The Places To Stop By on The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway road trip is not all mountains and volcanoes—majestic cascading waterfalls are also a part of the trip, and you should definitely stop and experience them.

At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, you’ll find over five miles of hiking trails and campsites. Hike the trail to the 129-foot Burney Falls, where you can bask in the glory of the natural wonder under the flowing waters. As one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, Burney Falls has captivated President Theodore Roosevelt, who once claimed that this waterfall is “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” 

If you end up leaving the park earlier than expected, check out another beautiful waterfall a bit further down the Volcanic Scenic Byway: McCloud Falls.

With trails along the river, picnic areas, campgrounds, and handicap-accessible areas, this is another pleasant stop on your road trip. 

Mount Shasta

The Mount Shasta region offers travelers the opportunity to get up close with a stratovolcano. With an eruptive past, four vents itself, and four more on Black Butte (the plug dome to the north), the 14,162-foot mountain is an eye-catching natural landmark that'll take your breath away.

Explore the many hiking trails that meander through impressive sugar pine and swaying aspen forests. Are you after the mountain views? Hike the Seven Lakes Basin Trail, one of the best in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and you’ll see panoramic views of Mount Shasta, Mount Eddy, and Trinity Alps. If you’re more of a climber, head to the Castle Crags Wilderness, where you’ll be greeted with granite spires that just beg to be climbed. 

And in case you’re tempted to turn your summer road trip into a multi-day vacation, book a campsite in Mount Shasta to wake up to serene surroundings and adventurous days along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in California.

Crater Lake

You’ve made it to Oregon, and your first notable stop is at none other than the great Crater Lake National Park. The shimmering body of water known as Crater Lake fills the caldera of Mount Mazama and covers a gaping hole left by one of the earth’s largest eruptions in 8,000 years. Not only that, but Crater is also the deepest lake in the United States, offering 360-degree views that’ll captivate just about anyone.

While Crater Lake is the main attraction at the park along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, it only occupies about 10 percent of the entirety of its premises. Beyond the lake, old-growth forests blanket the landscape, and trees shelter a wide array of wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, elk, and spotted owls. Explore the numerous hiking trails and campgrounds, and keep an eye out for the wildlife lurking in the shadows of the towering trees—you might have an encounter with nature that’ll change you forever.