Forum Discussion

Lexx's avatar
Lexx
Explorer
Jul 23, 2020

NorCal Hwy 101 in Marin County to Bodega Bay

We're planning a trip from the Sierra Foothills to Bodega Bay with our dually and 34 ft fifth wheel. I plan on going west on I-80, then cross San Pablo Bay on Hwy 37 to get to Hwy 101 North. I've been on these roads hundreds of times and I don't anticipate any issues.

Google maps shows to take the W. Railroad Ave exit right before Cotati. That connects with Stony Point Rd., which leads to Roblar Rd., which connects to Valley Ford Rd., which then in turn becomes Hwy 1 to the coast. The Bodega Bay RV Park is right off Hwy 1.

It's been years since I've been up and down Hwy 1. I remember the road being great for sports cars north of Bodega Bay up by Jenner. I don't remember how difficult a drive it is in the Bodega Bay Area.

Any input would be appreciated.
Roads and Routes
  • Lexx's avatar
    Lexx
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2020
    Update:

    We just came back from a lovely trip to Bodega Bay. We had no issues towing our 34' fifth wheel. The funny thing is, the tightest turn was Highway 1 on the way out of Bodega Bay just before we turned into the Bodega Bay RV Park. It's one of of those classic switchback 270° turns along the coast. And it wasn't a problem.

    I drove all the way down to Point Reyes and up to Jenner in the just the truck, and none of those stretches of road would have been an issue for the trailer.

    Now I'm wondering how it would be driving from Jenner along the coast all the way up to Mendocino and up to Fort Bragg?
  • Billinwoodland's avatar
    Billinwoodland
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2020
    Lexx wrote:
    We're planning a trip from the Sierra Foothills to Bodega Bay with our dually and 34 ft fifth wheel. I plan on going west on I-80, then cross San Pablo Bay on Hwy 37 to get to Hwy 101 North. I've been on these roads hundreds of times and I don't anticipate any issues.

    Google maps shows to take the W. Railroad Ave exit right before Cotati. That connects with Stony Point Rd., which leads to Roblar Rd., which connects to Valley Ford Rd., which then in turn becomes Hwy 1 to the coast. The Bodega Bay RV Park is right off Hwy 1.

    It's been years since I've been up and down Hwy 1. I remember the road being great for sports cars north of Bodega Bay up by Jenner. I don't remember how difficult a drive it is in the Bodega Bay Area.

    Any input would be appreciated.


    Camping in Doran right now. Your route is the best way but on the way home take pepper off bodega ave and it will take you directly to 101. Nice to be out of the valley heat.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jul 23, 2020
    The over 40' restriction does not apply to towables only MHs and busses. There are wonderful CGs that you can go to besides Bodega Bay, including Mendocino.

    1 near Ft Bragg has no length restrictions, however 20 from Willits does. The county roads to get to Ft Bragg are not for us. We enjoyed Ft Bragg but no more.
  • Lexx's avatar
    Lexx
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2020
    CA Traveler wrote:
    BTW We really like Hog Island Oysters down 1 towards Marshall.

    Others - be aware that most of 1 in CA is prohibited for MHs over 40'.


    Thank you for the info. It looks like the part of Hwy 1 right by Bodega Bay is the only part you can drive with a RV. I guess so long as I'm on Hwy 1 coming over the mountains down to the coast I'm ok, but I can't go any further north or south on Hwy 1 than Bodega Bay.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jul 23, 2020
    BTW We really like Hog Island Oysters down 1 towards Marshall.

    Others - be aware that most of 1 in CA is prohibited for MHs over 40'.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jul 23, 2020
    That portion of 1 is a good road. We took our 38' MH with toad all the way up 1 to 101, slow in spots but you won't be the only RV.

    I'd take 37, Lakeville Hwy, 116, 101 to your route. Slow going if you continue on 116 into the main part of Petaluma. But 37 to 101 is OK.

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025