Northern California Road Trip Ideas to See Fall Colors

Taking you through ancient forests with towering redwoods to rugged coastlines that are shrouded in mist, a Northern California Road Trip is an epic adventure that should not be overlooked. Stretching from the heart of Northern California to the edge of Oregon, this road trip itinerary allows you to see the coast and enjoy a few eclectic stops along the way.

With moderate year-round temperatures, there is no wrong time to embark on your road trip in Northern California. Spring and summer are popular times for families who are going on road trips, but those who want to see fall colors Northern California should consider hitting the road between late September and early November in order to see this region of the country in an entirely different light.

No matter when you are taking your North California road trip, you will find that this AAA itinerary is the perfect plan. This itinerary begins in California's central valley and spans more than 380 miles into Oregon. If you drove it straight through, the drive would take you about 8 hours to complete. However, breaking it up along the way will allow you to stretch out your getaway and enjoy an immersive and inviting Northern California experience.

Sohini Appana / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Redding may be the starting point for your Northern California road trip, but don't be in too big of a rush to hit the road. Redding is a fantastic destination in and of itself, offering adventurers endless opportunities to enjoy the natural wilds of California's central valley.

If you only have time for one quick attraction in Redding before you begin your road trip in Northern California, make it the Sundial Bridge. This modern marvel is more than just a functional piece of infrastructure — it's a work of art that anchors the entire community. Located near Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge stretches more than 700 feet across the Sacramento River. Featuring a glass walkway, this bridge requires you to have a sense of fortitude and wonder before you begin your journey across. However, your bravery will be rewarded — this is an experience that you will remember for years to come. The Sundial Bridge takes about 15 minutes to walk across, but you may spend more time here if you want to take pictures of the scenic views and local wildlife.

Other top attractions in Redding include Castle Crags State Park, Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark and the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail. If you are spending a few days in Redding before you begin your road trip, you will want to take time to visit some of these recreational attractions. From hiking and biking the trails to exploring the wonders of the caverns, these parks and recreation areas allow you to soak up the unique natural beauty that Redding is known for.

Once your lungs are filled with that fresh, California air and the sunshine has rejuvenated your mind, body and spirit, you will be ready to take on this next great adventure. It's time to get in the car and begin the ultimate California road trip — one that will take you from the heart of the central valley to the craggy coastline of Oregon.

L. Toshio Kishiyama / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

You will begin your road trip by heading westward, which may seem contradictory on a northern road trip through the Sacramento Valley. For several hours, you will enjoy a rapidly changing landscape. It begins in the dense, lush forests full of redwood trees and continues along the sparkling Trinity River. Before you know it, you will be crossing over a mountain range and when you descend on the other side of the range, you will be greeted by uninterrupted views of the mighty Pacific Ocean.

Expect to be on the road for about 3 hours before you reach your next destination. Also, be mindful of the fact that you may face winter driving conditions when passing through the mountain ranges. It can be surprising to encounter snow and ice after the cool, moderate temperatures of Redding, so drivers from outside the local area should be on guard that conditions can change quickly on the roads.

After the drive, you will wind up in Arcata, California, a small coastal community that visitors find absolutely delightful. It's an ideal spot to take a break from the car and get outdoors.

If you didn't get enough of those mighty and magnificent redwood trees on your drive, then your first stop in Arcata should be the Arcata Community Forest. Located just a few blocks away from downtown Arcata, this state park is easily accessible and is an awesome option for those who are taking an afternoon break from the road. Within this forest, which spans almost 800 acres, you will find an extensive network of well-maintained trails that are perfect for hiking, biking or even horseback riding. When you step into this forest, you will feel as if you have been transported into the pages of a fairy tale. Let your imagination run wild as you explore this natural playground.

Since you have just arrived at the Pacific Coast, you may find yourself craving a day at the beach. Arcata is home to numerous beaches, allowing you to choose a beach that offers everything you need and want to enjoy a relaxing experience. Popular beaches in Arcata include Mad River Beach, with its soft, rolling sand dunes and Clam Beach, which is known for its stunning sunsets and its treasured sand dollars.

After you have made the most of your time in Arcata, it's time for a short trip north to your next destination, Crescent City, California.

