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DBakker1's avatar
DBakker1
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013

Portland to San Francisco on the 101

In the Fall we are planning a trip from Portland to San Francisco
I want to take the 101 down the coast has anyone taken this trip with a Class A Motorhome? Do I need to be concerned about low overhead and that type of thing?
It seems that every time I plan a trip I run into low overhead or very narrow roads
We would also like to know good camping places on the route
Thanks for your help

19 Replies

  • X-2 on avoiding California 1. Twisty. Fun in a Porsche, but not a 40'DP.

    After the kiddies are back in school, campsite availability should open up. Generally no problem on workdays (M-F). Enjoy the trip!
  • Where are you going to stay when you get to San Francisco? Golden Gate Bridge toll is only collected going south - free when going north. After going over GGB, you want to get on 19th Ave and go south to hook up with I-280 on the west side of the city. Don't stay on Highway 101.

    One of the best places to stay on Highway 101 on the Oregon Coast is in Reedsport - Winchester Bay. It is a county park and a really great place to spend some time.

    Barb
  • did the trip last fall returning from Alaska to visit daughter in SanFrancisco. We were in 5th wheel. Did 101 and rte 1 awesome trip. 101 is piece of cake. rte 1 is white knuckle in many places but oh so beautiful. Golden Gate toll there was someone there to take our money $20..ONE way. Also GPS told us to take 1st right off the bridge to get to 101. ended up pulling 5th wheel up and down streets of SanFrancisco scaryyyyy.We did make it.
  • Along as you stay on 101 and don't get tempted to try Hwy 1 in California you should have no problem. The only thing I am not sure of is the Golden Gate bridge, it is a toll bridge but they have no toll takers. They send you a bill but don't know how they d out of state vehicles. Might want to research toll taking on the Golden Gate bridge. maybe someone will chime in.
    PS. I hope you know that 101 in California does not run along the coast but is a good drive.

    Golden gate toll
  • We did it last Fall, the roads are no problem. 40' with the toad.
  • sp8gold wrote:
    We have traveled 101 from WA to south of SF a couple of times. A great drive with a lot of great sights. We even left 101 and took Hwy 1 ONE time. I would not do that again going South, maybe North. Lots of great places to stay, both public and private along the way. Be aware that the OR State Parks are full in the summer season most of the time. As to height problems, our motorhome is 13', other then a couple of tunnels (hug the center stripe) nothing to worry about.



    I disagree, I would much rather travel from N to S. The pull-outs are more plentiful on the ocean side and are much easier to use without crossing traffic.

    It is a great trip that we just did a couple of months ago. As "sp8gold" suggests, you should make reservations especially on weekends.

    This was a very special spot for us.

    Glass Beach - Fort Bragg, CA
  • Lovely drive, lots to see, no problem at all in a MH with a toad. If you have a chance to stop and visit the Avenue of Giants, The Redwoods, I would base camp and make it a pleasant day drive in the toad. I don't think you will have to reserve private campgrounds too far in advance, but do call ahead as you plan your days, last minute spaces might be a problem.
  • An excellent trip. You should have no worries. Lots of State and private parks. The parks fill fast in Summer. Depending how early Fall you may want to reserve ahead.
  • We have traveled 101 from WA to south of SF a couple of times. A great drive with a lot of great sights. We even left 101 and took Hwy 1 ONE time. I would not do that again going South, maybe North. Lots of great places to stay, both public and private along the way. Be aware that the OR State Parks are full in the summer season most of the time. As to height problems, our motorhome is 13', other then a couple of tunnels (hug the center stripe) nothing to worry about.