Lost Coast!…read more My brother knows all the good spots up here. He has lived up this way for the past 13 years and knows all the roads, scenic views, ins and outs etc of Humboldt County. He took us through Ferndale and then we hit this road for a little drive. This road is pretty rough. Potholes, uneven ground, gravel, 2 lanes turning into 1, bumps etc. If you have a 4wd, you will be fine. We had a Chevy Sonic rental car, and my mom was bitching and complaining about the bumps the whole way up lol. You know what though? It was worth every single bump and bruise done to the car and our asses! This road is absolutely beautiful! It's a windy road that goes for about 40 miles. We didn't take it the whole way, but did go about 20 miles on it. Took us about an hour in, mostly uphill (we stopped to snap a lot of pictures!), and only about 30 minutes coming out, mostly downhill. This drive had everything! Beautiful scenery at every turn. Cows roaming freely in the fields, tons of beautiful ferns, bushes, trees etc. You would go from high up the hills, through thick fog, down into clear skies where you could see for miles and miles. I'm telling you, this road had EVERYTHING! We wound up down by the beach and stopped to take in the sights. Absolutely stunning! Appropriately named "The Lost Coast" due to nothing being developed out this way, no main highways/roads that connect to these small communities along this road. If I won the lotto, I would buy a house up this way. Nobody for miles and miles! If you have some time, I would highly, and I mean HIGHLY recommend this drive. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a more scenic drive that I have encountered in my 39 years on Earth. It was beyond beautiful and I'm glad my brother took us on this path.

Rough road, best taken in something with some suspension travel to cushion out the bumps. I took…read moreit in my mildly lifted Samurai which was perfect. Take your time and be careful through all the blind curves. SPECTACULAR views, some of the best I found in a weekend that includes Highway 36, Crescent City and plenty of redwoods. The view of the coast and beaches was a wonderful treat. I will be printing pictures from this trip.

This is a beautiful home, one of the most photographed homes in the country. It's a beautiful…read moreexample of Queen Anne Victorian architecture. The home was finished in 1889, and was built for lumber baron William Carson. He and his family lived in the home for many years. It was in danger of demolition, as maintaining such large historic homes became costly. A group of local businessmen bought the home in 1950, and turned it into a private club. They have since spent millions and millions of dollars to restore and maintain the home. While it is absolutely beautiful from the outside, unfortunately, it is not open for tours. However, if you happen to know a member of the club, or if you are invited to an event such as a wedding, office party, etc. at the mansion, you can get a tour. It's a very nice home on the inside, and the highlight is the cupola at the very top, which Mr. Carson used to observe his business interests. If you would like to see what the inside looks like, you can Google the phrase , "Carson mansion interior."

Beautiful Victorian architecture!…read more Went up north for the Memorial Day weekend for the redwoods but had to make a stop to check out the famous Carson Mansion. Love the green tones of the home and varying rooflines. At first I was surprised that there was no placard with a summary of the place but then I noticed a small sign. It was fun to see the sign at the front of the gate that had a QR code to scan and it'll take you to a Spotify listening to learn about the history of the place. Very cool, because this way you can listen to the history of it via your phone at either the site at that moment or even play it on the drive back. It was unique and something I haven't seen before! We took our time and appreciated the view because if you turn to the left you can also observe the water and pedestrian walkway corridors in town. If you're in Eureka and even only have 5-10 minutes to spare, I recommend swinging by the Carson Mansion to get a taste of high quality architecture, unique views, and a lil history moment!

A breathtaking confluence of natural beauty, a striking resemblance to recognizable Grandmotherly…read morefigure and a stimulus to the imagination...all encompassed within the backdrop of a stunningly beautiful beach that is always uncrowded, always clean and effortlessly accessible. It is the sweet dessert for anyone who finds comfort, inspiration and pleasure being along a salty shore.

This is a massive, super cool rock formation on Trinidad Beach…read more "Grandmother Rock" is situated on the north end of Trinidad Beach and a very easy walk from the parking lot. Legend has it that the Tsu-rai Indians once used this beach as part of their summer camp. One day, a young warrior launched his canoe into the cold waters of the beach (Northern California beaches do not have warm water even in summertime!). He never returned and his grandmother waited so patiently for him on the beach that eventually, the gods took pity on her and turned her into a rock. You really can see her - sitting, huddled up, looking out to sea, and even her hair - in a bun on the back of her head. The "bun" even has some succulent plants growing out of it. You really don't have to use much of your imagination to see this striking image. Definitely worth a trip for some cool, northern California local flavor.

I just heard on the news that House of Design was closing after 25 years in the Red Bluff Area. I…read morewill really miss shopping here around Christmas time. It was the closest thing to what you think Christmas days of old were like. Such beautiful displays and wonderful one of a kind decor. It will truly be missed in this area.

Beautifully decorated home decor shop. Currently mostly Christmas/ holiday items. Also a small…read morespecialty section for infants, little stuffed animals and blankets. The Christmas trees are quite beautiful. See photos. Only issue was the prices, a bit high. But very inspiring place! Nice reuse of an old library.

