Northern California road trip

Question

We’re taking a road trip to Oregon from Orange County California end of October. We need to be in Salem OR November 1st. Planning on driving north on the 395 and for our return trip going south on the 101.

First night in Mammoth, 2nd night in Portola.

Can anyone advise me on nice places to stay between Portola and Salem Preferably a nicer hotel/resort/condo.

We’ve traveled many times on the coast so we have our favorites going south already

Answer

Your Northern California road trip along US-395 north and Highway 101 south sounds fantastic! Since you’ll have your first two nights covered in Mammoth and Portola, here are some suggestions for nice places to stay between Portola and Salem, focusing on comfort, scenic surroundings, and resort-style amenities where possible.

Traveling north from Portola, you’ll likely go through northeastern California and southern Oregon before reaching Salem. The route takes you near areas like Susanville, Redding, Mount Shasta, Ashland, and Medford.

Susanville, CA: A convenient first stop north of Portola if you want to break up driving. Options are limited but consider clean, newer hotels like Hampton Inn Susanville for a comfortable overnight stay.
Redding, CA: A larger city with upscale options. You can find nice hotels and resorts near the Sacramento River. Recommendations include:
- Oxford Suites Redding – Spacious suites with complimentary breakfast, great for relaxing after a day of driving.
- Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge – Modern amenities, central location, and views near the iconic Sundial Bridge.
Mount Shasta, CA: If you enjoy scenic mountain views, this is an excellent spot to stay before entering southern Oregon. Consider:
- Mount Shasta Resort – Comfortable rooms with mountain views, plus a golf course and lake access.
- Best Western Plus Tree House – Cozy and conveniently located with good amenities.
Ashland, OR: Famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, this charming town has upscale accommodations and a lively downtown:
- Ashland Springs Hotel – Historic boutique hotel with elegant rooms and central location.
- Plaza Inn & Suites at Ashland Creek – Modern comfort with easy access to restaurants and attractions.
Medford, OR: Another good mid-way stop with resort-style options:
- Inn at the Commons – Comfortable, well-rated hotel close to dining and shopping.
- Rogue Regency Inn – Offers suites, pools, and good amenities for families or couples.

For a more scenic or luxurious stop, you might consider Mount Shasta or Ashland. Both offer natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming town centers that make your overnight stay more memorable. From Ashland or Medford, it’s about 3–4 hours north to Salem, which allows you to relax the night before reaching your final destination.

Tip: Since it’s late October, check for early snow conditions along US-395 and mountain passes—particularly near Mount Shasta—as this could affect timing and road conditions.

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