3 Day Tour to Oregon Redwood Crater Lake from San Francisco

Experience the best of California and Oregon’s spectacular scenery with this 3-day tour from San Francisco. For $607 per person, you’ll visit iconic sights like Crater Lake, Redwood National Park, and Shasta Dam, with hotel stays, guided commentary, and transportation included. Led by knowledgeable guides like Jason and Lei Song, this trip offers a combination of breathtaking nature, engineering marvels, and a touch of wine country luxury.

What we particularly love is how smoothly everything is organized, allowing us to relax and soak in the scenery without worrying about logistics. The stops at Crater Lake and Redwoods are genuinely awe-inspiring, and the local wine tasting in Napa offers a delightful finish. However, be mindful that the tour can be quite busy, and some attractions might be subject to weather or seasonal closures.

This tour best suits travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of planning—perfect if you appreciate stunning landscapes, expert guides, and a well-rounded itinerary. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking outdoor beauty combined with comfortable travel and a touch of luxury.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience: transportation, hotel, and entrance fees make it easy to focus on enjoying the sights.
• Stunning natural attractions: get up close to Crater Lake and the towering redwoods.
• Expert guidance: knowledgeable guides like Jason are praised for their accommodating attitude.
• Variety of experiences: from engineering marvels like Shasta Dam to scenic drives and wine tasting.
• Potential weather impact: some sites may be closed or substituted due to weather, so flexibility is helpful.
• Group size: a maximum of 55 travelers ensures a comfortable experience.

Exploring the 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: California Landmarks and Engineering Marvels

Your adventure kicks off early in San Francisco, with transport arranged from key pick-up points like Oakland or Millbrae. The first stops are the Sundial Bridge in Redding and Shasta Dam—two sites that showcase human ingenuity and engineering prowess.

Sundial Bridge is more than just a pedestrian crossing; it’s a striking piece of public art. Spanning the Sacramento River, it’s a working sundial that offers a unique photo opportunity—especially between 11 am and 3 pm when the shadow aligns accurately. The bridge’s combination of steel, glass, and granite creates a modern sculpture that celebrates human creativity. Travelers have found it fascinating, with one reviewer noting it as a “true piece of art.”

Next up is Shasta Dam, a colossal structure that holds back Lake Shasta, one of California’s largest reservoirs. At 602 feet high, it’s a sight to behold, especially in its scenic setting against the snow-capped Mount Shasta. This engineering achievement was completed in 1945 and is described as “one of the greatest feats of all time,” a phrase that resonates with visitors appreciating the scale and beauty of the dam. The two stops combined give you a perfect start, blending natural beauty with human achievement.

After these highlights, the group heads to Klamath Falls for an overnight stay, setting the stage for more awe-inspiring scenery.

Day 2: Crater Lake and Redwood National Park

Day two is the heart of the trip, taking you deep into some of the most iconic sights in the Pacific Northwest.

Crater Lake National Park is the main star. Known as the deepest lake in the United States, it’s a volcanic remnant formed after Mount Mazama’s collapse around 7,700 years ago. The lake’s six-mile length and depth of 1,932 feet make it a jaw-dropping sight. The vivid blue waters combined with the surrounding cliffs create a landscape that’s as dramatic as it is peaceful. Tour guides emphasize that the scenery here is unforgettable, and many travelers, like Elizabeth, find Crater Lake to be the “best” part of the tour.

A key point is that if Crater Lake is closed—whether due to weather or maintenance—the itinerary will be adjusted to include Sea Lion Cave and Thor’s Well. This flexibility ensures a good experience despite seasonal challenges.

Next, you’ll visit the Redwood National Park Visitor Center, which offers a chance to learn about the tallest trees on Earth. The guide’s description highlights the vast prairies, oak woodlands, and rugged coastline that the parks protect, making it more than just a redwood forest. Folks who love nature’s grandeur will appreciate the scenic drives and trails through these ancient trees, with some walking among trees that are over a thousand years old. One reviewer praised the “spectacular scenery” and the guide’s “depth of knowledge,” enhancing the experience.

Overnight, you’ll stay in Klamath Falls, giving you a chance to relax after a day filled with natural wonder.

