Doing some long range planning in case we are stuck in the country next year.One plan is to head west and arrive at Olympic NP around October 1 and then gradually work our way south along the coastal route over the next month.Looking at average weather for cities along the route, looks great (we love 40-70F weather) but particularly in mountains, weather can be a lot different from the cities and we aren't familiar (a quick search online didn't find much info).What are the likelihood of snow along the route in October and does it tend to hang around once it's there. No issues waiting a few days for an early snow to melt off but we don't want to feel pressure to run snowy/icy passes because once they are snowed in, they stay that way till spring.PS: If not bad, does hanging around into November (before hitting california) seem viable for driving.

Not sure where you are coming from! Could be hard getting across several mountain ranges. We have already had some good snow and harsh weather.Once getting across Puget Sound onto Olympic Peninsula weather is better, but still have to watch.Most places will be closed so campgrounds will be sparse.

October can be some of the Oregon and Washington coast’s best weather.

I doubt you'll see snow if you follow the 101 south. Bad weather, storms and rain yes tho. Of course it is usually raining up in the northern section anyway.

October is fine for traveling south. It didn't snow up towards Shasta until this last week.

enblethen wrote:Not sure where you are coming from! Could be hard getting across several mountain ranges. We have already had some good snow and harsh weather.Once getting across Puget Sound onto Olympic Peninsula weather is better, but still have to watch.Most places will be closed so campgrounds will be sparse.Are the campgrounds closing early due to Corona? Looking online, seems like plenty are open thru October with many open year round along the coast.Not as worried about coming west in September as we would be mostly taking the freeway (which tends to get quick attention) and if weather looked really bad (and not likely to clear any time soon), we could always dive down and use Utah as an alternate route (giving up the northern coast). More concerned about tight twisty turny 2lane/2way along the coast if conditions are bad and won't clear out until spring.

West coast - Washington to Mexico...starting October 1

enblethen
Nomad
Nov 15, 2020
If you are adventuresome, CA 1 south of Ft Bragg is interesting. West from Willits on CA 20.
Don't recommend going south from Leggett. Not sure if legally you could travel on that section.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2020
There is a lot of beautiful coast in CA vs a boring interstate. But I5 south is a option and if so take 20 to I5.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Nov 15, 2020
CA Traveler wrote:
agesilaus wrote:
The one problematic area on the coast hwy is Frisco.
Never take 101 through SF. Cross the GG, they will bill you for the toll or pay online, keep right, 2nd exit is 19th Ave, use center lane to 280. Mid day only, Sun best. About 6+ miles of local traffic.

North bound no toll.

get back to I-5 prior to Redding,
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2020
agesilaus wrote:
The one problematic area on the coast hwy is Frisco.
Never take 101 through SF. Cross the GG, they will bill you for the toll or pay online, keep right, 2nd exit is 19th Ave, use center lane to 280. Mid day only, Sun best. About 6+ miles of local traffic.

North bound no toll.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Nov 15, 2020
Oct/Nov altitude is not your friend,, stay low as you can. Shasta can snow that time of year, but it is rare, and won't stay on long.
stickdog
Explorer
Nov 15, 2020
Every year is different. What works one year won't work the next. Something I learned farming floods last year drought this year or vice versa.
One thing we have going for us is more reliable weather reports that reach out ten days or so. Not perfect but better than a big toe that tells you the weather is going to turn.
valhalla360
Navigator
Nov 15, 2020
agesilaus wrote:
"More concerned about tight twisty turny 2lane/2way along the coast if conditions are bad and won't clear out until spring. "

Thousands of big RV's drive up and down 101 every year. We did with a 35 ft fiver from N.Cali up to the end of 101 in the Olympic Peninsula. But take I-5 if you are worried, be ready for the six foot potholes in Cali. The one problematic area on the coast hwy is Frisco.

I'm not particularly worried if the weather is decent but add in snowy and icy, not so interested.

I will agree, Cali roads are lousy. Just finished a loop thru the central valley then out thru Palm Springs. You'd think with gas being a $1/gal higher than the rest of the country, they would have the money to keep the roads up...but that's a different subject.
enblethen
Nomad
Nov 15, 2020
Many commercial campgrounds close right after Labor day.
Some of the national park campgrounds never opened because of Covid.
There is some good places to stay along the coast that should be open or normally would be opem.
Where are you coming from?
agesilaus
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2020
"More concerned about tight twisty turny 2lane/2way along the coast if conditions are bad and won't clear out until spring. "

Thousands of big RV's drive up and down 101 every year. We did with a 35 ft fiver from N.Cali up to the end of 101 in the Olympic Peninsula. But take I-5 if you are worried, be ready for the six foot potholes in Cali. The one problematic area on the coast hwy is Frisco.
FlashBuddy
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2020
Exactly where are we meetin up and who is bringing the beer?