CA, OR Coast

[dennydecuir]

I'm planning a trip in July from SoCal to Washington State towing a 33' fifth wheel. My thought is taking the coast north of the Bay Area, through Fort Bragg, and on into Oregon. I haven't been north of Fort Bragg in decades, but I remember it being slow. I have reservations at a number of parks en route. I guess my biggest concern is getting in and out of fuel stations. Am I likely to encounter accessible gas stations on that route? I have, in the past, dropped the trailer and fueled up the truck, but I'd rather not.

Your experiences are appreciated.

[corgi-traveler]

RedRollingRoadblock wrote:
Depending on where you want to go on the coast from Valley of the Rogue US 199 is ok, but the last 10 miles or get quite crocked and slow but totally doable.

Thanks for the heads up. I decided to make a short day after leaving Valley of the Rogue so from there we're headed to the KOA outside of Crescent City, so 199 seems to be the way to go. We have all day to make the drive so no need to hurry.

[53_willys]

Normally the fuel stations closer to the off ramps have plenty of room , I’ve never had a problem pulling our 31’ 5th wheel and if they sale diesel their set up for trucks.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Coastal 101 itself specially in OR and WA is “tough”.

Understandbly since it’s built on unstable sand and marsh weaves in waves at times and can be unsettling for us pulling trailers.

And most are two tight lanes with barreling fully loaded logging trucks who don’t seem to be complying with speed limits and will tail gate those of us who does.

Just be careful. Nothing that a careful experienced RVer can’t handle.

And before I forget, half the people in OR are stoned (joke). They are one of the friendliest people I’ve met and coastal Oregon is more diverse and equally beautiful as Central and NorCal.

[RedRollingRoadb]

Depending on where you want to go on the coast from Valley of the Rogue US 199 is ok, but the last 10 miles or get quite crocked and slow but totally doable.

OR 42 is okay, OR 38 is good. OR 34, been years since I was on it it was a good logging road then, now I don't know.

OR 126 is good US 20 is very good. OR 22/18 is good. US 26/OR6 is good. US 26 is very good. US 30 is very good.

101 the length of the coast has some windy spots a few tunnels and some narrow roadway in spots but nothing that will give you any problems. No need to crowed the center line on any of the tunnels or bridges. The only way you will hit the wall is if you jump the curb.

[corgi-traveler]

I'm also considering this route in late July. Going from Central CA to Portland we have to get there in a hurry, so it's up 5. Coming home we have the luxury of time. As of right now my last reservation is at Valley of the Rogue SP. Assuming of course I can get reservations, is the cut over from 5 to 101 there a friendly route? And 101 is accessible all the way down now?
25 ft TT, about 48 ft long when towing.

[Edd505]

If your worried about getting in and out for fuel, fill while your disconnected.
Fuel before you have too, 1/2 tank and if it looks too tight take the next one.
I'll add in many, many years, I have not found a station I could not get into, I did have to back out of one.

[Roy_Lynne]

Its an awesome drive and you will certainly enjoy it. I don't think you will have any issues with gas in Oregon and while the other poster commented that you can't pump your own, its still cheaper than in California's gas and Id wait and fill up there. If your concerned pick a city where you think you might want to stop, google map gas stations and chick on one that looks promising. A picture of it will come up and you can usually tell by that if you can get in.

[JohnG3]

A frustrating issue once in Oregon s the fuel must be pumped into your tank by an employee of the fuel station. The employees put the nozzle in and run the fuel wide open. They generally don’t top off after fueling. Other states don’t seem to care as I always fill the tank to about an inch or so from the fuel cap.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Reservations after May 1 seems a must.

Nice campgrounds are filling up quickly on weekends.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

You will be going out of Highway 1 and taking 101 after Fort Bragg anyways.

And there will be gas stations big enough to take your rig. Small towns, however, will be another story. So gas up as much as you can in big towns and cities the 101. A rule of not letting your gauge go below 1/4 will serve you well -- or extra Gerry tanks just in case.

By the way, stop by for some excellent oysters, Dungeness crab and smoked salmon along the way -- not on groceries but in fish markets.