Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
Full Video Tour: Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
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DAY ONE
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, originally named Linkville, was incorporated in 1905 when access was either by horse or stagecoach. When the railroad arrived in 1909, the town experienced its first building boom, giving rise to today’s turn of the 20th-century downtown. The original wooden buildings were replaced by brick and stone structures and ultimately Klamath Falls expanded into the surrounding hills towards the railroad tracks.
Downtown Walking Tour and Mural Trail
Experience the variety of early 1900’s Gothic Revival architecture and murals depicting the history of the Klamath Basin and surrounding area. In addition to the historic murals, you may notice that a new wave of urban public art is underfoot, perfect for Instagrammable moments. Highlights of the tour include the Fred Goeller House, built from a mail-order design and Pelicans on Parade, featuring over a dozen 7 foot high pelicans painted to celebrate the city’s centennial. There are also a half dozen birds at the Visitor Center. Colorfully painted featuring local birds and the Klamath Piano Project, donated pianos painted by local artists and placed in outdoor areas throughout downtown Klamath Falls, are also featured downtown.
The tour of downtown Klamath Falls can begin on either end of Main Street with the Discover Klamath Visitor Center, 205 Riverside Dr. Suite B on one end, and the Klamath County Museum, 1451 Main Street, on the other.
Favell Museum
Over 100,000 artifacts illustrate the lives of indigenous tribes from North and South America, including collections of arrowheads, obsidian knives, spear points, primitive ancient stone tools, native clothing, intricate beadwork, basketry, pottery and more, some more than 12,000 years old.
125 West Main Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601, 541-882-9996 Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Adults $10.
Klamath County Museum
The Klamath County Museum reveals the history of Klamath County and the surrounding area and features local artists in the Modoc Art Gallery and an exhibit covering World War II Balloon Bombers.
1451 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR, 97601, 541-8834-208 Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM, Adults $5.
Baldwin Hotel Museum
Constructed in 1905 as the centerpiece hotel of downtown Klamath Falls, the Baldwin Hotel Museum now features 40 rooms filled with antiques and artifacts.
Originally built as a hardware store, the building was converted into a hotel in 1911 that was to be located right across the street from the railroad, when George Baldwin sought to profit from the coming of the railroad. Unfortunately, the railroad was built at the other end of Main Street. Nonetheless, thanks to the hotel’s very unique characteristics of almost all rooms connected in order to create the ability to rent out either one room or an entire suite of rooms, the hotel thrived.
31 Main Street, Klamath Falls, 97601, 541-882-1000 W-Sa 10AM-4PM, 1-hour tour: Adults $5, 2-hour tour: Adults $10.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Rocky Point Resort 28121 Rocky Point Road, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-356-2287 A relaxing environment for lodging, dining, fishing and boating on Upper Klamath Lake.
Destination Distinctive Dining
A Leap of Taste 907 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-850-9414 Sandwiches, paninis, salads, smoothies, baked goods, and drinks, all organic and locally sourced as much as possible. Vegan and vegetarian options available. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Nibbley’s Cafe 2424 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, 541-883-2314 All the comforts of home cooking including sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, and amazing fresh bread and desserts. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Rodeos Pizzeria and Saladeria 1215 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-205-3464 Gourmet style pizzas sold by the pie or slice. All ingredients are Non-GMO, locally sourced as much as possible. Large selection of beer and wine. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
The Falls Taphouse 2215 Shallock Avenue, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Enjoy great views of the Upper Klamath Lake on the open upper rooftop patio, while sipping local beers. Two food trucks, Maria’s Taqueria and Wubba’s BBQ, are on site.
Mermaid Garden Cafe 501 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-882-3671 Great soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, and wraps all with gluten free options. The Best Clam Chowder served only on Fridays. Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Keeper’s Corner 195 E Main St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, 541-273-7553 Antiques, crafts, and collectables in over 20,000 square feet and 130+ vendors
Poppy 522 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR, 97601, 541-884-4361 Unique gifts and home decor from stuffed animals to glass centerpieces.
DAY TWO
Tulelake
Named after the abundant tules, or bulrush, that grow along the shallow shoreline of Tule Lake, the city of Tulelake was established in 1937 as a place for those working on the development of nearby Klamath and Tule Lake Basin farm ground. After World War II, a land lottery was held for Veterans to begin cultivating potatoes, onions, grains, and other produce, which drew local businesses, farmers, and their families. Today, the town is still an agricultural community and attracts duck and geese hunters and tourists in search of scenery and wildlife.
Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds and History Museum
On view at this museum of local history are interpretive displays and exhibitions on Modoc history, the geological and agricultural history of the Klamath Basin, homesteading and settlement of the Tulelake Basin area, the Civilian Conservation Corps., and the history of Japanese American incarceration at the nearby segregation center. A one-hour audiotape tour of the museum is available. The gift shop features local history books and regional treats like jams, horseradish, and other souvenirs.
