u/Electronic_Use_8625

Need advice on our Redwoods itinerary for early June.

Day 1: Eureka → Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway → Howland Hill Road → Stout Grove → sleep in Crescent City.

Day 2: Prairie Creek Visitor Center → James Irvine Trail + Fern Canyon together → drive into Oregon with a couple Samuel H. Boardman stops → sleep in Bandon.

We’re considering skipping Avenue of the Giants entirely. Is that a mistake for a first redwoods trip, or are Howland Hill + Prairie Creek the more special experience anyway? Also are we missing anything that we could squeeze in? All suggestions welcome! Thank you

Need advice on our Redwoods itinerary for early June.

Day 1: Eureka → Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway → Howland Hill Road → Stout Grove → sleep in Crescent City.

Day 2: Prairie Creek Visitor Center → James Irvine Trail + Fern Canyon together → drive into Oregon with a couple Samuel H. Boardman stops → sleep in Bandon.

We’re considering skipping Avenue of the Giants entirely. Is that a mistake for a first redwoods trip, or are Howland Hill + Prairie Creek the more special experience anyway? Also are we missing anything that we could squeeze in? All suggestions welcome! Thank you

Two guys late 20s, driving one-way from Sacramento to Portland over 8 days (May 29 - June 5). Not hikers, not campers — just want to see some insane scenery, do one or two hikes that are actually worth it, and not be miserable from driving all day every day.

Current rough plan:

• Day 1 — Sacramento to Yosemite (late start, arrival evening)
• Day 2 — Full day Yosemite, want to do Mist Trail to Nevada Fall as our main hike
• Day 3 — Glacier Point morning, Tioga Road if it's open, Mono Lake sunset, sleep Lee Vining
• Day 4 — Dead drive day through Redding to stage for the coast (open to suggestions here)
• Day 5 — Avenue of the Giants, sleep Arcata/Eureka
• Day 6 — Full Redwoods day, Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek elk, Crescent City
• Day 7 — Jedediah Smith in the morning, Crater Lake, sleep Klamath Falls
• Day 8 — Bend, Portland

Two specific questions:

Is Mist Trail to Nevada Fall realistic for two guys who are fit but don't hike regularly? Not trying to suffer, just want the experience.

And is Crater Lake worth it in early June knowing Rim Drive is closed and it's basically just Rim Village? Or should that day go somewhere else?

What would you actually change?