Traveling to California this summer

raymondfl wrote:
We will traveling to California this summer and need some help. We will be entering at Reno coming across I-80. We are thinking of going down to Yosemite National Park, then the question becomes should we also go down to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National? It is our intention to head north and to the coast line of Oregon and Washington so every venture south takes time away from the other areas. Are the other two parks that different then Yosemite? Also once we head north we want to end up in Crescent City and the redwoods area. Since we only have about two weeks in that area, and I do not like big cities, I was going to skip Napa and San Francisco, is there any place else that we should stop and catch on the trip though northern California? We are going to spend a month in Oregon and Washington, catch a flight to Alaska, tour a week and catch a cruise back. Then start though Idaho and back across US to get to Northern Georgia for some fall motorcycle riding before heading back to Florida for the winter. Whew I am worn out and have not started. Gone five months and not enough time!!
Anyway, all help is always appreciated.
Thanks,
Ray and Cindy

In Reno, consider Sparks Marina RV park for one of the nicest I've found anywhere, complete with astro turf. On another trip we approached Reno from the west and stopped off at Donner's Pass and Park, staying at Coachland RV Park which was very nice.
I don't think there's an entrance into Sequoia from the east. We came up 395 on one trip, stopped off in Death Valley and then proceeded into Yosemite, crossing out the other side and into the wine country. It is very steep going down when exiting from the west, so keep that in mind.
If you have time on your way to the coastline, stay a day or so in Petaluma at the KOA and book one of their tours for San Francisco, leaving the navigation and driving to them. Also if you have a toad, go down to the Ferry next to San Quentin and catch the boat to Fisherman's Wharf and again avoiding the traffic and confusion. Get on the coast, as soon as possible thereafter, far to the south of Crescent City and be sure to venture off the highway and travel the Avenue of the Giants for your best experience of the Redwoods. Our favorite coastline is probably the Oregon coast, so we stuck with that all the way up into WA state before heading east again.
Where do you normally winter in FL and if you go as far south as Naples on the west coast, try ... IBE sometime?

When passing thru Elko Nv. Exit and take a short drive over to Lamoille canyon and Ruby mountains, it is beautiful

I live in the area and have been to all three places many times.

I'd recommend seeing Yosemite for sure but the other two, while nice, could be eliminated.

Campgrounds near them will be pretty much packed so I'd pretty much just do Yosemite and head to the coast from there.

It will be hot here in the summer, next week they are calling for 102 degrees already.

It won't be that warm in the mountains but still pretty hot.

For San Francisco you might considering staying at Napa Valley Expo. Drive your towed vehicle via Hwy 37 into Novato and Hwy 101 and then south to the ferry landing, (Larkspur Ferry at San Rafael) take the ferry - which passes by Alcatraz - to Fisherman's Wharf and pick up an awesome city tour from there. Of course you need to pre-arrange the tour. It uses small vans and takes you to all the highlights and across the Golden Gate to have lunch in Sausalito. It's an excellent day trip. Our daughter lives in the area and even she thought it was well worthwhile.

The drivers are very knowledgeable and they give ample time at each stop - even time to walk through the Japanese Garden.

San Francisco Small Van Tour

When you leave the area, again take Hwy 37 to 101. It's RV-friendy and a nice drive.

For Yosemite, try Yosemite Lakes. Five miles outside the entrance. It's a Thousand Trails park but has spaces for non members.

On your way to the coast, try touring the Gold Country. Hwy 49 is a little daunting but doable with your coach. Try staying in Jackson at the Rancheria. Awesome campground. Try to get Space 57.

If you're up to it, I would head to the coast and stay in Bodega Bay, home of the Alfred Hitchcock, "The Birds". Quaint village and awesome seafood. There's a State Park there but you'll have difficulty fitting. Right next door is a great park or if available, camping is in the harbor.

Head north and a 'don't miss' is the Avenue of the Giants. Huge redwood forests, the only ones in the world await your visit. There's even several 'drive thru' trees. For the toad, not the moho. We stayed at the Ancient Redwoods RV park. Awesome park right on the Avenue of the Giants. Plan on a few days to hike through the forests. Lots of easy trails and interpretive signage.

In Oregon, everyone says reserve early, but when we were there, there were many vacant sites everywhere, every stop. US 101 north is a comfortable drive for the most part, but watch for bicyclists. :E..We liked Harris Beach State Park, Bandon State Park and for sure spend a night in the Port of Garibaldi at the RV park there. Drive your coach right up to Garibaldi Bay and go clamming the next morning. Finally, don't forget to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for their free tour. (Actually, it's not free if you consider the cheese and ice cream you're sure to buy..:W

In Astoria, be sure to get some clam chowder and visit the Column. 364 stairs take you to the top of the Column and a stunning overview of the surrounding area. Worth a stop. Parking is a buck!

Enjoy the trip..it's beautiful country. If time permits, be sure to take in all the lighthouses along the coast. Most are well worth the extra time to do so......Dennis

Please don't miss Yosemite. Its my favorite place in the world. Tent camped there for more than 20 years, and just weeks ago camped there in the Mother Ship.

You might want to consider going north on HWY 1, the Coast Highway. Slow but beautiful.

Bring money. The People's Republic of California currently has a $184 Billion unfunded liability, so we need the cash.





Of all the things I've ever lost, I miss my mind the most.

If this is your first time to see Yosemite then I would advise you to do whatever it takes to see it. Even though you may be out of luck with reservations inside the park-don't let that discourage you; there are RV parks outside the park boundaries and Yosemite is worth it! I know I've seen posts from other people offering suggestions for good RV parks nearby. I'm certain someone can offer you that info. Make sure to bring your camera and in the summer it can be hot. You won't regret doing whatever it takes to be there!

As far as camping in Yosemite goes, you are out of luck. Those campgrounds fill up within hours of their release (several months ago). You might find a campground for a night if you visit the reservations page several times a day.

You will have better luck with Sequoia finding a campground.

The two best State Parks in Washington State are Cape Disappointment State Park, just off the Astoria Bridge (turn left after crossing the Bridge) The Astoria Bridge is a mile long and crosses over the Columbia River, on the Coast in Western Washington. The next best State Park is off I-90 Steamboat Rock State in Eastern Washington, (10 miles South of Grand Coulee Dam, and on your way to Idaho). Hands Down the two nicest State Parks in Washington State, and the State dumps a lot of money into these two Parks every year.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are much different than Yosemite National Park. See all three of them if you can. Have a great trip.