McCall, ID

gregsmith212 · 03-10-2010, 01:46 PM

My new bride and I are going to be traveling from McCall, ID to the Sacramento area. Any ideas on cool things to see along the way? We've got up to four days to make the trip home.

Greg

Aldercrest · 03-10-2010, 01:52 PM

I'd suggest a trip up the Steens Mountain Loop in SE Oregon. On the way, you'll pass through the Malheur Wildlife Refuge where you should see a lot of birds if your timing is right.

There are also some interesting posts about Pyramid Lake north of Reno somewhere on this forum. We have driven through the area but haven't camped, so maybe someone else here can provide some details.

gregsmith212 · 03-10-2010, 03:18 PM

Thanks Aldercrest!

**daveb** · 03-10-2010, 03:56 PM

It might be slightly out of the way and I don't know how cold it is there right now but Craters Of The Moon? If you're from ID you've probably been there though.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-10-2010, 04:09 PM

And if you go by Craters of the Moon, be sure and stop at EBR-1 - the first nuclear reactor to produce commercial power. Now decomissioned and open for self guided tours.

Mike

scatter · 03-10-2010, 04:59 PM

Pyramid Lake is neat, but the good camping is (was) on the east side of the lake and the Indians have shut that off to overnight stays. Day use only.

Ed in Montana · 03-10-2010, 05:23 PM

I'm not sure what the winter has been like down at Craters of the Moon National Monument this season, but last year we stopped by on the way back from our Mojave Desert tour. It was the fourth week of March, and the park visitor center was open, but all the roads in the monument were still closed by snow. That chunk of lava covered country is a few hundred feet higher than the rest of the Snake River Plain and pulls down more winter precipitation it seems.

jage · 03-10-2010, 06:52 PM

I thought the Crystal Basin area was pretty neat. There are a lot of great campgrounds spread out around the lakes, some of which are free. Might be a good place for your last night.

JIMAPAL · 03-10-2010, 09:10 PM

If you go by the way of Malhuer NWR and Steen's Mountain, Oregon, there is a great camp ground (Page Springs) on the south end of Malhuer at the base of Steen's Mountain. Also check out the wild horses on the south side of Steen's.

charlie56 · 03-10-2010, 11:29 PM

If you are going to take main highways, take 395. Once you get into California and the Sierra's , the mountain scenery is fantastic. You go from high desert to conifer forest. Tour the Gold country to the N.E of Sacramento. Grass Valley, Nevada City, etc.

If you have that much time are you planing for a backroad adventure?