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-5312 Summer 8M-5PM, Winter 9AM-4OM Adults $5, Free for veterans.
Tule Lake National Monument
The Tule Lake National Monument brings increased understanding of the high price paid by some Americans during the second World War. There are two sites of historical importance within this National Monument. First, the Tule Lake Segregation Center, the largest and most controversial of the ten concentration camps constructed in 1942 by the United States government to incarcerate Japanese Americans during World War II. The second site is Camp Tulelake, a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp that first imprisoned Japanese Americans and later detained German and Italian prisoners of war until it closed in 1946. The public cannot access the camp unless on a guided tour, but several buildings can be viewed from the road.
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-260-0537. The Tule Lake National Monument currently uses the Fairgrounds Museum as its temporary visitor center, open Th-M 9AM-5PM, with Ranger-led tours every Saturday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Lava Beds National Monument
This National Monument pays homage to the geological and historical turmoil this part of the country has experienced over the past half-million years. Thanks to volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano, the landscape is rugged, dotted with diverse volcanic features, and home to more than 800 caves strewn about the high desert wilderness. Explore Native American history through rock art and archeological sites like Petroglyph Point, learn about the Modoc War of 1872-73, and discover the colorful characters that populated this area like early cave explorer J.D. Howard and Prohibition-era moonshiners who set up stills in the remote caves. Highlights of Lava Bed National Monument include Symbol Bridge and Big Painted Cave, Hidden Valley and Mammoth Crater, and Captain Jack’s Stronghold, the fortress of lava rock where the Modoc Indians made a stand for their homeland and refused to be relocated to a reservation.
Visitor Center: 1 Indian Well, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-8113, Daily and year-round 10AM-4PM. Some roads are temporarily closed in winter due to snow.
The GPS enabled audio tour can be found at:
https://voicemap.me/tour/klamath-county-oregon/the-modoc-war-a-homeland-lost
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Winema Historic Lodge 5215 Hill Rd, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-667-5158 Offers 10 motel rooms each with a private bathroom, microwave, and refrigerator. A restaurant with breakfast and lunch choices and RV parking and hook up is also available on site. The perfect place to retreat after an afternoon of exploration, hunting, or bird watching.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Captain Jack’s Stronghold Restaurant 45650 CA-139 A, Tulelake, CA 96134, 530-664-5566 Full menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials. Featuring fresh homemade food including prime rib, seafood, burgers, pies and desserts, soups and breads, pasta, vegetarian and much more.
DAY THREE
Medicine Lake Volcano Geologic Tour
Drive a bonus Byway! Craters, caves, and lava flows are on view on this 60-mile driving loop that includes a portion of the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway. Highlights of this drive include the historic Harris Spring Forest Service Guard Station, jagged lava flows, dozens of geologically fascinating cinder cones, three different types of craters, natural bridges, mini-volcanoes called spatter cones, giant lava tubes, and Medicine Lake, nestled within the still-active Medicine Lake Volcano and lying at 6,700 feet above sea level. Stop at the Medicine Lake Recreation Area to enjoy fishing, boating, and exploring in a cool and crisp setting you won’t believe is in the middle of a volcano! Start and end your drive in Bartle, Drive north on forest road 15 (Harris Spring Road), east on gravel forest road 43N48, south on gravel forest road 44N75, back down forest road 49 south, and then back toward forest road 15 south to the entry point on Highway 89. You will not need four-wheel drive for this trip, but high clearance vehicles are recommended, and be sure to fill up your gas tank before departing. Also check road conditions before traveling.
McCloud
Step back in time with a walk down McCloud’s Main Street, where most of the buildings were constructed in the late 1800s and retain much of their original grandeur to this day. The town is thought to be named after Alexander Roderick McLeod, who led a group of Hudson Bay Company trappers to the area in 1829. Not long after, the railroad made it possible to transport lumber to more populated cities and McCloud became a company town, owned by the McCloud River Lumber Company.
McCloud Historic District Walking Tour
Built by trappers, explorers, railroaders, and the lumber industry, McCloud’s buildings and charming homes were constructed at the turn of the 20th century and a downtown that is a Nationally Registered Historic District. On this walking tour, you will experience the town’s unique architecture, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, and the friendliness of the local townspeople.
McCloud Chamber of Commerce: 303 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057, 530-964-3113.
McCloud Heritage Junction Museum
Learn why the lumber industry was an integral part of the town’s history and why the McCloud community remains strong, close, and hardworking. The Museum is filled with more than 100 years of photographs and artifacts that document McCloud’s beginnings as a sawmill and railroad town.
