Basics
- Location:
- Northern inland California through the volcanic district of the state
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 500 miles (804 km)
- Time:
- Two days to drive or five days to enjoy the Byway.
- Season:
- Drivable year round, Lassen Volcanic National Park is closed typically from November through June
Description
California's section of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is filled with unique geological formations that are stunning. Wavy lava flows and lava tube caves are found under a surrounding landscape of forests, broad wetlands, grasslands, farms, and ranches.
California's section of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway starts from HWY 97 near the California/Oregon border. Junction with HWY 161 east and then onto 139 headed south for roughly 3.5 miles. The Byway turns onto Main Street in the town of Tulelake. Continue on Main Street until the junction of Main Street and East-West Road. Head west on East-West Road for 4.4 miles until Hill Road. Head south on Hill Road for 18.9 miles, past the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. At the junction of Hill Road and Main Monument Park Road, head east on Monument Road for 8 miles to the Lava Beds National Monument Visitors Center. The Monument marks the end the Byway.
Outdoor activities and sports are plentiful and vary through the different seasons. In Redding, access the California National Historic Trail, which carried over 200,000 gold-seeking ‘49ers, the greatest mass migration in American history. Klamath National Forest is a great area to look for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. A must see along the drive is of course, Lassen Volcanic National Park, where there is a wide range of geothermic activity and features.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Biz Johnson Trail (CA)
The Biz Johnson Trail is 25.4 miles of trails on the old Southern Pacific Railroad line.
Directions
State Route 44
Biz Johnson Trail (OR)
The Biz Johnson Trail is 25.4 miles of trails on the old Southern Pacific Railroad line.
Directions
State Route 44
Black Butte Trail (CA)
The Black Butte Trail is a hiking trail to the summit of Black Butte volcano.
Directions
The trail is located 10 miles off of State Route 89.
Black Butte Trail (OR)
The Black Butte Trail is a hiking trail to the summit of Black Butte volcano.
Directions
The trail is located 10 miles off of State Route 89.
Butte Valley National Grasslands (CA)
The Butte Valley National Grasslands are the only National Grassland in California. The wetlands, marshes, and grasslands provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Directions
On Highway 97
Butte Valley National Grasslands (OR)
The Butte Valley National Grasslands are the only National Grassland in California. The wetlands, marshes, and grasslands provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Directions
On Highway 97
California National Historic Trail (CA)
The California Trail carried over 200,000 gold-seekers and farmers to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s, the greatest mass migration in American history.
Directions
The trail meanders across the northern section of California, but you can access it in Redding.
California National Historic Trail (OR)
The California Trail carried over 200,000 gold-seekers and farmers to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s, the greatest mass migration in American history.
Directions
The trail meanders across the northern section of California, but you can access it in Redding.
City of Mt. Shasta (CA)
The City of Mt. Shasta offers many amenities such as food, gas, and lodging. Sisson Museum in Mt. Shasta has a collection of historical climbs ascending Mount Shasta, and other historical artifacts. City Park is the site for the headwaters of the Sacramento River. The site offers picnicking, a playground, and some trails.
Directions
On State Route 89.
City of Mt. Shasta (OR)
The City of Mt. Shasta offers many amenities such as food, gas, and lodging. Sisson Museum in Mt. Shasta has a collection of historical climbs ascending Mount Shasta, and other historical artifacts. City Park is the site for the headwaters of the Sacramento River. The site offers picnicking, a playground, and some trails.
Directions
On State Route 89.
Deer Mountain (CA)
This area offers an abundant amount of recreational activities, plus it is the beginning of more than 250 miles of snowmobiling trails.
Directions
Deer Mountain is located off of U.S. Highway 97, approximately 50 miles south of the California-Oregon border.
Deer Mountain (OR)
This area offers an abundant amount of recreational activities, plus it is the beginning of more than 250 miles of snowmobiling trails.
Directions
Deer Mountain is located off of U.S. Highway 97, approximately 50 miles south of the California-Oregon border.
Emigrant Trail Monument (CA)
The Emigrant Trail Monument commemorates the historic Applegate and California Emigrant Trails.
Directions
Emigrant Trail Monument is located along State Highway 161.
Emigrant Trail Monument (OR)
The Emigrant Trail Monument commemorates the historic Applegate and California Emigrant Trails.
Directions
Emigrant Trail Monument is located along State Highway 161.
Hat Creek and Surrounding Area (CA)
Hat Creek and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities including world-class hang gliding, hiking, camping, and even spelunking in the Subway Cave.
Directions
Hat Creek is located approximately 80 miles southeast of I-5 on State Highway 89.
Hat Creek and Surrounding Area (OR)
Hat Creek and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities including world-class hang gliding, hiking, camping, and even spelunking in the Subway Cave.
Directions
Hat Creek is located approximately 80 miles southeast of I-5 on State Highway 89.
Klamath National Forest - California (CA)
The landscape of Klamath National Forest is very diverse. Its terrain ranges from high desert to lush rain forest. The Klamath Mountains are the oldest of the Pacific coastal mountains, dating back 500 million years. These mountains have ridges of various sizes that have been deeply cut throughout time by moving rivers.
Because of the abundance of forested land and water, the Klamath National Forest is home to a wide diversity of animal and plant species. Almost 400 species of wildlife call the Klamath home,including 100 species of mammals and 237 bird species.
The forest offers great opportunities for hiking, biking,camping, and fishing.
Directions
The Klamath National Forest is located on the east side of Highway 97 on the northern part of the byway.
Klamath National Forest - California (OR)
The landscape of Klamath National Forest is very diverse. Its terrain ranges from high desert to lush rain forest. The Klamath Mountains are the oldest of the Pacific coastal mountains, dating back 500 million years. These mountains have ridges of various sizes that have been deeply cut throughout time by moving rivers.
Because of the abundance of forested land and water, the Klamath National Forest is home to a wide diversity of animal and plant species. Almost 400 species of wildlife call the Klamath home,including 100 species of mammals and 237 bird species.
The forest offers great opportunities for hiking, biking,camping, and fishing.
Directions
The Klamath National Forest is located on the east side of Highway 97 on the northern part of the byway.
