Community Forums

dpotts · 03-02-2015, 12:16 PM

How should we drive this route-43' Mountainaire+toad. Should we take Rt.5 to 101 in LA and then take 101 all the way?

We have never driven this route and want to tour the Red Woods. We are planning mid-April.

Thanks

Grandpere · 03-02-2015, 12:38 PM

When I was younger my folks pulled their 35 foot TT with a Suburban on that route and basically there was no problems. Of course that was in the late 60s early 70s so traffic and road changes have occurred I'm sure. So I hope someone pipes in who has recently traveled that route.

Mike and Cha · 03-02-2015, 12:43 PM

However you go, go around San Francisco and then get back on the 101. If you are looking for a scenic ride get on the 101 north of San Francisco, it is a beautiful drive and there are numerous CG's that will fit your rig. you will not have any problems finding CG's or gas stations along the 101 route all the way to Washington. It is a bit slower of a drive, but well worth it, and you will be able to see and drive through the Redwoods this way. There is a really nice CG in Fortuna that has full hook ups, cost about $40 per night, and is centrally located in the Redwoods with many short day trips to take. Don't miss the lumber mill in Scotia, you get to watch them take a timber down to sized lumber.

If you are trying to make good time then just get on the I-5 and go straight up. you will not see much of the redwoods, but it is still very scenic. If you are into the Indian Casinos there are several you can stop at, try Seven Feathers if you go that route, it's the best CG, full hookups for $40 night, $35 with a players card, and free if you stay in the non hookups. There are also some good Casino parking lots on the 101. We took the same trip twice last year, one up to Seattle Washington (up the 5, came back on 101) and one up to Oregon, to the Sisters/Bend area, then over to the 395 and came home down thru the Sierras. can't really go wrong either way just make sure you go around San Francisco, it's not fun in a MH.

jerichorick · 03-02-2015, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpotts

How should we drive this route-43' Mountainaire+toad. Should we take Rt.5 to 101 in LA and then take 101 all the way?

We have never driven this route and want to tour the Red Woods. We are planning mid-April.

Thanks

It looks like a major highway from the Bing view I just looked at. Your rig should handle it fine. The campgrounds may be the problem because many of them are old and built for the pre-slide RVs.

Have a wonderful trip. You are heading into some incredibly beautiful and wonder filled country.

Rick Y

kenhouse123 · 03-02-2015, 02:14 PM

If you have the time, I would take the 405 north to the 101 and head north through Ventura, Santa Barbara. Stop in Solvang along the way. Other good stops heading toward San Francisco are Cambria, Hurst Castle, Moro Bay and Monterey.

twogypsies · 03-02-2015, 06:28 PM

We've drive 101 from San Francisco up through Oregon and Washington. It's big-rig friendly. Don't confuse this with Hwy 1 in California which is not recommended.

A good stopping point is at Ancient Redwoods RV. I think it's at Redcrest, CA, just north of Leggett. It's excellent for big rigs and you will be right in the midst of gorgeous redwoods with nice easy walking trails to explore the big trees.

If you'll be returning to San Diego, we'd recommend getting on Hwy 395. It's a gorgeous highway on the eastern Sierras and is excellent for big rigs.
Have a good trip.

DBL Z · 03-02-2015, 07:09 PM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f42/a-tri...wy-233391.html

dpotts · 03-02-2015, 07:34 PM

Thanks!

biosensai · 03-06-2015, 02:31 PM

If your destination is the Redwoods . . .
Small isolated groves remain in the SF Bay Area. Most of the bigger groves are between Leggett & the Oregon border. Sequoia Redwoods are in the Sierra - Sequoia National Park. The coastal are taller, the Sequoia much wider. Both are awesome. Here's what I would suggest. Out of SD, take 15 over Cajon Pass to 395 to 58 to Bakersfield up 99 to the general area around Visalia. Take the dinghy up to SNP - not the RV. Allow at least one day. I recommend lunch at the lodge. Then take 99 to 5 thru Sacramento to 20 in Williams. Take it past Clear Lake to 101. From there access the north coast trees.
If you prefer to stay along the coast, I'd suggest you still take 15 out of SD to the 210 to 134 to 101. When south of SF, park the RV, take the car to Henry Cowell State Park. When finished, walk to the adjacent Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad & go for a great ride! Then head up to the big groves north of SF.

Please contact me if you'd like anything detailed including RV park recommendations along these routes.

jerichorick · 03-07-2015, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biosensai

If your destination is the Redwoods . . .
Small isolated groves remain in the SF Bay Area. Most of the bigger groves are between Leggett & the Oregon border. Sequoia Redwoods are in the Sierra - Sequoia National Park. The coastal are taller, the Sequoia much wider. Both are awesome. Here's what I would suggest. Out of SD, take 15 over Cajon Pass to 395 to 58 to Bakersfield up 99 to the general area around Visalia. Take the dinghy up to SNP - not the RV. Allow at least one day. I recommend lunch at the lodge. Then take 99 to 5 thru Sacramento to 20 in Williams. Take it past Clear Lake to 101. From there access the north coast trees.
If you prefer to stay along the coast, I'd suggest you still take 15 out of SD to the 210 to 134 to 101. When south of SF, park the RV, take the car to Henry Cowell State Park. When finished, walk to the adjacent Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad & go for a great ride! Then head up to the big groves north of SF.

Please contact me if you'd like anything detailed including RV park recommendations along these routes.

. Many thanks for the great touring info. I am going to put your suggestions into my Streets & Trips for reference.

Rick Y

SteveSkinner · 03-23-2015, 08:44 PM

We are also on a coastal trip north to Napa and will be visiting Roaring Camp Big Trees railroad next Saturday.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

Mr_D · 03-23-2015, 08:53 PM

In CA there are some sections of highway that are off limits for any MH's and buses that are 40' and over in length. CA has a web site and maps that show which routes to stay off of.

SteveSkinner · 04-07-2015, 08:09 PM

Note to self
Don't drive from Pacifica ( just south of San Francisco) to Napa with "avoid tolls" ticked on your gps.
What a disaster. I must say down town San Fran at peak hour, exiting Geary St then turning onto I80, is less than inviting

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

jerichorick · 04-08-2015, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSkinner

Note to self
Don't drive from Pacifica ( just south of San Francisco) to Napa with "avoid tolls" ticked on your gps.
What a disaster. I must say down town San Fran at peak hour, exiting Geary St then turning onto I80, is less than inviting

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

Thanks for the warning!