320 Main St. McCloud, CA 96057, 530-964-2604 M-Sa 11AM-3PM, Su 1PM-3PM. Donations accepted.
McCloud River Falls Trail
Three volcanic and scenic waterfalls are visible on a 12-mile trail that meanders upstream of the McCloud River. A recreation center offers picnicking, fishing, and swimming, though the water will be chilly. There are also access points for shorter trails.
From Highway 89 turn south on FR 40N44 and follow the signs.
Mt. Shasta City
A quaint mountain town, a world-class destination for outdoor activities of all kinds, and a longstanding home of the Wintu people that has seen silver and gold miners, a burgeoning lumber industry, and an Italian labor uprising in 1906.
Visit Lake Siskiyou, Castle Lake and Bunny Flat.
Shasta Sisson Museum and Fish Hatchery
The current museum served as a fish hatchery for 72 years and now highlights the history of Mt. Shasta City, local Native American basketry, past Mt. Shasta climbing expeditions, and the legend of the volcano. The Fish Hatchery is the oldest operating hatchery west of the Mississippi and holds rainbow and brown trout.
1 N Old Stage Rd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-5508 Th-M 10AM-4PM, Donations accepted.
Everitt Memorial Highway
This 15-mile scenic drive will get you up close and personal with Mt. Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range. An important part of many Native American myths, the Shasta people believed the mountain was created by the Great Spirit who used it to step onto the earth from a hole in the heavens. From 7,858 feet above sea level, the highest point you can reach by car, you will get an incredible view of the mountains and valleys to the west.
Exit 738 from Interstate 5. Turn right onto Lake St. and left onto County Road A10
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Mount Shasta Resort 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-3030 Rustic-chic rooms and chalets with flat-screen TVs, plus gas fireplaces, full or half-kitchens, and private decks. An 18-hole golf course and seasonal restaurant is on site.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Yak’s Shack 401 N Mt Shasta Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-568-8121 Panini, wraps, salads & other American bites, plus coffee & pastries, in a warm, art-lined venue.
Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen, 320 North Mt. Shasta Boulevard, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, 530-918-6020
Poncho and Lefkowitz 445 South Mt. Shasta Boulevard, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-1505
Destination Distinctive Retail
The Crystal Room 109 W Castle St, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-918-9108 Beautiful crystals and minerals from all over the world.
The Fifth Season 300 N Mt Shasta Blvd, Mt Shasta, CA 96067, 530-926-3606. Locally owned and operated by a staff of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, selling adventure gear for climbers, skiers, hikers, and more, since 1977.
DAY FOUR
Castle Crags State Park
Even though sky-scraping spires of granite formed when glaciers eroded lighter rocks during the last Ice Age, soar 6,500+ feet above the upper Sacramento River Valley, they are dwarfed by Castle Dome, which many liken to Yosemite’s Half Dome. In addition to a scenic drive, 28 miles of hiking trails take you deeper into the landscape filled with steep sided canyons, alpine lakes, high brush fields, rocky outcrops, wet meadows, and mixed conifer forests.
Creek Road, Castella, CA 96017, 530-235-2684
Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark
These 200 million year old caves feature a wide variety of formations: stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, and flowstone, plus the Discovery Room, where you’ll find them all. Take a short catamaran ride across Shasta Lake, a scenic bus ride up a steep mountain grade, and a guided tour of the caverns.
20359 Shasta Caverns Road, Lakehead, CA 96051, 800-795-2283, Adults $32, Tour times are based on day and season, Allow 2 hours.
Redding
Named after former politician Benjamin Bernard Redding, this city in Northern California was originally called Poverty Flats during the Gold Rush years when thousands in search of fortune came up short, but all was not lost. Copper and iron mining in the early 20th century, along with construction of the Shasta Dam, did finally spur the town’s economic growth.
Behrens-Eaton House Museum
A Victorian-style home built by John Scott in 1895 is now a repository of historical books, Victorian furniture and housewares, photographs, war memorabilia, and other artifacts significant to Shasta County Judge Eaton’s professional career and public life and the region’s colorful past from the 1800s to the present.
1520 West St, Redding, CA 96001, 530-241-3454 T-W 10AM-4PM, Sa 1PM-4PM.
Old City Hall Arts Center
Housed in Redding’s historic Old City Hall, the Shasta County Arts Council is the central resource for the arts in Shasta County. The building features a classroom, performance hall, and gallery with works by local artists.
1313 Market Street Redding, CA 96001, 530-241-7320 Tu-Th 12PM-5PM, F 12PM-6PM, Sa 11AM-3PM.
City Hall and Sculpture Park
At three stories and over 100,000 square feet, the largest art gallery in Redding is inside City Hall and displays rotating works from local galleries and artist collectives. The artwork continues throughout the beautifully landscaped City Hall campus with a Sculpture Park offering a mixture of permanent works and traveling exhibits of stone, metal, and Mosaiculture art.
