Best Route to Pacific Coast from I - 5

okiejoe wrote:
Thanks, everyone, from the sounds of it I think I will do 299 that way I can see the northern most part of Calif coast which I haven't been that far north on the Calif. coast then I will be able to see all of the Oregon Coast.

That is a good choice. Having lived in Redding for a long time.....hauled my 5th wheel over 299 many times. It is a good road.and put you at about 10 miles north of Eureka and just a few miles south of some very good rv parks around McKinleyville.

Thanks, everyone, from the sounds of it I think I will do 299 that way I can see the northern most part of Calif coast which I haven't been that far north on the Calif. coast then I will be able to see all of the Oregon Coast.

Hwy 138/38 from Sutherlin, OR, to Reedsport is the best route, IMHO. And the best part of the Oregon coast is north.

Going as far north to catch OR42, you would miss a good portion of the southern OR coast and the Coastal redwoods in northern CA.
I would stick with the suggestions of CA 299

I've taken 299 in a 30' MH pulling a toad and found it to be an interesting and scenic drive. I don't recall any "pucker" spots. It's a little over 200 miles to Crescent City.

paulj wrote:
OR42 Roseburg to Coos Bay is your first easy route in Oregon, especially since you are headed north.

CA299 spends a lot of time in the coast mountains, so opinions are mixed. Some say its ok, others its too difficult.

US199 is easier. It still has a pass, but it crosses under the highest point in a tunnel. Some don't like the curvy stretch along the Smith River.

A plus for 199 is that it puts you at start of the Oregon coast, essentially the north end of the Calif redwoods. So you get to see places like Brookings, Gold River and Cape Blanco, which you'd miss if you crossed to Coos Bay.

x2.

Also - If it's your first trip to Oregon then I suggest you start at the bottom and see Brookings etc. Consider staying at Harris Beach SP

OR42 Roseburg to Coos Bay is your first easy route in Oregon, especially since you are headed north.

CA299 spends a lot of time in the coast mountains, so opinions are mixed. Some say its ok, others its too difficult.

US199 is easier. It still has a pass, but it crosses under the highest point in a tunnel. Some don't like the curvy stretch along the Smith River.

A plus for 199 is that it puts you at start of the Oregon coast, essentially the north end of the Calif redwoods. So you get to see places like Brookings, Gold River and Cape Blanco, which you'd miss if you crossed to Coos Bay.

Yes, it is curvy!
Don't let that scare you away. Take your time and you will OK.
That is the best direct route.
An option would be to go to Grants Pass and double back on US 199. It gets narrow and curvy for short stretch near Crescent City, CA.
The northern CA coast around Crescent City and Eureka is worth seeing.

I will be traveling from the south, Sacramento, Calif. going North. I am leaning towards Hwy 299 but heard its curvy. I am still in Oklahoma but will be headed out that way in late February and one of my stops will be in Sacramento visiting Family so I will be traveling North to Oregon in early March.

Reputation: 16


One thing that is key to answering your question is from what direction are you traveling? Traveling north on I-5 it is obvious that you will want to take Hwy 42 because you would have to drive another 35 miles north on I-5 or old Hwy 99 through Elkton to connect with Hwy 38, then drive south another 30 miles from Reedsport to North Bend/Coos Bay, (as the other poster mentioned). So...traveling from the south, use Hwy 42 to get to Coos Bay. HOWEVER, DO NOT TAKE SIDE ROADS FOR SHORT CUTS THAT ARE ON YOUR MAP OR GPS IF YOU HAVE NEVER DRIVEN THEM BEFORE. People have died from exposure getting caught on forest service roads without a clue, and based on some route they gleaned from a road map or GPS. Stick to the main road HWY 42 and you will have clear access almost all the time, with the exception of black ice and fog in the late fall to early spring.

The main difference between HWY 42 and HWY 38 is that 42 is much more curvy, a little more bumpy, (generally less maintained). Winston is the last main pit stop, so stock up there.

Of course, Hwy 38 is a little better ride, but they are just finishing up road work, which may cause delays. Other than that, it is a easier route to drive. It is the obvious choice especially if driving south on I-5 from PDX etc. Fog and black ice are also a major factor in the late fall and winter, but Hwy 42 is a little more creepy to drive and more difficult to navigate


By the way, to give credit where it's due...this is a post that forwarded from some forum (?) and the poster for that forum is titled
poetatheart

But it is a great response to your question about routes--have a great trip!

Larry