Roadtrip with RVshare Portland to Mount Shasta

Offering you a tour of western Oregon as you travel down Interstate 5, a Portland to Mount Shasta RV road trip can be a quick drive or an extended adventure. During this drive, you will enjoy plenty of forested mountain scenery, some interesting architecture, and vast agricultural areas. Then, you head over the mountain and drop into northern California to be greeted by the majestic Mount Shasta in the distance.

Nearby National Parks

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is the pride of southern Oregon and an awe-inspiring sight that you will not want to miss on your Portland to Mount Shasta road trip. It is the only national park in the state, and it features the deepest lake in North America. There are over 90 miles of hiking trails that you can use to explore the area around this pristine blue lake. In the summer, enjoying wildlife is easy by hiking or driving around the rim of the lake. In the winter, snowshoeing and other snow-based activities are available. Enjoy the lodge, café, and gift shop while you are there.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is also located in northern California near the coast, and it is home to some of the tallest trees on the planet. The park covers 139,000 acres and protects a varied, unique landscape of oak forests, prairies, riverways, and part of the coastline. It also protects endangered animals like northern spotted owls and Steller’s sea lions. The weather is usually mild and humid with quite a bit of rain that supports a magical ecosystem of mossy hills, downed trees, and fern groves. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a fascinating area to explore. It is full of bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, geysers, and numerous volcanoes. You will also enjoy jagged mountain peaks, gorgeous blue lakes, and fields full of wildflowers. Be sure to visit the Drakesbad Guest Ranch and soak in a hydrothermal pool, go horseback riding, swim, or fish. Enjoy bird-watching and checking out wildlife in the area. 

Nearby State Parks

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park, located southeast of Salem, is the largest state park in Oregon. It covers over 9,000 acres. This park has been called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system because of its scenic beauty, many recreation opportunities, and historic presence. Check out the 177-foot-tall South Falls, where you get a rare opportunity to walk behind the beautiful wall of water. Follow the Trail of Ten Waterfalls that leads through densely forested landscapes. This park offers more than 35 miles of hiking trails through the countryside. Day-use areas with spacious lawns, picnic tables, barbecue stands, a playground, and horseshoe pits sit along a charming little creek. There are also areas to camp.

Valley of the Rogue State Park

Situated right off the freeway between Grants Pass and Medford, Valley of the Rogue State Park is a perfect pitstop on your way down Interstate 5 during your road trip from Portland to Mount Shasta. This park includes a day-use area and a campground along 3 miles of shoreline on the Rogue River. Stretch your legs while taking a self-guided interpretive stroll along the water's edge. This park offers restrooms, a nice grassy area for picnicking, and spots fishing on the bank of the Rogue River. 

Castle Crags State Park

Castle Crags State Park features a set of dramatic rock formations in northern California, the tallest one being close to 6,500 feet. The Castle Crags Wilderness is at the edge of the park. This is a wonderful area for picnicking, hiking, and fishing, and it's also a great place to camp for the night. The picnic area is right on the Sacramento River. The variety of hiking trails through peaceful forest landscapes offers something for every skill level. Be sure to check out the pedestrian suspension bridge.

Along the Way

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari is a drive-through animal park located in Winston, Oregon. Hundreds of animals wander freely through the 600 acres. You will meet lions and elephants from Africa, American bison and elk, brown bears, zebra, giraffes, and many other species. There is also a walk-through courtyard that you can explore to meet some of the park’s smaller residents. This park is home to one of America’s most successful cheetah breeding centers. 

KC-97 Fuel Tanker

The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is home to the KC-97 Fuel Tanker, a unique historic aircraft. This plane was part of the Strategic Air Command and was often used as a transport and cargo carrier, hospital ship, and in-air refueler. This plane was built in 1952 and was deployed to many areas before its retirement in 1978. The final flight was made in November of 1990 to the airport where it was restored and is now on display to be enjoyed by future generations. 

Siskiyou County Museum

The Siskiyou County Museum opened its doors in 1951 to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Siskiyou County. Their displays highlight the people, places, and events that shaped the area. The 2.5-acre Outdoor Museum shows machinery, early transportation vehicles, and reconstructed buildings. Yreka, California, was a huge Gold Rush town, and this museum will tell you the whole story. 

Lithia Park

Lithia Park is located in Ashland, Oregon, and it's the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs before heading over the mountain into California. The park consists of 93 acres that stretch along Ashland Creek near the downtown plaza. It is filled with beautiful wooded paths to walk, playgrounds for the kids to enjoy, a duck pond, and a tennis court. There is also a beautiful antique fountain and a carefully manicured Japanese garden. In the summer, they have open-air concerts in the bandshell. In the winter, the park features an ice-skating rink. Enjoy watching the birds, listening to the gurgling creek, and seeing deer now and then.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon, and it's a friendly, sleepy college town that you'll want to include on your road trip itinerary from Portland to Mount Shasta. It is located on the Willamette River and has many parks full of walking trails, beautiful foliage, and birds. It is also the home of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. In addition, the city features the Fifth Street Public Market, which is full of cafes and locally owned stores. 

If you need an RV dump station when you reach Eugene, you will find a free service at the Chevron Gas Station on Irving Road. If you decide to spend the night at a campground, you will find a nice RV spot at Armitage Park. It is on the McKenzie River and is close to downtown but still in the woods, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

Ashland, Oregon

Ashland is located in southern Oregon just before the California border. This beautiful little town is known as the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It is also known for its beautiful parks, Lithia Park and North Mountain Park, both of which are spectacular and worth taking the time to explore. In addition, Ashland has Emigrant Lake at the edge of town and Ski Ashland in the winter.

If you need a dump station while in Ashland, look for the Valero Station on Ashland Street. They do charge $8, but you can get fuel and supplies while you are there. If you wish to camp for the evening, check out Ashland’s Creekside Campground and RV Park. 

Yreka, California

Yreka is in the northern part of the state. It has a rich history of gold mining, some of which you can see on Historic Miner Street. Be sure to explore Greenhorn Park and the trails that lead up to spectacular views. 

If you need a dump station while in Yreka, you can use the facilities at the Waiiaka Trailer Haven. They also have potable and rinse water available. If you want to camp overnight, be sure to check out the Yreka RV Park on Montague Road. They have full hookups, Wi-Fi, and propane on-site. 

Find Adventure from Portland to Mount Shasta

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Portland to Mount Shasta, 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 to 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 Portland or Mount Shasta.