The road trip is a staple of the American summer agenda, thanks in part to our impressive highway systems, varied landscapes, and widespread locales—the best of which may just be our national parks.

If you’re eager to add miles to both your odometer and your hiking boots as you gaze upon astonishing sights, there is possibly no greater road trip to embark on than a Circle of Discovery adventure. This ring of seven national parks loops through Northern California and southern Oregon and features some of the most beguiling wonders the planet has to offer. You’ll encounter the world’s tallest trees, a mysteriously deep lake, brilliant stone passageways, and landscapes scarred with furious volcanic activity. If you thirst for an extraordinary summer odyssey, pack up your vehicle with a tent, camping supplies, and the spirit of adventure and make your way to this route through unforgettable phenomena.

Clear your head in Whiskeytown

While the name may suggest a dusty Western saloon town, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is actually a peaceful wilderness featuring forested mountains peering over a crystal-clear lake. Hike up to waterfalls that pour their bounty into the lake bed, kayak down quaint creeks meandering through the surrounding woodlands, or, if you’d like to experience a taste of the California gold rush, purchase a gold-panning pass and scan the grounds for this highly sought-after metal. The recreation area includes nine scenic campgrounds, but your day doesn’t have to end with these Whiskeytown escapades; you’re only just over an hour away from the next stop in the Circle of Discovery. Take Route 44 east briefly past Summertown to a deceptively gorgeous park that conceals striking subterranean wonders. (As you travel between parks, stay clued to the National Park Service website for updates in anticipation of potential road or park closures.)

Hot-stone leaping in Lassen 

Though it may seem like an unassuming companion to Whiskeytown’s dense pine forests and moderate peaks, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a lesson in the beauty that can arise from chaos. Its jagged trails, volcanic mountainsides, boiling mud pools, and fumaroles—gaseous vents that breathe steam from the pits of the earth—offer thrilling glimpses into the momentous natural disasters that shaped the park grounds as they appear today. Take an exhilarating hike through these hectic trails that come alive with audible volcanic activity, then rest beside the tranquil Manzanita Lake to appreciate Mother Nature’s nurturing side. Dog-friendly campgrounds along this lake are the perfect accommodations to spend the night, though advance reservations are recommended.

Lakes and lava galore

Wake up to the sounds of bufflehead ducks and mountain quails chattering around Manzanita Lake, then clean up your camp and head out to another geological wonder: Lava Beds National Monument. This park lies at the end of a twisted, two-hour drive north of Lassen. Reference your map often to stay on course—the Circle of Discovery is more a figurative route than a direct one. Once you arrive, it will be immediately evident that this park has been rocked by sporadic volcanic eruptions over the last half-million years. Descend straight into the outcomes of these disasters with a self-guided trek through one of over eight hundred caves, each of which was formed by spouting magma. You may encounter remarkable American Indian rock art, but you won’t be spelunking alone; these caves are home to sixteen species of active bat colonies. For another historical experience, make the approximately ten-minute trip to the Tule Lake National Monument. This somber remnant of American actions during wartime is full of informative sites and exhibits, but it is only open to those with tour reservations.

The deep crevices of Crate Lake 

Once you’ve had your fill of volcanic conditions, pack up and proceed due north into Oregon via picturesque, forest-lined highways. (One particularly scenic stretch of this route runs along the blue shores of Upper Klamath Lake.) Head straight for the base of Mount Scott, where an even more impressive setting lies: Crater Lake.

Welcome to the deepest lake in the United States, a freshwater wonder that descends a profoundly vast 1,943 feet into the earth—a couple hundred feet beyond the height of New York City’s One World Trade Center. A collapsed volcano is responsible for this incredible aquatic chasm, which was so volatile it completely self-destructed in the aftermath. But the scene today is remarkably peaceful in contrast. Crater Lake is fed not by inlet rivers or streams but by a consistent bounty of rain and melting snow from the surrounding peaks, so it practically glitters within the peaceful mountainsides that frame it.

There are many potential sites where you can set down your baggage and marvel at this vast blue lake. Choose the comfortable Crater Lake Lodge if you’re craving a soft bed with views of the waters, or rough it in the forested Mazama Campground situated a substantial hike from the shore. Just note that due to this park’s popularity and protected status, any accommodations will likely require reservations several weeks in advance.

Strolling “The Marble Halls of Oregon”

Wherever you wake up, the fresh and crisp air from Crater Lake should tempt you to draw closer to the shore and witness sunlight glittering off its pristine surface. But don’t idle for too long. You’re only about three and a half hours away from your next stop, which lies at the end of a route wriggling down into southwest Oregon.

Make your way into Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, a pleasant system of trails through the bright-green Siskiyou Mountains wilderness. But, as its name suggests, the greenery on the surface is just an opening act for the main event: a winding cave through geological structures such as calcite formations and marble passages that give the cave its “Marble Halls of Oregon” nickname. Be forewarned that the National Park Service deems the route “moderately strenuous” due to its length, occasional very low ceilings, and many stair steps.

Once you return to the surface, consider camping at one of the seventeen peaceful open-air sites, where you can stay up late stargazing at the site’s famous clear skies.

In the presence of prehistory 

Next, course a breathtakingly verdant route southwest toward California’s Pacific shores, where a populace even grander than the beach will steal your attention. In the Redwood National and State Parks, you’ll find what are not only the tallest trees on earth but also the world’s largest living beings. With their signature reddish bark and vast green canopies, these trees are known to live for over 2,000 years and grow over 360 feet tall.

To get up close to these ancient wonders, head to a trail at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park or Humboldt Redwoods State Park about an hour and a half farther south. While camping is allowed near these locales, strict guidelines are in place to preserve the elder trees to ensure they stand for many generations to come. As the adage goes, “leave only footprints,” so it’s best to pay your respects to them and then depart, walking only in the designated areas to avoid trampling on vulnerable tree roots.

Closing the loop

If you’re traveling from Prairie Creek, start a jaunt down US Route 101 along the Pacific Coast, then proceed east by southeast, or head directly east from Humboldt. After a few hours, you’ll zip past Whiskeytown again and land in Redding, where you can lodge in a proper hotel before a flight or road trip home the next morning. Because of its proximity to so many national parks, this town offers numerous hikerfriendly and even pet-friendly accommodations, particularly in the neighborhoods overlooking the bustling Sacramento River.

Once your journey comes to a close, take a moment to reflect, curl up with your loved ones, and look back at the keepsakes from your trip. With such a bevy of thrilling wonders to behold, the Circle of Discovery’s seven parks may unveil some of nature’s best-kept secrets—and even draw you back for another adventure to discover more.

For more info, visit nps.gov/redw/circleofdiscovery.htm