Community Forums

JimM68 · 10-10-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spidey

We're heading to Nehalem state park this weekend, I'll let you know our impression.

been there. VERY nice, hope you enjoy!

JimM68 · 10-10-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp

I've made this recommendation to someone from Vancouver before. If you plan to go out to Astoria on your way south, I'd recommend coming across West on SR20 and taking the ferry from Coupeville (Whidbey Island) to Port Townsend. The ferry isn't cheap, but you save a lot of miles by not going all the way south to Portland and then back north again, following the Clumbia, to Astoria.

If you're planning on visiting Seattle, you could do it on the way back.

Another place I'd suggest visiting is the Astoria Air Museum. It's housed in what was a WW2 US Navy airship hangar. They have an interesting collection of airplnes, most of the flyable, but to me, the building was the big draw. It almost 200' high at the peak of the roof, about 300' wide at floor level and (apart from the structure supporting the doors) is entirely made of wood and without any inside support pillars.

A good idea, but from what I hear, Canadians NEVER take the American ferry.

Also, from a BC friend who has done the math, taking the BC ferry to vancouver, then driving from there is a dollar cheaper, IF you fill up with American diesel once you get across the border. and you know what they say, a dollar is a dollar...

Tony Lee · 10-10-2012, 09:52 PM

We've travelled down that coast twice and have always been able to find fantastic spots in pullouts on headlands and the like.

Probably highly frowned upon, but so far nobody has ever objected to our choice of boondocking spot.

Well, perhaps not entirely accurate. There was the fisheries ranger in Montana and the crooked policemen in Morocco but I don't count the first because there was a"no overnight camping" sign hidden in the trees.

Malibu65 · 10-10-2012, 11:01 PM

The State parks are great. but, my best kept secret is the Sea and Sands RV park near Depoe Bay. Your right on the beach or there are tiered levels to camp and see and here the ocean. I'll bet you will stay a few days extra once your there.Brooking's is great too.

beaverfever · 10-11-2012, 05:09 PM

Another place I'd suggest visiting is the Astoria Air Museum. It's housed in what was a WW2 US Navy airship hangar. They have an interesting collection of airplnes, most of the flyable, but to me, the building was the big draw. It almost 200' high at the peak of the roof, about 300' wide at floor level and (apart from the structure supporting the doors) is entirely made of wood and without any inside support pillars.[/QUOTE]

i believe you are referring to the tillamook air museum about 65 miles south of astoria in tillamook

**Janet H** · 10-11-2012, 05:23 PM

If you are going during the summer you need reservations! The Oregon state parks are some of the best in the country but they fill up fast. Another vote here for the Tillamook Air Museum.

Whale watching trips from Depot Bay are good fun, Lighthouse Tours are always nice, Go to the oregon coast aquarium in Newport, spend the day wandering around Cannon Beach and avoid Mo's.

A number of towns have working docks and you can buy fresh seafood right off the boat - bring a large pot and some butter.

JimM68 · 10-11-2012, 06:53 PM

as long as we're in tillamook, the cheese factory is worth a tour

Terry Jay · 10-11-2012, 07:04 PM

A consideration. Driving South on the Coast is the pits because of the glare off the sea, especially as the days shorten. Consider including the Oregon Coast as part of a Northward journey.

IWillRVToo · 10-11-2012, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Jay

A consideration. Driving South on the Coast is the pits because of the glare off the sea, especially as the days shorten. Consider including the Oregon Coast as part of a Northward journey.

True... but...
The vast majority of viewpoints, pulloffs and other points of interest are on the west side of the road. It can be almost impossible to get back out onto the road, across traffic heading south and into the flow of northbound lanes.

To the OP, are you wanting to drive the road, or really see the coast?
I ask because the road can be driven in as little as 2 days - or- like me, you may find yourself running out of time trying to see it all in 3 weeks.

stich · 10-12-2012, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWillRVToo

True... but...
The vast majority of viewpoints, pulloffs and other points of interest are on the west side of the road. It can be almost impossible to get back out onto the road, across traffic heading south and into the flow of northbound lanes.

We are also traveling the Hwy 101 up the coast in a week. What about us north-bounders? Are there turn offs or are they all on the west side of the hwy? Don't want to be pulling off across traffic if it can be helped.

frankdamp · 10-12-2012, 10:22 AM

About 75% of the viewpoints are on the west side of the road. CGs are both sides.

Yes, I meant the Tillamook Air Museum - DUH.

When I mentioned the ferry, I didn't mean the Sydney - Anacortes run, assuming you were mainland BC. If you're on Vancouver Island, I'd definitely recommend the Red Ball to Port Angeles. If you're a mainlander, my suggestion was the ferry between Coupeville, on Whidbey Island over to Port Townsend, on the Olympic Peninsula. If you look at the map around the WA/OR border, you'll see a long drive in the NW direction to get to the nothern tip of the Oregon coast. Add that to the 230+ miles from Burlington to Portland, it's a lot of driving. Even heading from Olympia to the WA coast and then to the Astoria bridge is quite a stride.

Possum · 10-12-2012, 10:44 AM

I second Franks suggestion re the Ferry to Port Townsend. DW and I will be doing the "Black Ball" Ferry to Port Angeles and then out to Neah Bay on 112 and then south. I am told this route is a tough ride but the scenery unmatched on the west coast.

Like all RVing we won't know for sure until we do it. BTW the ferry rides in this part of the world are a little expensive but the scenery is unbelievable. Where else can you whale watch from the comfort of your motorhome as you travel Island to Island.

I just noticed that the Google camera car did the 112 trip headed north. Proves Google really don't know anything.

quadnkev · 10-12-2012, 12:49 PM

Make sure to take a dune buggie ride on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
You can rent ATV's or a side-by-side, lots of fun, don't miss out!

Lots of RV places to stay in the riding areas too.

Dutch Star Don · 10-12-2012, 10:17 PM

We just returned from their. We like doing that route every few years. We start at Astoria. Fort Stevens is a beautiful park and place to stay.

We also like Coos Bay. The Mill Casino is right on the highway and is a nice place to stay. While in Coos Bay, you must see Shore Acres State Park on the Cape Araigo Highway. It's a hlf day activity which includes a beautiful bay, flower gardens and just down the road an overlook of the ocean where thousands of seals gather all year long. You can hear them barking from a mile away.

Golds Beach is another nice stop. We like staying at Turtle Rock and have taken Jerry's Rogue River Jet Boat ride twice. It's a great experience.

Florence is a nice town and a good place to get fuel (always the cheapest). Brookings is nice and there is a small town called Bandon that is great to walk. They have a couple of empty lots at the beginning of town that will fit a large RV.