This is a magnificent stretch of road in Northern California! If you're driving, I would highly…read morerecommend taking the time to take a particular loop away from Interstate 5. If you're driving north, Exit 680 in Redding, California to CA-299. While this isn't Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, CA-299 will take you to Burney Falls within McArthur-Burney State Park. The park is located just across 299 from Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest. Apparently, one of the volcanoes erupted long ago and covered McArthur-Burney State Park with pumice and basalt rocks alongside the tall pines and redwoods. The magnificent and ethereal 129-foot Burney Falls has been featured in several films. There is a nice vista point just feet from the parking lot. There is also a nice paved trail to the bottom of the falls, across the river and then up to the top on the other side. Within the park, you can drive down to Lake Britton and enjoy a swim or boat ride. Otherwise, you can exit the park and quickly take a left onto CA-89/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Within a mile, you'll pass by the bridge that was used for the iconic train scene in the film Stand By Me (and other movies). Continuing along this road will eventually take along sweeping and beautiful stretches of straight-as-a-rule and lonely highway surrounded by beautiful trees and vista points. There is a vista point that offers a great photo spot of Mt. Shasta. A couple of miles west of that is a piece of federal land (free admission) with trails or roads that lead to three beautiful waterfalls -- Upper, Middle and Lower Falls -- along the McCloud River. There are signs, paved roads and parking lots near each (along with restrooms). Finally, you can stop in McCloud, California -- one of the most beautiful small towns in California! The entire town sits near Mt. Shasta. You can visit the quaint restaurants or shops that offer nice and very close-up views of the snow-capped mountain. Eventually, you'll reach Interstate 5. The road between Redding and Mt. Shasta is spectacular and should be driven at least once. You won't regret any time that this detour takes!

Oh yeah. I am such a sucker for two lane highways…read more The great thing about this one, it actually IS the quickest route between Southern Oregon and Reno. We joined the highway along I-5 (OK I know this is NOT a two lane highway) around Yreka. We were entertained by amazing views of Mt. Shasta and Black Butte. We then followed CA 89 that winds though the Hat Creek area and Lassen National Forest. Then it was CA 44/36 into Susanville. The scenery is amazing from high alpine meadows, pine forests, and verdant farmland with little pocket communities along the way. You can catch glimpses of Mt Lassen and Mt McLoughlin all along the drive. Driving tip - there is one amazing rest stop along the CA44 stretch that makes for a great stop if you don't think you can make it to Susanville. It is the Bogard Rest area with beautiful new facilities. Since we were on a mission to get home, we did not spend time exploring all the sights to see along the way. With Crater Lake, Mt. Shasta, and Mt Lassen along the way, I think there are a plethora of future opportunities for future trips that are a day trip away from Reno.

It might be 115 degrees in Millville when I get out of the car to visit my 19th century ancestors…read morethat are buried in this cemetery, but the grass is green and damp and the cemetery looks fresh and well tended. I wonder what life was like for these people as I walk around in this quiet cemetery and look at the names and the remembrances carved on gravestones. One time I talked to someone in the office that houses records for both this cemetery, and the other one across the street, but I have never seen anyone else here, I suppose this is because the cemetery is well off the beaten path, there is no freeway, and there is nothing else near by, not even a grocery store to bring people to Millville. There is a Millville historical society that has published books on this town and Oak Run, so these towns and the people who lived in them will not be forgotten Little more than a blip on the map now, Millville had a larger population than Redding before the railroad bypassed the town. The Masonic Hall is the one of, if not, the oldest building still standing in Shasta County.

Anyone hear of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) before? This trail is approximately 2650 miles long,…read moreand it stretches from the Mexican border in Southern California all the way up to the Canadian border in Washington state. For the folks who are able to complete the trek, it normally takes them about 5 months. Unfortunately, my lovely wife and I have not gotten the chance to do this hike of a lifetime. We have hiked a miniscule portion of the incredible Pacific Crest Trail, though. We have also met a couple of hikers who were in the midst of completing the dream! This trailhead is one of the areas where you can access the PCT. It is pretty darn cool.

This trailhead is gorgeous!. Someday I will hike this section. For now it's beautiful to drive…read morethere & hang out by the creek, look at the bridges, scenery and those tropical-looking umbrella plants . I was hoping to talk to some hikers passing through but we weren't there long enough. To get there you take the road (Squaw Valley Rd. I believe) from McCloud, the one that heads to the McCloud Reservoir. Once you pass Friday's RV Retreat, take the first road to the right and drive in a couple miles (apr). The trailhead will be on your left. You'll see a toilet...If you want better directions you can also stop at the Ranger's office in McCloud.

Hiker's paradise, outdoor adventure and lowkey living is the best way to describe the City of Mount…read moreShasta. Very small town that offers outsiders a friendly welcome. Plenty of affordable hotels, small local restaurants and well, Mount Shasta. Great place to come spend a few days to get away from the ugly big cities.

How can you not love this place. It's such a beautiful city or small town one might argue. The…read moreplace has some nice eateries, local places to visit such as parks trail heads, campgrounds, and most important of all, looming over the city sits Mount Shasta with its beautiful snow capped peak year around. If you have not been here or are driving by on the 5, this place is worth the pit stop or to spend and afternoon eating and visiting the local flavor.