When you live in the northwest, there are plenty of opportunities to travel from city to city in an RV. One of the most memorable trips that you will take when it comes to wilderness exploration is the trip from Boise to Reno. There is a national park, several state parks, and a few national forests to explore along the way. If you have some extra time at the end of your trip, you can spend a few days gambling in Reno. You can also easily travel south a little bit and spend some time exploring Lake Tahoe. This trip is great for hiking in the spring and summer, but there are several places that you can ski in the area if you are up for traveling during the winter.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
On this Boise to Reno RV road trip, you will pass right by Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park is 106,000 acres, and it was made into a national park on August 9, 1916. While you are visiting, make sure to hike up to Lassen Peak. It is a 5-mile hike, but the view of Mount Shasta is unforgettable on a clear day. There is also a 3-mile hike to Bumpass Hell, where you can see mud baths, fumaroles, and colorful rocks. If you are planning on stopping at this national park, be aware that some of the roads close during the winter, but skiing and snowshoe hikes are still an option.
Lake Owyhee State Park
On your Boise to Reno road trip, you are going to pass by Lake Owyhee State Park, which is an Oregon state park that any angler or water enthusiast would love to spend some time exploring. Because Lake Owyhee is a relatively shallow lake, it is ideal for catching largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and catfish. There is also a boat ramp that you can use to enjoy a day on the water.
Goose Lake State Park
Another state park in Oregon that you will pass is Goose Lake State Park. This is a great stop for wildlife lovers because the park is home to several species of mammals and waterfowl. There are multiple trails that loop around the park and are great for hiking. If you would like to enjoy Goose Lake, you will need to visit the park during the spring because it dries up during the other seasons. If you come during the right time of the year, kayaking on the lake can be quite enjoyable.
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is one of the California state park that you will come across during your RV trip. The park is only accessible by boat, but making an effort to visit is well worth the time that it takes to get there. The area is full of juniper trees, so look in the trees for the nests of ospreys and bald eagles. The park has lava flows covering about two-thirds of the 6,000 acres of land, and if you have the chance to hike up the 5-mile Spatter Cane Loop Trail, you will be able to see quite a few volcanic features as well as some amazing views of the area.
McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
The highlight of McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the 129-foot waterfall found in the center of the area. It is a very picturesque waterfall, and the trail that goes past the falls smells amazing with all of the oak trees, the cedar trees, the ponderosa pines, and the Douglas firs along the path. Burney Creek also flows through the park, so fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are also activities that are often enjoyed.
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park is a gem when it comes to state parks in California. The park is 4,500 acres, and Eureka Peak, also known as Gold Mountain, can be found within the area. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore in Plumas-Eureka State Park, but if you want to learn more about the mining history, check out the museum that can be found in the park. There is also a blacksmith shop with demonstrations, a miner's home, and more to explore. Take a look inside the Eureka shaft to see what an old mine looks like. If you visit during the winter, several trails are turned into places that you can go skiing.
Lake Abert
Include Lake Abert on your road trip itinerary from Boise to Reno to see Abert Rim, which is the longest exposed fault scarp that you will find in North America. Under the rim is Lake Abert, the only saltwater lake in Oregon. Because of this, birdwatchers will be able to see a very diverse population of birds and waterfowl in the area, so bring your binoculars.
Warner Canyon Ski Area
Warner Canyon Ski Area is one of the oldest ski hills in the state. The top lift elevation at this location is 6,683 feet, and it is mostly a moderate ski experience that your entire family can enjoy, even if you don't have a lot of experience skiing. There is also a rustic lodge where you can relax between trips down the hill.
Thousand Lakes Wilderness
The Thousand Lakes Wilderness is located in Lassen National Forest. The area is 16,000 acres, with several alpine lakes that are located throughout the property. There are several hiking trails that you can explore; in fact, there are approximately 21 miles of trails. The lakes provide some of the best fishing in the area.
Ontario, Oregon
The first large city that you will encounter during this road trip from Boise to Reno is Ontario. The city is located along the Idaho-Oregon border. While you are visiting the city, take the time to visit Jordan's Crater and see one of the most recent volcanic flows in the state. The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is ideal for nature lovers because there are over 800 species of eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons that live on the cliffs in the canyon. If you are planning on staying a few days in the area, there are several campgrounds to consider, and some have dump stations.
Lakeview, Oregon
Lakeview is a town that is located about halfway through this road trip. It is actually called the "tallest town in Oregon" because it is positioned about 4,800 feet above sea level. While you are in this town, visit some of its highlights, like the Heryford Building and the Schminck Memorial Museum. You may also want to visit Hunters Hot Springs. Since you are traveling in an RV, finding a dump station nearby could be useful so that you can offload some of your black and gray water before moving on, and if you want to extend your stay, check out some of the area campgrounds.
Susanville, California
Susanville is a small town in California that is located about 60 miles west of Reno. While you are visiting the area, make sure that you explore Susanville Ranch Park. It is a beautiful place to hike, relax and admire the wildlife, or ride your horse. There is a small casino in Susanville that you can enjoy if you are looking for some adult entertainment. The Lassen Historical Museum is also a point of interest that is well worth visiting.
If you are planning on spending a bit of time in this town before continuing on your trip, there are several campgrounds in the area where you can stay with an RV. If you would like to enjoy some fishing before reaching your final destination, Eagle Lake RV Park has great fishing options and is only 15 minutes from downtown. Rancheria RV Park is a great place to check out if you have kids who will enjoy being kept busy with activities during the day, and it also has a dump station.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Boise to Reno, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Boise or Reno.