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Lemont46 · 03-06-2013, 09:13 PM

We're planning a drive up the Oregon Coast from Crescent City, California to Seattle at the end of March. Most posts recommend going north to south, but we want to cruise down I-5 to get to our southernmost point and then budget our time coming back up to Seattle.

Are we at any significant disadvantages driving this direction? Also, any great recommendations for late-March stops on the coast?

We have a 37-foot Itasca Meridian.

Thanks!

1ciderdog · 03-06-2013, 09:38 PM

We live in southern Oregon and have traveled north from Crescent City on 101 numerous times. You shouldn't have problems but it is more convenient to go north to south so you don't have to cross the traffic lane to pull in or our of a scenic site. Going north when you are getting ready to cross the traffic into one of those sites you need to look across the highway to make sure there is room for your RV and if not head on up the highway. Just my personal opinion but I wouldn't hesitate to go south to north understanding the inconvenience of the lookout spots on the coast side of the highway.

1ciderdog · 03-06-2013, 09:39 PM

Deleted - it was a repeat

BillJinOR · 03-06-2013, 10:04 PM

As the prior post states pull outs and viewpoints are on the left causing more crossing a busy 2 lane hwy to happen , more of a problem pulling back out onto a 55 mph road. But south to north is just as pretty.
That time of year is a great time to visit .. Crowds aren't there yet weather can be great or a rain out. It's a toss up. If its great you'll be amazed at the beauty ! Heck even if its not ;-)

Alan17 · 03-06-2013, 10:07 PM

If you are planning to overnight along the way I would recommend the sea perch rv resort (Home - Sea Perch RV Resort - oregon rv park,oregon rv resort,oregon coast vacation rentals,oregon coast vacation home,northwest rv park,Central Oregon Coast,oceanfront rentals,oceanfront lodging)
or the Sea and Sand RV Park (Sea and Sand RV Park on The Oregon Coast)
Both have ocean front rv spots with good amenities. There are others but these are two of our favorites.
Either way you go N>S or S>N you will have great scenery.

Arch Hoagland · 03-07-2013, 12:04 AM

I've done both and it's six of one and a half dozen of the other.

Didn't make any difference to me.

There are a ton of places to stay along the way. Florence is a good place to visit for a couple days.

Lemont46 · 03-07-2013, 08:53 AM

Thanks to all for the quick replies! We're hoping less traffic in March than later in the season will help our ability to get into the pull-offs. And we're from Seattle, so a little rain won't bother us

. I'll post some info after our journey.

for36rd · 03-08-2013, 04:37 PM

I would also consider the state parks. They are about 100 miles apart as you go along the coast. I did the coast north to south one fall and stayed just at the state parks. They drop the cost in the fall and raise them in the spring. It made them very cost effective. Most have water and electricity at the site. We stayed about a week at each park. This allowed us to dump when we left at there dump stations that were free. All together it was great. Easy walk to the beach and usually just a short drive to the little coastal towns.

frankdamp · 03-08-2013, 08:38 PM

Doesn't make much difference, particularly off-season. We've done Cape Blanco to Lincoln City and Astoria to Tillamook, both early or late season. It's a bit of a hassle pulling out across the southbound lanes, particularly if you're pulling a toad, but much of the highway south of Lincoln City is three lanes, with the middle one a designated turn lane.

From Tillamook to Astoria, it's pretty narrow and winding, so pulling across from sightseeing stops might be more trouble. Take it easy an go with the flow. You'll be fine.