northern California

Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northeastern California, USA, showcases a unique landscape shaped by volcanic activity. Established in 1916, the park features dramatic hydrothermal areas, including boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, along with picturesque lakes and meadows. The centerpiece is Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails, such as the popular Bumpass Hell Trail, which leads to a geothermal basin. In winter, the park offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

Redwood National and State Parks, located along the northern California coast, USA, protect some of the world's tallest and oldest trees—the coastal redwoods. Established in 1968, the parks encompass a total area of over 130,000 acres and include Redwood National Park and three California state parks: Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Visitors can marvel at towering redwood groves, hike through lush forests, and explore pristine coastline with scenic overlooks and sandy beaches. The parks also provide habitat for diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and migrating gray whales. Redwood National and State Parks offer a tranquil retreat into ancient and majestic forests.

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco, California, USA, spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting the city to Marin County. Completed in 1937, the bridge is renowned for its stunning Art Deco design and international orange color. Stretching over 1.7 miles, it offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Millions of visitors and locals alike walk, cycle, or drive across the bridge each year, enjoying its architectural beauty and breathtaking vistas. The Golden Gate Bridge stands as a testament to human engineering and is a beloved landmark of San Francisco and the United States.

Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, USA, is renowned for its awe-inspiring granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. Established in 1890, the park covers over 1,100 square miles and attracts millions of visitors annually. Key landmarks include El Capitan, a famous rock formation popular with climbers, Half Dome, recognized for its distinctive shape and challenging hiking trails, and Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. 

Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California-Nevada border, is a stunning alpine lake renowned for its clear blue waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The lake is one of the largest and deepest in North America, attracting visitors year-round for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter, and hiking, boating, and beach-going in summer. The area features numerous ski resorts like Heavenly and Squaw Valley, scenic viewpoints such as Emerald Bay, and charming towns like South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. 

We trailered our bike to Reno.  We contacted the Bonanza Casino and they allowed us to park our truck and trailer there for the week we were traveling.  We stayed at the casino on the front and back-end of our trip. 

Reno, located in western Nevada, USA, is known as "The Biggest Little City in the World." Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains and near Lake Tahoe, Reno offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and urban entertainment. The city is famous for its casinos and lively nightlife, centered around the downtown area. Reno hosts events such as the Reno Air Races and the Hot August Nights classic car festival, attracting visitors from around the world. 

San Francisco, located in northern California, USA, is a vibrant and culturally diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, steep hills, and stunning bay views. The city is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and its historic cable cars. San Francisco's neighborhoods offer distinct flavors, from the bustling Fisherman's Wharf to the eclectic Mission District. Visitors can explore world-class museums like the de Young Museum and the Exploratorium, enjoy fresh seafood at Pier 39, or stroll through the scenic landscapes of Golden Gate Park. San Francisco's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination for travelers worldwide.

Eureka, located on the northern California coast, is a charming city known for its Victorian architecture, rich history, and scenic waterfront. Established during the California Gold Rush, Eureka's Old Town retains its historic charm with preserved 19th-century buildings housing shops, galleries, and restaurants. The city's waterfront along Humboldt Bay offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Redwood National and State Parks. Eureka hosts cultural events such as the Kinetic Grand Championship and the monthly Arts Alive! celebration showcasing local artists. With its mild climate and proximity to natural wonders, 

Redding, located in northern California's Shasta County, is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and proximity to the Cascade Range. The city sits along the Sacramento River and serves as a gateway to attractions like Shasta Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Redding for fishing, boating, and water sports on Shasta Lake, while hiking trails such as the Sacramento River Trail offer scenic views. The Sundial Bridge, a pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a local landmark spanning the river.