Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake
North from Redding past Shasta Dam and granite crags to Mount Shasta, the McCloud River waterfalls and the lava caves of the Modoc Plateau.
- Distance
- 384 km (239 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 16 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- States
- CA, OR
- Updated
- July 16, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 384 km (239 mi) with 8 stops, from Redding to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 16 min of driving in total.
More road trips in California, Oregon · More road trips from Redding
Route description
From Redding, drive about 20 minutes north on I-5 and follow the signs to Shasta Dam, where a vista point shows the lake and, on clear days, Mount Shasta about 50 miles away. Back on I-5, the road climbs the Sacramento River canyon. Castle Crags State Park has a steep narrow road up to a vista point below the granite spires; leave trailers at the lower day-use lot.
The town of Mount Shasta sits at the foot of the 14,179-foot volcano. The Everitt Memorial Highway climbs from town to Bunny Flat at about 7,000 feet, with trails into the alpine zone in summer. Then take SR-89 east through McCloud to the McCloud River Falls: Lower Falls is by a picnic area, and a riverside path links it to the middle and upper falls.
From McCloud, head north toward Lava Beds National Monument by way of US-97 and the Tulelake area, about two and a half hours of driving. Some routes use forest roads; the paved way via US-97 and SR-161 is simpler with a motorhome. At the visitor center, get the free cave permit and explore lava tubes such as Mushpot and Skull Cave with good lights, a helmet and warm clothes.
Leave Lava Beds north on SR-139 into Oregon and continue to Klamath Falls, about an hour away, for fuel and supplies. From there, US-97 and OR-62 lead north to Crater Lake National Park in about 90 minutes. Rim Drive is usually fully open only from July to October; in winter only the road to Rim Village is ploughed. Campgrounds at Lava Beds and Crater Lake fill quickly in summer.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Redding
CA - 218 km
Shasta Dam
HistoryShasta Lake, CAA curved concrete dam completed in 1945, holding back California’s largest reservoir with Mount Shasta on the horizon. There is a visitor center and a vista point; the road across the crest is open to pedestrians.
- 358 km
Castle Crags State Park
NatureCastella, CAGranite spires rising above I-5 south of Dunsmuir. A short drive climbs to a vista point, and the steep Crags Trail leads toward Castle Dome; there is a campground by the Sacramento River.
- 422 km
Mount Shasta
CA - 530 km
McCloud River Falls
NatureMcCloud, CAThree waterfalls on the McCloud River linked by a riverside trail of about two miles each way. Lower Falls is next to a picnic area off SR-89 east of McCloud; the upper falls drops through a basalt gorge.
- 682 km
Lava Beds National Monument
NatureTulelake, CAA volcanic landscape with hundreds of lava tube caves, several open for self-guided exploring. Get the free cave permit at the visitor center, bring helmets and lights, and see the Modoc War sites; entrance fee.
- 773 km
Klamath Falls
OR - 8101 km
Crater Lake National Park
NatureCrater Lake, ORThe deepest lake in the US fills a collapsed volcano. Rim Drive is usually fully open from July to October.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Redding → Mount Shasta · 61 mi · 1 h 05 minOn the way: Shasta Dam, Castle Crags State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Friendly RV Park (7 mi); Panther Meadows Campground (6 mi).
- Day 2: Mount Shasta → Lava Beds National Monument · 69 mi · 1 h 14 minOn the way: McCloud River Falls.Overnight nearby, for example: Hemlock Campground (10 mi); A.H. Hogue Campground (10 mi).
- Day 3: Lava Beds National Monument → Klamath Falls · 46 mi · 0 h 49 minOvernight nearby, for example: Klamath Falls KOA Journey (2 mi); Bristol Mobile Park (3 mi).
- Day 4: Klamath Falls → Crater Lake National Park · 63 mi · 1 h 07 minOvernight nearby, for example: Diamond Lake Trailer Court (14 mi); Farewell Bend Campground (17 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Crater Lake Rim Drive (2,300 m). Usually open July–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The south entrance road to Rim Village usually stays open.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake?
4-day road trip of about 384 km (239 mi) with 8 stops, from Redding to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 16 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake?
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 16 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake start and end?
It starts in Redding and ends in Crater Lake National Park.
Which states does Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake pass through?
California and Oregon.
Where can you camp along Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake?
OpenStreetMap lists 113 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Friendly RV Park, Diamond Lake Trailer Court and Farewell Bend Campground.
When is the best time for Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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