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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaFar North
North California

Far North Road Trip

Tulelake - Dorris - Yreka - Fort Jones - Somes Bar

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Historical sites Historical sites
Urban life Urban life
Far North Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km383 h/stage1.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Far North Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 508EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 643EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 352EUR eat & more 324EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 751EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 913EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,114EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,384EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 481EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,156EUR
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Far North Road Trip Itinerary

The Far North Road Trip is a 383 km journey through the beautiful scenery of Northern California, from Tulelake to Somes Bar. This trip is best taken during the summer months, when the roads are in the best condition and the scenery is at its peak. Along the way, you'll pass through Dorris, Yreka, and Fort Jones, each providing unique attractions and experiences. The roads on this trip are mostly in good condition, with some curvy sections along the way. Be aware that during winter months, some sections may be closed due to weather conditions. This road trip is perfect for everyone, providing a high level of enjoyment and memories at a moderate budget. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the Far North!
number of days 3 number of days
route length 383 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Tulelake

Distance 383 km Driving time 7.2 h Pace: modest 99.5 kWh Airports RNO
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Tulelake, located in the far north of the United States, is an ideal starting point for the "Far North Road Trip". For travelers coming by air, the closest international airport is the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (IATA: MFR). Car rentals are available at this airport, making car travel convenient. Once in Tulelake, travelers can explore the sights of this charming town. Highlights include Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds, the Lava Beds National Monument, the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tulelake-Butte Valley Historical Society Museum. Visitors can explore the many lava tubes and caves at the National Monument, spot wildlife at the Refuge, and learn about the history of the area at the Museum. Tulelake is a great starting point for a road trip and offers travelers plenty of sights to explore. Whether you’re interested in natural wonders, history, or just a peaceful journey, Tulelake is the perfect place to begin your "Far North Road Trip".

1 Tulelake - Lava Beds N.M. - Dorris

Distance 137 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: modest 35.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the beauty of the United States of America! Start your adventure in Tulelake, a small town in the northern part of the state. After a short drive of 85mi, you will arrive at Lava Beds National Monument, a unique volcanic landscape. Here you can explore the ancient lava flows, visit the many lava tube caves, and take a walk along the trails to enjoy the stunning views. After exploring the unique landscape of Lava Beds, you will continue your journey to Dorris, a small town located in the southern part of the state. On your way, you will be able to enjoy the scenic road and admire the breathtaking views of the countryside. The drive should take you less than 4 hours. Once you arrive in Dorris, you can visit the local attractions and explore the area. Make sure to take a stroll through the small downtown area and enjoy the charming atmosphere. This is just one of the stages of your journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

2 Dorris - Yreka

Distance 108 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 32.3 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Dorris-Yreka road trip, an exciting journey of 67 miles through the magnificent landscape of Northern California! This journey will take you less than two hours to complete, so you can make the most of your time and explore the area. As you drive, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, lakes and rivers of the region. Make sure to keep an eye out for the scenic road that meanders along the way. Start your road trip in Dorris, a small but vibrant town full of interesting attractions. Be sure to visit the Dorris Museum and the Dorris Library, both of which will give you a great insight into the history and culture of the region. Continue your journey and you'll soon reach Yreka, a charming city perched at the foot of the Siskiyou Mountains. Here, you can explore the Yreka Historic District, the Yreka City Hall, the Yreka Mining Museum and the Yreka Town Square. No matter where you go along the Dorris-Yreka road trip, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Happy travels!

3 Yreka - Fort Jones

Distance 28 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 8.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Yreka to Fort Jones? Get ready to be amazed by the stunning landscape of the 17-mile drive that will take you less than an hour to complete. As you drive, pay attention to the scenic road that will take you through rolling hills, lush green valleys and picturesque countryside. You will pass by the small town of Gazelle, which is a great place to stop for a break and explore the local shops and restaurants. Further down the road, you will reach the charming town of Etna, where you can visit the Etna Brewing Company for a beer tasting. Continue on to Fort Jones, where you can explore the local museum and take a stroll down the historic Main Street. Make sure to stop by the Fort Jones Community Park and enjoy the beautiful views of the Scott Valley. This is just one stage of your road trip, and there are plenty more attractions and sites to explore along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

4 Fort Jones - Somes Bar

Distance 110 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: modest 28.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on a spectacular road trip from Fort Jones to Somes Bar! Along this 69mi journey, you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places of the United States. In Fort Jones, you can visit the Scott Valley Museum and the Scott Valley Playhouse. As you travel, be sure to take in the beautiful views from the steep ramps, winding roads, and scenic overlooks. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so check ahead of time to avoid any surprises. Once you reach Somes Bar, you can explore the Somes Bar Cave and the Somes Bar Picnic Area. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. With fewer than 3 hours of driving, this is the perfect road trip for those looking for a short getaway!

  Somes Bar

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After an epic road trip through the Far North, you will arrive at Somes Bar in California. This small unincorporated community is the perfect place to end your journey. With its stunning mountain views and nearby rivers, Somes Bar is a great spot to relax and enjoy nature. If you’re looking for some entertainment, the local Somes Bar Community Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year. You can also take a stroll through the nearby Somes Bar Historical Park, where you can learn about the area’s rich history. For a taste of the local culture, head to the nearby Somes Bar Café. Here you’ll find a selection of delicious dishes, including freshly caught fish and seafood. If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs, the Somes Bar General Store has a range of items, including handmade crafts and local produce. If you’re traveling by car, Somes Bar is easily accessible from Highway 96. For those flying, the closest international airport is Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) which is around a one-hour drive away. End your Far North Road Trip with a stay in Somes Bar and be sure to explore all the area has to offer. From the local culture and cuisine to the stunning views and nearby rivers, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your taste.

Far North Road Trip at a glance

Surely, the presented Far North Road Trip has become a superb inspiration for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse stopovers of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around California, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to keep in mind to make your road trip smooth. These tips will also become useful for holidayers who opt for car hire or camper rental.
When on a tour around California, there are numerous traffic regulations to be kept in mind. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs while moving in a vehicle around California. Holidayers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is extremely low and is only 0.5‰. Inside the cities, the maximum car speed is 40km/h. If you are aiming for non-build-up areas, you should be mindful of the fact that the maximum speed is 72km/h. When travelling on highways, you cannot exceed the speed limit of 129km/h. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to increase the safety.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. Depending on the budget option that you select, the final cost of the whole road trip may vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is showed below.
Travel expenses connected with fuel in the cheapest option will be around 50 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost holidayers roughly 242 EUR. Tourists should also remember about the fact that they will spend approximately 216 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay about 135 EUR if they go for the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from roughly 508 EUR to around 643 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 5 stages around California can amount to 75 EUR. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs can amount up to roughly 352 EUR. The standard option in terms of food and restaurants may cost up to more or less 324 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car can expect a cost of around 162 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 913 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend more or less 751 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 1,384 EUR for the whole Far North Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend about 1,114 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 270 EUR. In the premium version of the road trip, the approximate cost of gasoline for 5 stages around California will be 88 EUR. You should expect to pay about 432 EUR for restaurants and food and about 594 EUR for accommodation if you are searching for the top standard of services during your tour.
Our tour can be easily adjusted to the requirements of all camper fans. When it comes to this means of transport, you should expect the costs of around 675 EUR. Camper fans will spend roughly 100 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidayers who will go for camper rental should expect to pay around 165 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned costs in detail.
The part of California showed in our itinerary idea is great to be explored between May and October. There are numerous exciting adventures that we offer on our website if Far North Road Trip has inspired you. The broad spectrum of travel opportunities will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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