Getty Images / franckreporter

While some road trips feature the same, endless terrain for the entire journey, you will find that the view out of your window during your North California road trip is constantly changing. This next stretch of the road trip is shorter and will take you a little more than an hour to complete. However, it may be the most memorable part of the trip for you, as the drive will take you along the winding coastline while dipping into colorful, lush valleys along the way.

When you imagine a trip to California, you might conjure up images of sunshine-filled days and swaying palm trees. In Northern California, however, foggy days are the norm and a thick mist seems to hover over the raw and imposing landscape. It creates a magical and mythical atmosphere, one that practically begs you to begin exploring the outdoors.

In Crescent City, you will find endless opportunities to experience and enjoy some of the oldest and tallest redwood trees in California. Some places to check out during your time in Crescent City include:

The relaxed atmosphere of Crescent City will allow you to quickly feel refreshed and re-energized for the next portion of your trip, which will take you out of Northern California and into Oregon.

Brett Maurer / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

You may be less than two hours away from your next destination, but you will want to take your time during this next part of the road trip. With the Pacific Ocean nearly always in sight, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of road on this itinerary. This highway is relatively remote, allowing you to feel like you have the road to yourself. It's a relaxing and enjoyable ride, which is welcomed during any road trip. Regardless of the time of year, you will find that it's more likely to be raining or foggy during this portion of the road trip, but don't worry, this wet weather somehow adds to the magic, mystery and natural beauty of this region.

The first few stops on this ultimate Northern California road trip featured destinations that were primarily known for their natural wonders and outdoor recreation opportunities. Port Orford, Oregon stands out on the itinerary as a destination that blends the unparalleled natural beauty of the Oregon Coast with arts, culture and history, making it a favorite among road trippers.

Famously known as one of the oldest and smallest townsites in Oregon, Port Orford has a rich sense of history that is perfectly complemented by the abundance of natural beauty in the city. Most locals find themselves spending their free time on one of the stunning beaches near the city, such as Battle Rock Wayside, Garrison Lake and Coast Guard Hill. If you are looking to spend a relaxing day on the surf, one of these beaches would be an excellent choice. The landscape here is defined by mountainous rock formations that seem to grow right out of the ocean, adding a dramatic touch to the scenery.

For a bit of family-friendly fun, consider visiting the Prehistoric Gardens roadside attraction, which is home to 23 life-sized statues of dinosaurs that are strategically placed throughout the gardens. For young children, this tourist hot spot feels like a real-life scavenger hunt for their dinosaurs, delighting their imaginations and bringing science to life for their young minds.

Over the years, Port Orford has developed a reputation as an artist community. Before you begin heading north again, you will want to visit the quaint and charming downtown area, where you will find colorful buildings that are home to art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and more. The Port Orford to Bandon Art Trail will guide you to a wide range of galleries and art boutiques, allowing you to select the perfect souvenir to bring home from your California road trip.

AAA / Jennifer Broome

As you begin the final stretch of your Northern California road trip, you will find that you move away from the coast. This part of the drive is mostly inland, but even if you aren't soaking up those Pacific Ocean views, you will still be amazed at the natural wonders outside your windows.

On your way to Reedsport, you should make a point to stop off at the cranberry bogs near Bandon. Many visitors are surprised to find out that cranberries are one of the top crops produced in Oregon, with the family-owned bogs near Bandon producing more than 30 million pounds of brightly-colored berries each year. When most people think of fruit-growing regions, they imagine neat lines of orchard trees and berry bushes. Cranberries, however, grow on vines that are grown in floating beds, known as bogs. When you visit a local cranberry bog, you might be able to get a personal tour of the facility or taste some fresh, ripe cranberries.

After a tart snack, you will be making your way to your final destination — Reedsport, Oregon. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is the largest stretch of coastal sand dunes in the United States. You will likely find the wind-swept dunes irresistible to climb, but this national recreation area also offers hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests and lead to waterfalls.

Other popular activities in Reedsport include golfing, fishing and surfing. The town itself is only home to about 4,000 people, allowing you to wrap up your road trip in Northern California and Oregon in a quiet and peaceful place.

The versatility of this itinerary allows you to set a pace that is comfortable for you and stretch your road trip for as long as you want it to go. It's possible to enjoy this North California road trip in just a weekend, but you can also transform this itinerary into a week-long adventure. No matter which choice you make, you'll be experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your road trip in Northern California today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.