11 Can’t Miss Spots for a 30-Day Van Road Trip
Guest Author: Leo Aristov
As Vanlife becomes more and more popular these days, avid adventurers are constantly seeking out new, lesser-known spots to discover. Exploring in a camper van allows for more flexibility and less hassle for space than say, a large RV. With private campsites filling up fast on a reservation basis, travelers are constantly looking for intuitive ways to make their trip be as hassle-free and memorable as possible. One app that has been increasingly popular is iOverlander; providing a community-based, crowd-sourced way of mapping everything from wild campsites and showers, to Wi-Fi hotspots, dump stations, clean drinking water, and laundromats. It has become a vital lifeline and is constantly updated by fellow travelers. Take a look at some spots we were able to find both with the help of the app and some basic research when traveling through Oregon and California.
Secret Beach & Natural Bridges (Brookings, OR)
This is undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and breathtaking coastline in all of Oregon. Just north of Brookings is a small pull-off off HWY 101 with a trail that leads down to a stretch of beach, with rows of towering natural bridges emerging from the oceanic swells. While delicate and prone to erosion, a few bridges can be traversed along their “spines” for a truly unforgettable experience. Please be advised that these paths can be quite narrow and pose a falling risk to anyone without proper footwear and scrambling awareness.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Crescent City, CA)
Driving away from the coast, you will come to a popular stop for anyone looking to be completely immersed in the incredibly dense groves of giant redwood trees. There are multiple paved roads to access this free park and lots of easy looping trails to walk in solitude. For the curious adventurer, some trees are naturally hollowed out and can be climbed through for an even greater experience. There are also several places to stay for the night across the Smith River divide, along Highway 197.
Pluto’s Cave & Lava Tubes (Mount Shasta, CA & Tulelake, CA)
Have you ever wondered about what lies below the very ground you’re traveling on? While Mount Shasta is a sight to behold on its own, below the volcano lie a series of complex lava tunnels just begging to be discovered. A local favorite, Pluto’s Cave, can be accessed by a semi-paved dirt road perfectly suitable for a medium-sized camper van. After a short hike, the underground cave presents itself in a variety of geologic phenomenon. Measuring about a mile long, Pluto’s Cave will challenge your climbing prowess and dexterity. Be sure to bring plenty of flashlights, reinforced boots, and head protection as the cave can be somewhat challenging. Further east lies Lave Beds National Park, which houses around a dozen lava tubes to explore, each ranging in difficulty and complexity. Campsites may be limited along the stretch of Highway 97 but there are plenty of dirt roads that surround the mountain to stay for the night. Some with existing fire pits and pull-offs.
Smith Rock State Park & Alpaca Sanctuary (Terrebonne, OR)
Just about an hour north of Bend lies Smith Rock State Park. A perfect haven for rock climbing enthusiasts, hikers, golfers, paddlers, etc. The area has well over 1,000 different climbing routes and attracts Vanlifers from around the world to tackle some of its technical climbs, including the Monkey Face rock, which jets straight up like a pillar. Outside the park, there is an alpaca sanctuary a few miles down the road. These alpacas have been rescued from various countries in South America and the ranch provides a comfortable walk around the premises to look into the livelihood of these curious animals.
Bandon Beach (Bandon, OR)
This quaint beach is easy to miss since it is not directly off of HWY 101. While the parking lot overlook provides great views of the surrounding area, the best kept secret is to walk down the long wooden staircase to the beach itself. Be warned that this area is very prone to high winds, sneaker waves, and flying sand. Once you are down, there are several amazingly distinct rock formations to check out including Face Rock, Wizard’s Hat, Keyhole, Table Rock, and numerous stacks stretching out in the distance. On top of all that, there are various labyrinth-like caves around the area that can only be accessed during low tide. As the sun sets, this area transforms into a photographer’s paradise – rock formations begin to cast long, endless shadows onto the mainland, as the ocean water provides a beautiful reflection onto the varying landscape.
Lower McCloud Falls, Mossbrae Falls (McCloud, CA), Burney Falls (Burney, CA), Toketee Falls, Proxy Falls (Bend, OR)
Finding a shower while living the vanlife can be hard, almost impossible at times. There are a number of resorts that supply hot showers but they all come with a cost. Fortunately, areas around Deschutes, Shasta-Trinity, and Umpqua National Forest can help out with a natural refresher. The water may be on the chilly side depending on the time of year, however those who have a passion and commitment to step outside their comfort zone will be glad they did. Not only are these falls awe inspiring, but the cleanliness of the water from the snowmelt is an added bonus. South of the town of Mount Shasta, is a community-based hostel called Loge which offers a communal kitchen, outdoor firepits, bike rentals and warm showers.
Campervan Rentals Available in Portland, Boise, Salt Lake City, and Coeur d’Alene/Spokane.