Day 3: Forests and Wine Tasting

The final day combines California’s redwood forests with a taste of Napa Valley wine country—a perfect way to end a trip filled with nature.

Your first stop is Founders Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Walking among redwood trees about a thousand years old, we felt the awe of these giants. One traveler described the experience as “full of aura,” and many appreciated the chance to breathe in the scent of ancient trees up close.

Next, the famous Chandelier Tree at Drive-Thru Tree Park offers a quirky photo opportunity—you can actually drive your car through a six-foot-wide, seven-foot-tall tunnel carved into a redwood trunk. This is a fun, memorable experience that adds a bit of California iconography to your trip.

Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Napa Valley, where you get to sample wines at Sutter Home Chateau. Our guide’s recommendation to taste five different wines (including Zinfandel and Moscato) makes this a delightful, relaxed way to appreciate California’s wine-making heritage. The reviews rave about the excellent wine selection and the engaging tasting experience.

The trip ends back in San Francisco, with plenty of time to reflect on the beautiful landscapes and new experiences.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Transportation: Traveling by bus means you don’t have to worry about driving, but expect a lot of time on the road—roughly 3 days of scenic bus travel. Comfortable seating and a knowledgeable guide like Jason or Lei Song make the long hours more pleasant.
• Accommodation: Hotels are included for two nights, generally accommodating 2-4 guests. Reviewers note that hotels are clean and suitable, making for restful nights after busy days.
• Weather Impact: Some sites, particularly Crater Lake, may be closed or substituted due to weather conditions. This unpredictability is part of natural sightseeing in the Pacific Northwest.
• Group Size: The tour caps at 55 travelers, striking a balance between social atmosphere and comfort.
• Cost & Value: At $607, the price includes all entrance fees, transportation, and hotel, offering good value given the variety of sights and the guided experience. However, meals and personal expenses are not included, so budgeting extra for food is wise.
• Guides & Reviews: Guides like Jason and Lei are celebrated for their knowledge and friendly approach. Their insights add depth and enjoyment to the trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see spectacular natural sights without the stress of planning, especially those eager to experience redwoods, volcanic lakes, and historic dams. It suits those who appreciate guided storytelling and a relaxed pace—though note that some reviews mention non-English speakers might find the tour predominantly in Mandarin, which might affect the experience for some.

Nature lovers, photo enthusiasts, and anyone curious about engineering marvels and wine tasting will find plenty to enjoy. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t mind long travel days but want a comprehensive snapshot of California and Oregon’s highlights.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $607 per person, which includes transportation, hotel stays, and entrance fees to several attractions. Meals are not included, so plan accordingly.

What are the main sights I will see?
You will visit Crater Lake, Redwood National Park, Shasta Dam, and enjoy a wine tasting in Napa Valley. The first day also features the Sundial Bridge and Shasta Dam.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for most travelers, but children under 18 must travel with an adult. Children under 6 need a booster seat for bus travel, and parental discretion is advised regarding the length of travel days.

What happens if Crater Lake is closed?
In case of closure, the itinerary will be adjusted to visit Sea Lion Cave and Thor’s Well instead, ensuring you still enjoy memorable scenery.

How large are the tour groups?
The maximum number of travelers is 55, which helps keep the atmosphere comfortable while maintaining a social vibe.

Are the guides bilingual?
Most reviews suggest guides do their best to accommodate non-Chinese speaking guests, but some travelers have noted that explanations may be given in Mandarin, especially during group discussions.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day tour offers a carefully curated experience of California and Oregon’s most impressive natural landmarks, combined with touches of engineering marvels and wine country leisure. It balances sightseeing, comfort, and expert guidance, making it an excellent choice for those who want to tick off multiple iconic sights in a manageable timeframe.

If you’re someone who loves big trees, volcanic lakes, and rugged coastlines, and you enjoy learning from passionate guides, this trip will leave a lasting impression. The inclusion of wine tasting in Napa adds a relaxed, indulgent finish that many travelers find memorable.

While it’s a busy schedule, the tour’s organization and the quality of sights visited justify the price—and with some flexibility built into the itinerary, you’ll find it’s a rewarding way to see some of the West Coast’s most spectacular scenery with minimal fuss.