So Calif to Portland Loop in July

[CVD]

Help me plan a loop from So Calif to Portland, OR and back; taking 2 – 3 weeks in mid-July. I intend to stay in Portland 3 – 4 days visiting friends, and 4 – 5 days site seeing in Bend, OR (looking for fly fishing spots). I’ll rent a car in those two places; otherwise will not have a car (no toad).

The rest of the trip will be sightseeing (moderate hikes). I prefer wilderness settings, no hook ups necessary. Will be in 34’ Class A.

Here is my general plan and questions:

1) So Calif to SF Bay area – We’ve seen this many times, no site seeing here, will take “5” north. Will be looking for a place to stay near Petaluma or Santa Rosa (not adverse to staying single nights at a Walmart)

2) North of San Francisco. What parts of the “1” are most suitable for a Class A? I’ve driven the “1” in the mid part of Calif, but never above SF. I don’t think I want to take the coast route the entire way to northern Oregon, but would like to see some of the N. Calif /S. Oregon coastline. Also, any nice N. Calif coast campgrounds that likely will have room for a Class A and not be full in July? How about south/central coastal Oregon? I will have time to spend a day or two if there are pretty hikes and scenery.

3) Portland – Any decent, but reasonably priced campgrounds? Again, all I need is a quiet, flat spot to park.

4) Bend – any recommended places to camp? Fly fishing recommendations?

5) Bend to Crater Lake – Will take 97 south to Crater Lake. Is this a destination to spend a day or two, or a place to observe for an hour or two?

6) Crater Lake – south. Thinking of taking 97 south to Klamath Falls, and continuing on to the 5. Then south through Shasta on the 5 to Redding. Then taking 44 east into Lassen, then by Lake Almanor, then winding our way over to 395. Then take 395 all the way home. Lots to see in northern Calif. Any recommendations on must see spots that are easy to get to in a Class A?

[ksg5000]

When we head back to Portland we like to stay at Mountain Gate ... just outside of Redding and before you hit the mountains which I don't like driving at night.

As far as RV parks in Portland .. haven't used any but I drive by Pheasant Ridge near Wilsonville all the time (just south of Portland) - looks nice and is 15 minute drive to downtown. Worth a Google.

Bend has one large expensive/nice RV park .. don't recall the name .. another easy Google. There is also a State Park south of Bend - it's nice but site are a bit tight/close (most of Oregon State Parks have large sites).

If your going to Oregon you need to spend some time on the Coast ... it's unique and nothing like the beaches you have in S Calif .. also has some of the best State Parks in the country.

If your taking long trip .. consider going up I-5 and returning on 101 (at least through Oregon)

[Ram4Sam]

I would use the 99 instead of the 5. The 5 is pretty rough, the trucks have it pretty worn out.

Sam

[korbe]

A lot of good country in your plan. The one alternate I would recommend would be to take 89 at Mt Shasta off of 5 before you get to Redding. Then through Lassen Park to 36, then 395.

[2gypsies1]

Santa Rosa Fairgrounds (accepts various camp cards - Escapees/Passport America & I believe Good Sam/FMCA) or Napa Valley Expo are reasonable for the San Francisco area.

I'd recommend you drive on 101 into Oregon. It's a gorgeous drive. Ancient Redwood RV in Redcrest, right on 101 is a great place. It can accommodate big rigs and it's right in the heart of the big trees. Spend at least 2-3 days and do some short hikes to see them.

101 takes you into Oregon and the whole shoreline is dotted with state parks and you can't go wrong on any of them. Without reservations, pull in early morning. It's the only state we've been where so much prime coastal land is devoted to preserving it for future generations. It's wonderful.

Bend - You might want to continue up 101 and the Oregon coast and cross the bridge at Astoria and pick up the Washington Hwy 4 into Kelso and I-5. It's a good crossing. We then use the 205 east bypass. It's not an easy city to get through - lots of traffic. You could then pick up Hwy 26 at Sandy and take it into Bend for your fishing. Tumalo State Park is there and further south is LaPine State Park.

Crater Lake: We've stayed at Joseph H. Steward State Rec Area on Hwy 62 near Prospect and also Collier Memorial State Park on 97 just north of Klamath Falls. Both are ideal for touring Crater. Crater also has a campground but not sure of size restrictions.

Have a good trip!