Community Forums

Sky_Boss · 03-07-2017, 10:52 AM

We are finalizing our travel plans and have a few questions about the route on HWY 101 from Ventura CA to Seattle WA.

1. Besides the Golden Gate Bridge, are there any tolls on HWY 101 or close by alternative routes we might stumble on? I've done a quick check of CA and I don't see any but I haven't done that for OR or WA yet.

2. It looks like the toll for our coach and toad for the GGB will be $37.50 (5 axles) unless they actually bill me separately then $30. Except for use of the "curb lane" I don't see any kind of restrictions otherwise. I'm assuming we will probably set up a pay-by-plate for the 1 time we cross with the coach and toad along with perhaps a few crossings with the car during our week long stay. Is this about right and are there any other options for navigating around SFO to consider?

BTW our plans are:

1. 2-3 days at Rincon Parkway - Ventura
2. A week at Pismo Coast Village - Pismo Beach
3. A week at Betabel RV Park - San Juan Bautista
4. A week at San Francisco RV Resort - SFO (I know...EXPEN$IVE)
5. Still working the plan up to Seattle. Suggestions for a 43' MH welcome.

Scooter · 03-07-2017, 02:24 PM

No toll on GGB northbound...only southbound. Don't try bypassing GGB by going to East Bay..traffic can be rough.

MisterT · 03-07-2017, 02:32 PM

we did the same route SOUTHBOUND last year, and RinconParkway was a perfect overnighter... right on the water : )

we had the southbound lanes on 101, which is the 'cliff' side, and is beautiful, and a little unnerving at the same time, but enjoyable...

Sky_Boss · 03-07-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter

No toll on GGB northbound...only southbound. Don't try bypassing GGB by going to East Bay..traffic can be rough.

COOL! I just saw that.

Sky_Boss · 03-07-2017, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterT

we did the same route SOUTHBOUND last year, and RinconParkway was a perfect overnighter... right on the water : )

we had the southbound lanes on 101, which is the 'cliff' side, and is beautiful, and a little unnerving at the same time, but enjoyable...

Our friend suggested we unhook a few miles before we get there and then scout it out before we bring in the coach. We will need to go NB on 101 to get tuned around for parking with the pax side to the ocean.

frankdamp · 03-07-2017, 03:12 PM

We were regulars on the OR and WA coasts. We live at the northern end of WA on the only San Juan Island you can drive to.

The OR coast is spectacular - lots of decent -sized towns and things to see and some of the best state parks in the country. The WA coast is a string of small towns and doesn't have a lot of CGs. It can get boring after a while. I'd suggest getting off 101 after crossing the Astoria bridge and heading across to I-5 at Olympia for the remainder of your trip to the Seattle area.

Alternatively, the northern coast of WA is a bit more interesting, with mountain access and nice small cities. You could make a second 101 loop counterclockwise from Olympia to Port Angeles and go to Hurricane Ridge, then take the Port Townsend ferry over to Whidbey Island and head up to our area on SR-20. That will get you back to I-5 in Burlington. Side trips to Anacortes and a ferry ride (without the MH) to San Juan Island and Orcas Island are nice things to do.

We've lived in WA since emigrating from the UK in 1968, in Anacortes since 1999, and have no plans to leave until we're wearing wooden overcoats!

Stiltner · 03-10-2017, 09:56 AM

As a Northern Californiain i suggeest to call SF RV Resort for the current status. Parts of Pacifica are condemned due to sea erosion. Your travel plan is A-OK. You'll enjoy Pismo area. See if you can swing by Hearst Castle. San Juan Bautista is close to Monterey and Carmel so your good there too. Happy Trails.

brokenrule · 03-11-2017, 11:41 AM

Local Bay Area news reported some road issues so check with http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/di...php?page=us101 to make sure all is clear.

Sky_Boss · 03-11-2017, 12:01 PM

We've scrapped the plans to go to Rincon because the spots are only 44' long and with my bike rack I'm 44'5" long. LOL We will spend a few days at the Bakersfield RV Resort instead.

After SFO we go to :
5. Santa Rosa CA (Sonoma Fair Grounds)
6. Fortuna CA (Riverwalk RV Park)
7. Redding CA (Redding Premier)
8. Canyonville OR (Seven Feathers)
9. Fairview OR (Portland-Fairview RV Park)
10. Randle WA (Cascade Peaks)
11. Seattle area (TBD)
12. Anacortes WA (TBD)

So...as you see we decided to leave HWY 101 after Fortuna and run up I-5 to get some mountain viewing time.

Rambeau · 03-11-2017, 12:18 PM

Are you planning to cross over to 5 on 299 out of Eureka? A slide in December is still causing some problems for thru traffic. I would continue up the coast to Crescent City, CA and cross over to Grants Pass , OR on 199. That also gets you around the high passes on I-5 (Ashland) (Weed). 299 is also has some steep pulls.

Sky_Boss · 03-11-2017, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokenrule

Local Bay Area news reported some road issues so check with Current Conditions to make sure all is clear.

Thanks! I have that link bookmarked to keep track of things. We will be leaving out of the San Juan Bautista area on May 5th so we will see how things change.

cruzbill · 03-11-2017, 12:20 PM

So many places to see-Mt St. Helens is spectacular! Drive all the way to Johnston Ridge Observatory (in your toad!) You would need at least one whole day, as the mtn itself is off I-5. Highly recommended!

Sky_Boss · 03-11-2017, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambeau

Are you planning to cross over to 5 on 299 out of Eureka? A slide in December is still causing some problems for thru traffic. I would continue up the coast to Crescent City, CA and cross over to Grants Pass , OR on 199. That also gets you around the high passes on I-5 (Ashland) (Weed). 299 is also has some steep pulls.

Yes, that is the plan but we will keep this in mind. I wasn't impressed with the RV parks around Crescent City so we thought we would go east sooner but if need be, we will adapt! THANKS!

Sky_Boss · 03-11-2017, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzbill

So many places to see-Mt St. Helens is spectacular! Drive all the way to Johnston Ridge Observatory (in your toad!) You would need at least one whole day, as the mtn itself is off I-5. Highly recommended!

We did that last year...you are so correct! The movies were great, especially when they pulled the curtains to the side. We are looking to visit Mount Rainer from Cascade Peaks. Also thinking of taking a couple days before we go to Seattle to visit Crater Lake.