Avoiding San Francisco

Johndanielscpa wrote:
I'll second the I80 to Vallejo suggestion. Exit in Vallejo and take 37 across the bay to the 101. You will pretty much avoid the entire greater Bay Area.

I5 to I80 to get north of the bay? Really? Go all the way up to Sacramento and then go all the way back down to Vallejo?

Per Google, from the Intersection of I5 and 580 to the Intersection of I80 and 37 is 76 miles taking 580 to 680 to 780 to 80. Going from that same spot to the Intersection of I80 and 37 using the suggested I5 to I80 route, is 131 miles.

smkettner wrote:
This goes contrary to your request... However I have found 101N over the GG bridge to be fairly easy if just driven slowly. And no toll going North. :)

Nice place on the coast to catch your breath before you cross:
http://www.sanfranciscorvresort.com/

X2

101 through SF over GG is an easy drive. 4 lanes and some stop lights but not a problem. Plus you get to see the sights.

This goes contrary to your request... However I have found 101N over the GG bridge to be fairly easy if just driven slowly. And no toll going North. :)

Nice place on the coast to catch your breath before you cross:
http://www.sanfranciscorvresort.com/

klutchdust wrote:

djgarcia wrote:

korbe wrote:
If I was coming up I-5, wanted to avoid the Bay Area but get over to 101 to continue up north, I would cut over from I-5 through Clear Lake on Hwy 20. A bit north of the Sacramento area.

Most direct and RV friendly route. There is a Indian Casino half way to 101 and you can dry camp there for free. This route avoids all the possible cities with congestion of traffic. While 101 is doable it is not my first choice for a route when towing because of traffic and congestion!

Do you recall the name of the casino, that may be a good spot for the night . We are looking at possibilities for our first night out then just winging it up the coast.

Robinson Rancheria
1545 State Hwy. 20
Upper Lake
707-262-4000
The Hotel and resturant food do not get real high ratings but for just staying overnight I don't think it is of concern to you. I have eaten there and the food was OK but not what you would expect from a 1st. class Casino.It is approx. 60 miles from I-5/Wiliams to Upper Lake /Casino.

djgarcia wrote:

korbe wrote:
If I was coming up I-5, wanted to avoid the Bay Area but get over to 101 to continue up north, I would cut over from I-5 through Clear Lake on Hwy 20. A bit north of the Sacramento area.

Most direct and RV friendly route. There is a Indian Casino half way to 101 and you can dry camp there for free. This route avoids all the possible cities with congestion of traffic. While 101 is doable it is not my first choice for a route when towing because of traffic and congestion!

Do you recall the name of the casino, that may be a good spot for the night . We are looking at possibilities for our first night out then just winging it up the coast.

korbe wrote:
If I was coming up I-5, wanted to avoid the Bay Area but get over to 101 to continue up north, I would cut over from I-5 through Clear Lake on Hwy 20. A bit north of the Sacramento area.

Most direct and RV friendly route. There is a Indian Casino half way to 101 and you can dry camp there for free. This route avoids all the possible cities with congestion of traffic. While 101 is doable it is not my first choice for a route when towing because of traffic and congestion!

We've done both above suggestions several times. Both are doable, enjoyable and afford nice cgs along the way. We do love Bodega Bay, both the SP and the pvt adjacent cg. If you use Hwy 20, Aurora CG in Clear Lake is nice with an overview of the lake. It's owned by the nearby Casino Tribe. Whether you stay there or not, right on Hwy 20 is the casino's gas station. (easy access - 1585 E CA-20) Fuel there will be cheaper than anywhere else in California. I don't know why but it is. (Current diesel price $2.65) From there, it's an easy drive to Hwy 101 north. Enjoy the trip....Dennis

Billinwoodland wrote:
You could take I5 to 20 (city of Williams) or from I5 take 80 west to Vallejo, take 37 to Lakeville drive, turn right, and this will take you into Petaluma and 101. I have traveled that road a lot. It is a good road with no problems in a 35'A pulling a toad. I think the best answer to your question though is the time of day you will be traveling in the area.

I agree with the I5 to I80 that is the way we go to Petaluma and points north all of the time. If you go that way beware of traffic around Sears Point Raceway. Hwy 37 is also a two lane road so beware of accidents, we sat for 3 hours a few weeks ago behind a jackknifed truck and two cars. Did get to talk with a lot of people though. JMO

Looking at the map as I read your posts we like the I-5 to 20 route, thanks to all..

This question comes up frequently so I saved this. Just reverse the route when going West to east.

Take Highway 20 West out of Williams. 37.1 miles. Williams is at I5 and Highway 20.

Watch for Highway 53 as you drop down a hill after a fairly long climb. Easy climb and multiple lanes.
Turn what would be South onto 53. You will go about 8 miles. Look for the sign to Highway 29 which leads to Kelseyville. This is a nice road and will become freeway in a few miles. Eventually you are back to two lane for a short distance and will come to a stop sign. You are back to Highway 20 again. This leg is about 30 miles. Turn left and enjoy the beautiful drive right to 101

This route will bypass the two lane twisting and winding on the North side of Clear lake. If you want a good view of the lake go ahead and stay on 20 all the way to 101.