Hwy 101 from Washington to California

[bobhauptmann]

We're in Seattle and are looking at traveling along Hwy 101 through Washington, Oregon and California. We will do this in January. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

[2Yung2 Quit]

Sounds like fun.

[winniman]

Keep an eye on the weather. We did it three years ago, and much of the northern California part was closed due to landslides. That was the year it rained so much. We went at the start of February, but in reality, that isn't too far away from now on the calendar. It is a super scenic route. We really enjoyed it. Enjoy.

[buzz57]

Take your time and enjoy the ride and view! It is a great ride!

[Fred and Bonnie]

I would avoid the SF bay area like the plague, other than that, take your time, expect it take longer than the miles would indicate.

Fred

[Alan_Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie

I would avoid the SF bay area like the plague, other than that, take your time, expect it take longer than the miles would indicate.

Fred

If you go through San Francisco (the city that is also a toilet) you'll pay $31 if you have 4 axles, or $38.75 if you have 5 axles, to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. And since they no longer have toll-booth workers they'll send a bill to the address associated with your license plate. If you're on the road and don't pay the bill in a timely manner they'll add on late fees.

[Dutch Star Don]

Typically when we travel, we can take the distance, divide it by 50 - 55 and get a pretty good idea how long it will take at an average highway speed ( ie: 550 miles = 10 hours).

On the 101 from Washington through Oregon and most of California, north of San Francisco, you can drop that number to total mileage divided by 35. A lot of slow areas through various towns.

[Canuk]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Typically when we travel, we can take the distance, divide it by 50 - 55 and get a pretty good idea how long it will take at an average highway speed ( ie: 550 miles = 10 hours).

On the 101 from Washington through Oregon and most of California, north of San Francisco, you can drop that number to total mileage divided by 35. A lot of slow areas through various towns.

Unless you are in a hurry, take the opportunity to explore those small towns, and ask the locals where they would go for XYZ (e.g., lunch /supper /groceries /sightseeing). This enables a couple of things: you meet locals, and you see or find things that you may never have experienced if you just carried on down the highway. We found the locals were proud of their area, keen to show it off, and appreciated visitors taking an interest in their hometown. If you are a seafood fan, there are many fine restaurants and markets offering fresh seafood, often directly from boats docked in the town.

Also, you do have to keep an ear open on road conditions - slides and washouts have happened, and sometimes repairs take time, which gives more time to explore that last town you rolled on through.

Overall, we highly enjoyed the coastal highway, and will do it again. The slower pace can be relaxing, assuming you are not in rush. If you find the pace and progress too slow, head back to I-5 so you are not frustrated and tempted to drive aggressively.

I hope this persuades you to head down the coastal highway !

Leftie Canuk

[TR4]

Yes, avoid the San Francisco Bay Area between 6am to 10am and 2pm to 7pm. That’s when there’s real heavy traffic. All other times it’s just heavy traffic.

Slim pickens for places to stay in the Bay Area. If your interested in staying just south of SF, near 101, close to BART (to explore the area), P M me. I don’t remember the name, but ride past it when I go on the bay trail. I can get the information for you. They have a great bike trail or you can watch the windsurfers. Also, golf course within walking distance. A little noisy because it’s near SFO airport.

Bill

[Ray,IN]

If you are driving a large long RV, you will not find many pullouts large enough for you along 101 in Oregon or Northern CA.
One of those small towns referenced has an RV park next to the docks, actually it is a blacktop parking lot with hookups. We decided to spend a week there once we arrived for an overnight only. I forget the town name.

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

If you are driving a large long RV, you will not find many pullouts large enough for you along 101 in Oregon or Northern CA.
One of those small towns referenced has an RV park next to the docks, actually it is a blacktop parking lot with hookups. We decided to spend a week there once we arrived for an overnight only. I forget the town name.

Florence Oregon?

[denverh]

Newport, OR has a campground at the marina w full hook ups and has the rogue brewery and distllery across the parking lot. There is also a free shuttle from the campground that runs into town and along the waterfront. Great food. It also stops at local supermarkets. One of our favorite stops when gong down the 101.

[RRR]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

If you are driving a large long RV, you will not find many pullouts large enough for you along 101 in Oregon or Northern CA.

Really? Please do explain. Certain areas, yes. But a blanket statement like that implies you are trying to land a 757 along the coast.

[jdstew]

It would be a shame if your luggage rack or bikes covered your license plate when you went thru the SF golden gate automated toll booths. This assumes you took off your front plate.