777 Cypress Ave, Redding, CA 96001, 530-225-4002.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Hope Inn 19177 Hollow Lane, Redding, CA 96001, 530-605-0589 Relax in a beautifully designed room in a quiet garden setting.
Destination Distinctive Dining
C.R. Gibbs American Grill 2300 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002, 530-221-2335 Enjoy casual American Dining featuring a full Exhibition Kitchen where you can watch the action take place, plus a brick lined oven, full bar, large outdoor dining space with heaters and a fire pit. Appetizers, salads, burgers, steaks and of course Brick Oven pizzas.
Creekside Pub and Grill 2100 Redding Rancheria Road, Redding, CA 96001, 530-243-3377 A fast, friendly, casual eatery located in the casino, no matter what time of day you can enjoy burgers and other American food, coffee and beverages.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Enjoy the Store 1475 Placer St suite c&d, Redding, CA 96001, 530-298-9132 A collection of fine gifts and edibles made and produced throughout Northern California.
Salley’s Shasta Antique Mall 2680 Bechelli Ln, Redding, CA 96002, 530-223-2296 Over 40 dealers and vendors make this midtown antique mall an ideal stop for any vintage lover looking to browse or find something specific to complete their collection.
Sketch & Press 1244 California St, Redding, CA 96001, 530-945-1974 Gift shop featuring apparel, home decor, plants and pots, jewelry, and other gifts.
DAY FIVE
Sundial Bridge
This glass decked, cable-stayed cantilever suspension bridge, with one of the world’s largest working sundials, is a functional work of art and an architectural marvel at 217 feet tall and 710 feet wide. The bridge sits at the gateway to the Sacramento River Trail which connects the bridge to the Shasta Dam.
Sacramento River Trail, Redding, CA 96001, 530-243-8850.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Museum
A 300-acre campus on the banks of the Sacramento River interprets the relationship between man and nature and celebrates the story of far Northern California. Art, science, history, forestry, and horticulture meet at the Turtle Bay Museum, the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens feature over 200-acres of native and non-native trees and plants, and Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp is modeled after an old-time forest camp similar to ones that were all over the region 100 years ago.
844 Sundial Bridge Dr., Redding, CA 96001, 530-243-8850 W-F 9AM-4PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM, Adults $18.
Shasta State Historic Park
Iron shutters and doors still swing from their hinges in grass-filled, roofless buildings that were once crowded with merchandise and miners during the gold rush era. This 19-acre park features many ruins, cottages, and other vestiges of 1860’s life in what was once the “Queen City” of California’s northern mining districts. Highlights include: the County Courthouse, restored to its 1861 appearance and filled with exhibits and an unparalleled collection of California art; Blumb Bakery, which operated in Shasta until 1918 and has since been restored to house a working business; Cemetery Trail, which leads to the Catholic cemetery where many of Shasta’s prominent citizens are buried; and Pioneer Barn, home to an original stagecoach and farming and mining implements of the 1880s.
15312 Highway 299 West, Shasta, CA 96087, 530-243-8194 Th-Su 10AM-5PM.
San Francisco
This “city by the bay” has had its finger on the pulse since it was founded over 200 years ago. It was the center of the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, was the largest city on the West coast at the turn of the century, rebuilt itself after an earthquake and fire destroyed most of the city, was the birthplace of the United Nations in 1945, ushered in the countercultural revolution with the Summer of Love in 1967, and played a major role in the tech boom that still dominates much of Northern California to this day. Cool summers, steep hills, clanking cable cars, pastel-colored Victorian houses, world-class museums, and dramatic fog that rolls over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge make San Francisco one of the most exciting places in the world to visit.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Inn San Francisco 943 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-641-0188 Enjoy an antique filled room in a Victorian hideaway in the city.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Tartine Bakery 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110, 415-487-2600 Organic ingredients provide the makings for breakfast pastries, hot pressed sandwiches & coffee.
La Taqueria 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 415-285-7117 This no-frills taqueria serves Mexican eats, including famed traditional-style, rice-free burritos.
Sotto Mare 552 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133, 415-398-3181 Neighborhood spot with nautical decor & a menu of pasta, cioppino & other Italian-style seafood.
Sam Wo Restaurant 713 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, 415-989-8898 Legendary Chinese restaurant that’s been serving casual eats since 1907, it is believed to be the oldest in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in America.
Destination Distinctive Retail
General Store 4035 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122, 415-682-0600 Emporium with a carefully curated and eclectic mix of clothing, household items, books, jewelry and other small treasures from local California artisans.
The Perish Trust 728 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 Creative shop carrying rustic, vintage home goods & unique pieces made by local craftspeople.
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers Founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, this independent bookstore-publisher combination specializes in world literature, the arts, and progressive politics.
March 3075 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115, 415-931-7433 Gallery-like storefront stocking culinary supplies, tables, serving pieces & gourmet ingredients.