So Cal to Victoria (via Oregon and Washington)

[drtkrw]

We are planning a family trip leaving California and driving up the coast to Victoria Canada stopping in SF, redwood forest, Oregon and Washington. RV is 36 foot, any suggestions, tips or fun stops we should consider (4 small kids).

[D_E_Bishop]

With your kids in tow I would suggest Ft. Clatsop as a stop for a few hours. The Jr Ranger program and the reproduction of the actual fort is way cool. Short drive from Ft. Stevens campground.

Cape Disappointment has been one for the DW. She love the OR coast in the winter and wanted to see the bar with storm waves. Every time we've been there it has ben a big calm disappointment.

[D_E_Bishop]

With your kids in tow I would suggest Ft. Clatsop as a stop for a few hours. The Jr Ranger program and the reproduction of the actual fort is way cool. Short drive from Ft. Stevens campground.

Cape Disappointment has been one for the DW. She love the OR coast in the winter and wanted to see the bar with storm waves. Every time we've been there it has ben a big calm disappointment.

[Jim_Shoe]

Here's a link to crossing the border into Canada. The days of slowing down and waving on the way across are gone. Its a good idea to exchange some $US for $CN before you go. Don't expect folks in Canada to know the exchange rate once you're a few miles past the border. American Express offices can do it for you. So can your bank with a little warning.

[Roy_Lynne]

Yeah, don't go thru SF
On the Oregon side of the Columbia, there are some State Parks Fort Stevens is right on both the ocean and the Columbia River and it is a nice park, but my favorite is Cape Disappointment on the Washington side. It has two lighthouses to explore and an interpretive center, plus the ocean with lots of sand.
If your talking about going up the Columbia a way, either side has some great options. Columbia Hills (use to be Horse thief) and Maryhill would be your best bet. On the Oregon side I would recommend any of the parks and would probably be your best bet for waterfalls, There is a 30 mile scenic drive that is awesome.

[MarkTwain]

drtkrw wrote:
Thank you for the ideas! We are planning to be at Hearst Castle for our first stop and then second stop Monterey and then pass San Francisco (kids have already gone with school). Hopefully we could end the evening for sleep closer to Redwood Forest. Not sure if we are biting too much off in the first day.

There are a variety of routes to take. Here is my suggestion:
1. from Monterey go east to 101
2. north on 101 to 880 then 80
3. 80 to Vallejo, then take Hwy. 37 back over to 101.
I have taken this route pulling a 34 ft. 5th. wheel. You will hit some traffic on 880 and 80 but just stay in the lane next to the slow or truck lane and take your time. Personally I would not choose to pull a 5th. wheel through S.F. and yes I did it once!!!

[drtkrw]

Thinking about spending time at the Columbia River is there a particular way we should go so we can get the most of our time. See water falls, easy access with RV? We have a 5 year old so walking distance is limited.

[drtkrw]

Thank you for the ideas! We are planning to be at Hearst Castle for our first stop and then second stop Monterey and then pass San Francisco (kids have already gone with school). Hopefully we could end the evening for sleep closer to Redwood Forest. Not sure if we are biting too much off in the first day.

[Orion]

For the last bit, you need to go as far as Anacortes and take the Washington ferry over to the Island, because they have a 'special' rate for RVs.
BTW it is 'Vancouver Island', You don't want to go to 'Victoria Island' as that is in the Arctic!

[D_E_Bishop]

Dennis forgot to mention Olympic NP. You would have hard time in Kala Loch but there is another campground on the west side near the turn to go to Port Angelus. Really nice state campground e/o Port Angelus. Hurricane Ridge up into the Olympic NP road is not far from Port Angelus. Ho Rain Forest is where they film Mick Dodge and it is a really beautiful spot. If there is a space in the HO it's a nice campground but DO NOT drive in to find out, Call the Park or stop at the visitors center on the Coastal part of the NP or look up on the National Parks website.

[Executive45]

Heading up the coast, take US101 north to San Luis Obispo. From there take CA1 all the way up to SF. Visit the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, the Pier in SF and Alcatraz. Continue up Hwy 1. Stop at the lighthouses along the coast. Back over to US101 and stay at the Ancient Redwoods RV Park. Nice park with good mgrs. Lots of hiking/biking trails through the Avenue of the Giants. Cross into Oregon. Many State Parks to stay in. Sandboard on the dunes in Florence. Walk the boardwalk in Newport. Worlds smallest bay @ Depot Bay. Port of Garibaldi has fishing and a steam engine ride. Excellent campground overlooking the bay @ Harborview RV Park. Continue to Astoria. Visit the column. 164 circular steps to the top, but excellent views and pictures. Cross the Astoria Bridge, longest bridge in the west at 5 miles. Stay in Long Beach and visit the pier. Continue north to Copalis Beach. Camping just steps to the sand. Kite flying contests every weekend. Continuing north to Forks, (Twilight fame) Stay on the beach in La Push. Finally, Port Townsend. We like Elwha Dam CG. Easy drive into town to catch the ferry to Victoria Island. Enjoy the trip....Dennis

[Tom_Barb]

djgarcia wrote:

drtkrw wrote:
We are planning a family trip leaving California and driving up the coast to Victoria Canada stopping in SF, redwood forest, Oregon and Washington. RV is 36 foot, any suggestions, tips or fun stops we should consider (4 small kids).

I like the coast route all through Oregon and Washington. Whidbey Island in Washington is worth a visit and then you could take the ferry over to Victoria.

They can also take the ferry out of Port Angeles Wa.

best have reservations on both.

[MarkTwain]

drtkrw wrote:
We are planning a family trip leaving California and driving up the coast to Victoria Canada stopping in SF, redwood forest, Oregon and Washington. RV is 36 foot, any suggestions, tips or fun stops we should consider (4 small kids).

I like the coast route all through Oregon and Washington. Whidbey Island in Washington is worth a visit and then you could take the ferry over to Victoria.