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RicB's avatar
RicB
Explorer
Sep 04, 2023

Northern CA wildfires

We have reservations in Crescent City, CA in a week. The campground informed us that due to the wildfires the air quality was bad and hwy 199 was closed. Anyone been in the area recently? Our goal is to see the redwoods. If we go further south will we get out of the smoke, etc.?
  • No one can tell you today what the smoke and air quality will be like in a week. Have an alternate plan.

    And now for the rest of the story.
    199 is also a prohibited CA route for 40' MHs. See CA Bus Maps. If you are stopped on a prohibited road it could be a very bad day that involves towing, etc.
    Avenue of the Giants is VERY narrow and many an RV gets damaged. Do you have a toad?
    We prefer to stay at Ancient Redwoods RV Park in Redcrest. Both the 101 exits immediately north and south are OK to get to this park. We have stayed at Crescent City but not to visit the Redwoods.

    Correction: The bus maps show prohibited roads for MHs OVER 40' which includes 199.
  • No, the maps include OK roads up to 45' and prohibited roads for MHs over 40'. 199 is prohibited for MHs OVER 40' so I'll correct my post.
  • We are currently staying in Brookings, OR, 25 miles north of Crescent City, CA. Yesterday, we played golf in Crescent City, starting around 11AM. At that time, there was a very slight smell of smoke and a slight haze in the distance. Nothing I would call "unhealthy" for people without breathing problems.

    2 hours later, there was no sight or smell of smoke at all as the wind had shifted from the west.

    The locals we talked to said that yesterday was typical in that there usually was a little smoke in the morning, but it clears out in the afternoon. Also, they said they haven't had any thick smoke in over a week - probably due to the fire being contained more and more each day.

    Regarding 199 - It was closed about 2 weeks ago to all traffic; however, on Friday, it was opened to commercial traffic only. I think it is still closed to non-commercial traffic.
  • According to trip check this morning 199 is open. Google Maps says it's closed as you can't route from Grants Pass to Harris Beach on 199. Heading to HB St park in a week so hopefully 199 is cleared.