. . .Might be helpful if we know where you will be departing from & how many days you have to spend on the trip before you *need* to be back; and when you plan on going - weather will change things. . . Benchmark Maps - available on Amazon - makes some GREAT map books if you plan on doing it frequently. . .With the drought, Shasta ( and most CA lakes ) are very low; also there has been quite a haze up in that area with the fires. . .( I have made about 6 flights from O22 to O46 this month & was IFR near Beale AFB Saturday, because of the smoke; if fires go out thing will change ) Crater lake is a great experience; there last year. . .Camping or lodging?. . .Also look at Hwy 395 & Hwy 89 thru Lassen Park; Hwy 5 is BOR-ING!. . .Hope you have a wonderful trip