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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 123
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NorCal and SoOregon Coast
Just over a year ago, we downsized from our 42 foot, fifth wheel, toy hauler to our first motorhome- a 33 foot Thor Omni. We have not yet added a toad, as towing is what we wanted to get away from. We hadn't been to the redwoods for 30 years or so, and decided to see if "sightseeing" in the motorhome was feasible.
Day One- Put our heads down and just drove, 340 miles from home (central California) to Grants Pass, Oregon. Hit some slightly unseasonable weather going over Siskyou Pass on the California/Oregon border (rain, snow and hail), but planned to hit that area in early afternoon and it worked; nothing was sticking to the roadway. Spent the first night at Riverpark RV Resort. No amenities, and no place to really walk the dog (our Vizsla goes every place we go), but absolutely charming. Our site backed right up to the Rogue River!
Day Two, three and four- We have a favorite place on Lake Silticoos (just south of Florence) where we planned to stay for three days. Easy drive on day 2, 150 miles right down the Umpqua River, past the elk viewing area, to Reedsport, then north about 15 miles. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed due to Covid, and it started raining that night. The rain continued, non-stop, until the second evening. Nevertheless, it may have been the highlight of our trip, as we met and thoroughly enjoyed the company of a fellow irv2 member! Guaranteed that if we can meet up again, we will!
Day Five- Easy 120 miles down to Gold Beach. Unfortunately, rain continued off and on. We didn't want to walk the half mile trail to the ocean and get caught in the rain. Stuck to short walks around the park.
Day Six- Stopped raining at the California border!! Even easier 84 mile drive to Kamp Klamath RV. Really enjoyed this park! Well maintained trails through the trees and down to the river. Very nice, grassy site. I'd go to this park again!
Day Seven- 99 miles to Ancient Redwoods RV Park, on the Avenue of the Giants.. Our plan had been to be stopping frequently for sightseeing and maybe a short hike or two. That didn't seem to work out, so we spent a little more time just hanging in the park. It was very disappointing. No amenities at all. No pool, no "clubhouse", no place to walk the dog, no mature tress, no table in our site.... I would not recommend this park.
Day Eight- What an adventure!!! We hoped to stop frequently on the Avenue of the Giants, but dogs are not allowed on any of the hiking trails! Don't get me started on that. So far, we had been on US Highway 101. At the northern terminus of the coast highway (California Highway 1), we headed for the coast. Within the first 100 yards, there are two signs: One says Not Recommended for trailers over 30 feet, kingpin to rear axle. Then one that says Motorhomes over 40 feet PROHIBITED! We are only 33 feet, so I continued. There were maybe a dozen turns POSTED at 15 mph, and two posted at 10 mph! It was the "curviest" road we have ever been on, but not really stressful, as we were in no hurry. Stopped for lunch on a turnout just outside Fort Bragg. Beautiful view!! Finished our 125 mile day at Manchester Beach/Mendocino Coast KOA. This place is huge! Pool, spa, cooking gazebo, 2 playgrounds, basketball court, frisbee golf course, boceball, huge dog park, plus cabins and tent sites in addition to RV sites. But this is in Snowy Plover habitat, so once again no dogs on the beach trail.
Day Nine- My wife was really nervous about this leg. It is only 71 miles from Manchester Beach to Bodega Bay, but she has done this stretch a couple of times in a car and she was worried about doing it in the motorhome. Absolutely no sweat!! Dry camped at Doran Beach as we have done many times. Nice Long Beach to walk the dog on.
Day Ten- Very familiar drive from Bodega Bay home.
Overall, not sure about "sightseeing" from the motorhome. May have to start researching toads!
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Barry and Patti
2021 Thor Omni XG32
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