Points of Interest between Bothell, Washington to Bakersfield, California

picture of Bothell, Washington

Top Five Popular Attractions between Bothell, Washington and Bakersfield, California

Are you planning a road trip from Bothell, Washington to Bakersfield, California? Whether it’s for business or pleasure, you’ll want to make some stops along the way to break up the drive. Luckily, there are plenty of exciting places to visit on this route. Here are the top five attractions you don’t want to miss.

The Route and the Halfway Point: Weed, CA

Before we dive into the top attractions, let's talk about the route. From Bothell, you'll take I-5 South all the way down to Bakersfield. The drive is just over 1,100 miles and will take you through some stunning scenery, including the Cascade Mountains and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a detour to the coast and drive down highway 101 for a portion of the journey.

The halfway point on this route is the small town of Weed, CA. It's the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and take in some beautiful views of Mount Shasta. Weed is also home to the Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum, where you can learn about the town's history as a major player in the lumber industry.

The Top Five Places to See List

  1. Crater Lake National Park, OR - Crater Lake is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest. This deep blue lake is set in the caldera of an ancient volcano and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Visitors can take a drive around the rim of the lake, go hiking on one of the many trails, or take a boat tour.

  2. Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA - Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to an active volcano and a variety of geothermal features, including mud pots and geysers. Visitors can hike to the top of the volcano, explore lava tubes, and see some of the area's unique wildlife, such as the Sierra Nevada red fox.

  3. Redding, CA - Redding is a great place to stop and take a break from the drive. You can visit the Sundial Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge that spans the Sacramento River, or check out the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a science and nature center with interactive exhibits.

  4. Yosemite National Park, CA - Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks in the world, and for good reason. The rugged beauty of this park is unmatched, with granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. Visitors can hike to the top of Half Dome, drive Tioga Road, or simply sit and take in the breathtaking views.

  5. Sequoia National Park, CA - Another stunning national park along this route is Sequoia. This park is home to the largest trees in the world - the giant sequoias. Visitors can take a drive through the park to see these massive trees, or get out and hike on one of the many trails.

Conclusion

If you're planning a road trip from Bothell, Washington to Bakersfield, California, you're in for a treat. Along the way, you can visit some of the most beautiful national parks in the country, explore small towns with rich histories, and take in stunning views of the Pacific Northwest. To make the most of your trip, consider taking a few extra days to really soak it all in. Regardless of how long you take, be sure to stop at these five attractions - Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redding, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia National Park - for an unforgettable experience.