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The Complete West Coast Adventure – From San Francisco’s Icons to Oregon’s Wonders and California’s Peaks (A Journey Overview)

This series documents an extensive road trip along the U.S. West Coast, beginning in the vibrant city of San Francisco and venturing north through the stunning landscapes of coastal California and Oregon, with forays into Washington. The journey then loops south through Oregon’s volcanic heartland, including Crater Lake, before re-entering California to explore its majestic peaks like Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park, eventually concluding in Los Angeles. Each post offers a day-by-day account, blending personal experiences with detailed information on visited locations, including historical context, geological significance, visitor tips, and natural highlights. This overview serves as your guide to the entire journey, with links to each detailed installment.

The Journey Unfolds:

1. San Francisco Unveiled – Tech Hubs, Historic Isles, and Iconic Bridges
   • Covers: Departure from near Los Angeles, a surprising grass fire encounter, bargain hunting at the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore, a drive through Silicon Valley (NXP, onsemi, Marvell, Google), parking at Millbrae BART, navigating with Clipper card on Google Wallet, a chance meeting with a Synopsys ex-employee, hostel experiences, a night walk through Columbus Avenue (North Beach) and Chinatown. The second day includes the iconic Bay to Breakers race, a visit to Alcatraz Island (ferry, audio tour, history of “The Rock”), navigating public transport challenges to reach the Golden Gate Bridge for a full walk across, and exploring Golden Gate Park. The third day features the California Academy of Sciences, observations on San Francisco’s social fabric in the Tenderloin/SoMa, a delightful ride on the historic cable cars and F-line streetcars, and a culinary highlight with Saigon Sandwich. The final San Francisco day involves driving over the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County, visiting Battery Spencer for classic bridge views, and ascending Mount Tamalpais East Peak for unparalleled Bay Area panoramas via Gardner Lookout.
   • [https://mmeyer.tech/san-francisco-unveiled-tech-hubs-historic-isles-and-iconic-bridges/]
2. Pacific Breezes & Redwood Empires – Journeying North from San Francisco
   • Covers: Departure from Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes National Seashore (wildlife encounters: deer, coyote, sea lions; geology of the Salinian Block; history; conservation efforts), sunset drives, an overnight stay near Sonoma Coast State Park. The following day includes a sunrise experience in Sonoma Coast State Park (coastal features, biodiversity), a local’s tip at Black Point Beach leading to wildflower discoveries, and an immersive drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park via the Avenue of the Giants (old-growth forests, Founders Grove), concluding with a brief visit to Redwood National Park (home of the world’s tallest trees, RNSP partnership, Hyperion).
   • [https://mmeyer.tech/pacific-breezes-redwood-empires-journeying-north-from-san-francisco/]
3. Oregon’s Dramatic Shores – Dunes, Quads, and a Bridge to Washington
   • Covers: Crossing into Oregon, admiring Meyers Beach (Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor), encountering the unique sand dunes mixed with forests leading to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (formation, ecosystem, quad biking adventure with Dune Bugs/CMS). The journey continues north along the coast, including a helicopter flight experience, culminating in crossing the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge into Washington. The day ends with a drive along the Columbia River to Portland, Oregon, a stay at the Northwestern Hostel, and witnessing a surprise fireworks display for the Portland Rose Festival.
   • [https://mmeyer.tech/oregons-dramatic-shores-dunes-quads-and-a-bridge-to-washington/]
4. Portland’s Urban Charms & The Mighty Columbia River Gorge
   • Covers: Exploring Portland’s famous food truck scene (Cuban sandwich), visiting the legendary Powell’s City of Books, renting a Nike bike to see the International Rose Test Garden and then Pittock Mansion for city views. The next day involves a group adventure with fellow travelers from the hostel, driving the Historic Columbia River Highway, with stops at Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, Latourell Falls, and the iconic Multnomah Falls (including a hike). An attempted visit to the Bonneville Lock and Dam fish ladder is thwarted by closing time, before heading to a free camping spot in Zigzag, near Mount Hood.
   • [https://mmeyer.tech/portlands-urban-charms-the-majestic-columbia-river-gorge/]
5. Volcanic Peaks & High Desert Oases – Mt. Hood, Bend’s Cascade Lakes, and Subterranean Wonders
   • Covers: An early morning on Mount Hood (Trillium Lake, Timberline Lodge), then driving south to Bend. Stops include Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint and a significant hike at Smith Rock State Park (geology, rock climbing, slackliners). Around Bend, the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway is explored, with a snowy hike attempt towards Green Lake, kayaking on Lava Lake, and an adventurous drive up Davis Mountain Lookout Road. The journey continues with exploring Skylight Cave (lava tube, sunbeams), hiking up Black Butte for panoramic views, visiting the stunning Green Ridge Lookout (views of Mt. Jefferson), and catching sunset at Mt. Washington Viewpoint before driving the N Santiam Hwy and stopping at Sahalie Falls on the McKenzie River.
   • [https://mmeyer.tech/volcanic-peaks-high-desert-oases-mt-hood-bends-cascade-lakes-and-subterranean-wonders/]
6. Crater Lake’s Azure Depths & Southbound to California’s Peaks
   • Covers: Visits to Salt Creek Falls, Detroit (Oregon), and hiking Spencer Butte near Eugene. The journey then leads to Crater Lake National Park, learning about Mount Mazama’s cataclysmic formation, attempting snowy hikes to Garfield Peak and Watchman Overlook. Crossing back into California, stops include a notably tall flagpole, hiking on the slopes of Mount Shasta, and sunset/sunrise views from Hat Creek Rim. Exploration continues in Lassen Volcanic National Park (though limited by snow) and a hike to Sierra Buttes Lookout. The urban segment includes Sacramento (Old Sacramento, State Capitol, an unexpected drag show). The final leg is the drive to LAX, including an eventful car wash, and the flight home to Zürich.
   • [https://mmeyer.tech/crater-lakes-azure-depths-southbound-to-californias-peaks/]

Join me as I recount these adventures, offering insights, tips, and a deep dive into the incredible destinations encountered along this unforgettable West Coast journey!