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From Volcanoes To Redwood Giants: 12 Must-See Wonders On The Circle Of Discovery Route
Exploring the Circle of Discovery is like wandering into a hidden realm where striking landscapes, vibrant history, and unexpected moments collide in the most spectacular way. And this road trip route through Northern California and Southern Oregon isn’t just a drive; it’s an adventure dressed to impress.
From towering giants to quiet whispers of history, this route will have you leaning in for every twist and turn. Think less “typical travel itinerary” and more “epic quest with a dash of legendary scenery.” Here, every mile tells a story, and trust me, it’s not one you’re going to forget anytime soon.
By the time you’ve wrapped up the journey, you’ll already be itching to plan the sequel. Now, let’s unravel what the route is and what highlights you can’t miss along the way.
Circle of Discovery Route
Never heard of the Circle of Discovery? Well then, get ready to explore this fun route, connecting seven incredible NPS sites across Northern California and Southern Oregon. From the stunning blue depths of Crater Lake to the volcanic wonders of Lassen, this road trip serves up nature at its finest.
And with each destination just hours apart, this is the ultimate road trip for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone craving an unforgettable escape.
Scenic Rim Drive – Crater Lake National Park
Think of Scenic Rim Drive as a greatest hits album: 33 miles of panoramic glory that’ll make you wonder why you don’t already live here (uh, because the winters are brutal). This loop wraps around the bluest lake you’ll likely ever see, thanks to it being a water-filled ancient caldera. It’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill puddle.
The drive’s got more sweeping views than a rom-com montage, with pull-offs galore for those raw, no-filter moments of awe. And if the crisp, pine-scented air doesn’t make you feel alive, maybe the vertigo from the sheer drops will.
Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway – Lassen Volcanic National Park
This isn’t just a road; it’s a scenic drive through volcanic madness. Imagine lava flows and geothermal oddities casually paired with alpine meadows and lush forests, all crammed into a compact 30-mile drive.
Lassen Peak, a charming beast of a volcano, looms in the distance, reminding you that, yes, it erupted in 1915 and could totally do it again someday. You’ll smell sulfur wafting from steam vents, hear bubbling mud pots plotting who-knows-what, and experience nature’s wild variety.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway – Redwood National And State Parks
Ten miles isn’t very far, unless you’re crawling through a forest of redwoods so tall you half-expect them to start handing out life advice. This drive slices through old-growth behemoths with tree trunks wider than your bloated confidence after trivia night.
Keep your windows down because the air smells like moss and ancient wisdom (or maybe just damp wood). And if the quiet beauty doesn’t humble you, the realization that these trees have been around for centuries will. I dare you to see if you can resist the urge to hug one (failure incoming).
Lily Pond Interpretive Trail – Lassen Volcanic National Park
Think you’re too cool for school? The Lily Pond Interpretive Trail begs to differ. This self-guided little loop is chill enough for flip-flops but packed with enough juicy tidbits about native flora to make you feel like a budding botanist.
Stroll past delicate wildflowers, pine needles crunching underfoot, while the serene pond reflects trees so perfectly that it’s borderline narcissistic. Sure, it’s not a hike that’ll leave you breathless, but sometimes you just need a delightful, effortless jaunt to pretend you’re outdoorsy (without sweating like you’re fleeing a bear).
Sulphur Works Walk – Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you’ve always wanted to visit the underworld but don’t love the heat, Sulphur Works is your jam. This short, steaming stroll offers a peek into Lassen’s hydrothermal tantrums, complete with boiling mud pots and hissing steam vents.
It smells like rotten eggs on steroids (you can thank the sulfur for that), but hey, the sight of vibrant mineral deposits makes up for the olfactory assault. It’s the closest you’ll get to walking on another planet without, you know, leaving Earth (or signing on for one of those dodgy Mars colony trial runs).
Simpson-Reed Trail – Redwood National And State Parks
Want to feel tiny? Welcome to the Simpson-Reed Trail, where towering redwoods make even the tallest among us feel like ants crashing a forest’s family reunion. This easy hike is like stepping into a fairytale… minus the scary wolves or talking teapots.
The leaves whisper secrets in the breeze, and the filtered sunlight paints the path in golden hues straight out of a travel poster. Plus, it’s short enough that your legs won’t hate you afterward.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail – Redwood National And State Parks
Named after a First Lady who championed natural beauty, this iconic grove is a love letter to the redwoods. The trail meanders through misty cathedrals of towering giants, so awe-inspiring you might catch yourself muttering, “Is this real life?”
Lady Bird dedicated the grove in 1968, and it’s been showing off for visitors since. The air here? Pure magic. The silence? Deafeningly peaceful. If you don’t feel at least a little poetic on this trail, check your pulse because even the most jaded among us can’t resist its charm.
Whiskeytown Falls Hike – Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
This trail is the lovechild of waterfalls and scenic hikes. And it’s a moderate 3.4 miles round trip, easily doable if you set your mind to it. Whiskeytown Falls comes with a satisfying dose of misty drama as water cascades 220 feet down, almost screaming, “Photograph me!”
Unearthed in 2004 (yep, hidden for decades like a treasure), this trail is perfect for anyone seeking mild adventure without needing an oxygen tank. The steady climb keeps your legs busy, while the towering trees and soothing rush of water provide the soundtrack.
Mushpot Cave – Lava Beds National Monument
For the aspiring spelunker who’s not into crawling on their belly like a commando, Mushpot Cave is here to coddle you. It’s the only cave in the monument with lighting, so forget bumping around like a nocturnal bat.
Think of it as caving on training wheels, complete with a walkway that shouts, “No twisted ankles today!” Lava tube formations dance along the walls, illuminated just enough to feel eerie but safe. Plus, the cool underground air is a glorious break from the sunburn factory above ground.
Symbol Bridge Cave – Lava Beds National Monument
Feeling adventurous? Strap on a headlamp and wander into the abyssal vibes of Symbol Bridge Cave. This self-guided lava tube lets you channel your inner explorer while ogling ancient petroglyphs etched by past generations. Extra points if you can decipher them. Not that your guesses won’t be wildly inaccurate but it’s worth a go.
Sure, it’s dark, uneven, and a bit spooky, but isn’t life? There’s no red carpet here, just raw history lying casually within an ancient lava flow. Watch your step unless you want to be a permanent cave dweller.
Guided Oregon Cave Tour – Oregon Caves National Monument
This one’s fancy, as in, guided-tour fancy. Oregon Caves offers a subterranean wonderland full of marble formations so twisted and surreal they’d make a modern artist swoon. Discovered in 1874, these tunnels are a cold, humid, and wildly beautiful escape into the earth’s core.
Prepare for some tight squeezes. But don’t worry, you’ll leave with an arsenal of “Did you know?” tidbits about speleology that will dazzle your friends. And any excuse to wear long sleeves in summer is a win.
Captain Jack’s Stronghold – Lava Beds National Monument
History meets rugged terrain at this standoff site from the Modoc War of 1872-73. Captain Jack and his band of warriors held off U.S. forces in this labyrinth of volcanic rock for months. And the stronghold’s barren, otherworldly scene just screams “epic survival story.”
Walking these paths stirs a poignant mix of admiration and solemnity. You can almost feel the determination etched into the jagged rock. It’s humbling to tread where history unfolded, even as the wind whispers tales of defiance in your ears.
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