Community Forums

glemo81540 · 04-22-2017, 10:00 PM

After SF will be heading to Portland OR. It's either 101 along the coast or 5 through the center of the state. Any comments about the pros and cons of the alternatives. Traveling in a 40 ft MH with tow. Thanks

Skip426 · 04-22-2017, 10:12 PM

In a hurry?
Or willing to spend an extra day or so seeing some beautiful views ?
Weather can be the determining factor ; I've driven the Oregon coast 5 times and only been able to see the ocean once.
Drove I-5 from Bakersfield to Canadian border , 4 weeks ago , north of Sacramento it's in better shape than it is to the south.
It's been years since I've been on the coast road , 101, so I can't comment.

ph7ptzero · 04-22-2017, 10:18 PM

You will enjoy 101 so much more, especially the red woods and the Oregon coast. Recently there has been patchy ice at the I5 high passes. May have rain on 101 but no freezing temps. Of course will take you twice as much time and you might want to stay a day or two at any number of wonderful spots. I5, one pretty much just wants to get it over with a few exceptions.

twogypsies · 04-22-2017, 10:35 PM

101 was easily done with our 40' motorhome. A good stop is Ancient Redwoods RV in Redcrest, CA right in the middle of the big trees. There are some very nice, flat easy trails to walk to make you seem insignificant.

KarlH · 04-22-2017, 10:44 PM

The Oregon coast via 101 is spectacular with unsurpassed ocean views. I would urge you to take 101, it will take longer, but worth it IMHO. The scenic Redwoods are also nice. Brookings, Bandon, Coos Bay or any of the beach towns would be a nice place to spend a night.

BillJinOR · 04-22-2017, 10:52 PM

Just did 101 San Francisco to Eugene 6 weeks ago. I 5 is the quick way but 101 has much better scenery. 101 is a major highway so a 40ft MH is not a problem. We have a 25 car hauler behind 40' and enjoy the coast hwy much better , if we have the extra day or two to spend.

tmandoug1 · 04-24-2017, 05:55 PM

Double check 101 north of Leggett.......we had to go up I-5 and then cross over on US 199 yesterday to get into Crescent City. Major landslide close both directions.

winniman · 04-24-2017, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarlH

The Oregon coast via 101 is spectacular with unsurpassed ocean views. I would urge you to take 101, it will take longer, but worth it IMHO. The scenic Redwoods are also nice. Brookings, Bandon, Coos Bay or any of the beach towns would be a nice place to spend a night.

Totally agree, beautiful scenery. Going north you dont have to look over the cliff on the passenger side. Some of the roads dont have much shoulder on the cliff side. Be aware when entering the tsunami zones. They have not had one in 300 years, but pays to be informed on what to do in the event of an earthquake.

twogypsies · 04-25-2017, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winniman

Totally agree, beautiful scenery. Going north you dont have to look over the cliff on the passenger side. Some of the roads dont have much shoulder on the cliff side. Be aware when entering the tsunami zones. They have not had one in 300 years, but pays to be informed on what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Are you thinking of Hwy 1. 101 isn't driving on the edge of a cliff.

lbaldwin · 04-25-2017, 12:48 PM

If in a hurry, take I5 north.

I have been up both and would do 101N if possible. Double check for slides, etc.

Several places to stay in Oregon along the coast on 101.

Brookings, Gold Beach, Coos Bay, etc.

101 is mostly 2 lane (1 each way) but will have passing lanes on some hills, along with some pulloffs.

I was in a 43 ft classA with a Toad so had to stay away of CDOT highway restrictions.

Enjoy the trip.

winniman · 04-25-2017, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Are you thinking of Hwy 1. 101 isn't driving on the edge of a cliff.

Maybe I am incorrect, but we only drove on HWY 1 for a short distance as it was closed due to landslides. I certainly do remember looking over the edges on quite a few spots on the coast hwy. Perhaps it was on hwy 1, but I thought portions of it were still in Oregon. I am no expert thats for sure.

travelboy · 04-27-2017, 07:31 PM

101 for scenery. I5 for haste. Although I5 from Redding, CA to Roseburg, OR is scenic as well.

KarlH · 11-08-2017, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Are you thinking of Hwy 1. 101 isn't driving on the edge of a cliff.

Hwy 101 does have a “cliff side,” mostly when traveling south and mostly in Oregon. Traveling north on 101 thru Oregon keeps one pretty much away from the “cliff side.” Some folks get nervous on 101 being on the cliff side, not me and the DW, but it bothers some folks. 101 South is a good road and easily drive-able, IMHO, but it seems to bother some to have a drop off over there, albeit on a good road? Telling someone not to worry about it is akin to telling someone that fears flying, not to worry. By traveling 101 north, you can still see magnificent views of Oregon coast and avoid any discomfort if the drop off bothers you because it is on the other side of the road.