Advice for a trip up the west coast

[prepilot_3ck]

Fellow Class A'ers,

My wife and I have an RV trip planned that will take us from Las Vegas, NV to Newport,Or and back in the course of about 7 1/2 days. We've looked at a variety of different routes. One that takes us up the east side of the Sierra Nevada's into Reno/Tahoe then into Eugene then over to new port. Another route that takes us west-ish to Bakersfield then up to Sac, then Eugene and over. Then there is the route I actually WANT to take. I'd LIKE to get to sea-level as fast as I can to minimize the climbing I'd have to do on the other routes. Newport is on the coast, and the Hwy 1/hwy 101 look amazing in terms of scenery.

I've researched a ton of RV parks, campgrounds and rest stops so I have a pretty good idea of where we can/should stay, but I just don't know how reasonable from a driving standpoint going up the coast is.

Does anyone have experience driving the 1/101 up the coast? Is it doable in a 40Ft gas class-A with a toad? What's the best way to cut over to the coast? Should I get north of the bay area first? or is the drive on the 1 through San Fran not too bad? Being 2 lane roads is the traffic really bad? So many questions.

Thanks!
Brian

[prepilot_3ck]

jorbill2or wrote:
Go south on 101 better access to view points and easier to get back on the highway turning right than left! You have a ambitious schedule. The route from Reno via Klamath falls and crossing to Eugene is the easy climb. Go as far north in Oregon on I- 5 as you have time then cut over most roads are fine but the further north the more you climb the “small “ coast range and back down to the sea All very doable but I’ve lived there my whole life and don’t know your comfort level Driving . Now come down 101 . I don’t know where all the switchbacks and close overhangs are but they aren’t on 101 ! ... it’s a major highway ... trucks use highway! 1 maybe in calif but that’s 1 not 101 . The north coast has lots to see and do different from the south coast but you know your timeline. Have a great visit ! Oregon State parks are fantastic and midweek availability can usually be had if you stop early

I'm a pretty confident RV driver. Been doing it for a little over a decade now and have encountered lots of stuff. So far so good. With my gas motor pulling a car, I just hate working the engine that hard. I miss my DP in a lot of ways, this is one of them. It is a tight time line, but we like being on the road, so it's not a huge deal.

[prepilot_3ck]

discovery4us wrote:
We have done I5 North to Williams, CA. West on highway 20 which drops you out on the 101 near Willits, CA and then 101 North up the coast. Done it with the 40' FW and the 36' MH and trailer.

Cool! THanks!

[prepilot_3ck]

wrktfsh wrote:
E side of the sierras is nice and would be my choice. The greater LA area is a nightmare, and I drive it once a month from San Diego to Goleta. 101 does not get picturesque until you clear Ventura. Beware rush hours through Santa Barbara too.

I hear that.. ok. Thanks.

[prepilot_3ck]

hotjag1 wrote:
My suggestion would be to head west to Bakersfield then get on I-5 and head north to Salem, OR. Turn west at Salem to HWY 101 and travel southbound. The scenic viewpoints will all be on the right side so you would not have to deal with cross traffic when pulling in to see the fantastic views.

We did that in a 40' motorhome and towing. There are a few tight turns, but I never had to get over the centerline to make the curve.

Since you have more time heading north than south, you could reverse what I said, but cross traffic can be pretty hectic during the summer.

Thanks!

[prepilot_3ck]

sundance_8 wrote:
Did the PCH 2 years ago from LA to Oregon with our 37-0 motorhome and toad. Some of the switchbacks will make you real nervous. If you cut a little to tight the overhanging rocks will redesign your MH. The trip although beautiful wore my ass out. Get ready for some real expensive camp sites and fuel.

Hmmm maybe I'll stay away from the PCH.

Thanks

[prepilot_3ck]

MrWizard wrote:

Is it doable in a 40Ft gas class-A with a toad?

my opinion, you will be a worn out nervous wreck

i did it once with a PUP / fold out popup

but i would never do it with a big class A , even without the toad

I'm a pretty confident RV driver and don't get too stressed out even in the most dicey situations. What really freaks me out is strong wind when the road is under construction and the lane is made narrow by concrete barriers. THAT'S when I tend to pucker up.

[prepilot_3ck]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
You are planning a 2000 mile round trip journey in 7 1/2 days? There is no logical route other than 95 all the way to Reno and across the great divide (big hill but you get over it quickly). It's then 395 N. and the logical route from there through Susanville and Klamath Falls.
You could also detour after you cross the great divide through Grass Valley and Yuba City to get to I-5 to get yourself up OR. It's just about how many miles you like vs. how many hours you like. In any case it's going to be a grueling trip. Good luck!

Great points there. 95 doesn't look too hilly. I'll have to re-eval that route. Getting out of the heat, and down to sea level seems like the idea thing, but....yeah, like you said, it's miles vs. time I guess.

Thanks

[prepilot_3ck]

CA Traveler wrote:
If possible go up to Ft Stevens State Park. Visit the Maritime Museum in Astoria which is very interesting. The line across the street at the Bowpicker is for excellent Fish and Chips. Take the $2 waterfront trolly trip. You won't regret the trip further north. The OR/CA border is the only higher elevation pass and not to bad.

Several of the roads from 5 to 101 in OR are OK, not to limited. 20 in CA is OK or 37 to Vallejo on a non Sears Point race day.

Outstanding. Thank you!

[prepilot_3ck]

wildmanbaker wrote:
Second the reservations. 101 is a great drive, but slow, with lots of bad road and construction. Well worth the time and drive.

Thanks!

[prepilot_3ck]

old guy wrote:
be sure you call and make reservations at the parks you want to stay at. this time
of year it is almost impossible to get in to them. don't wait do it now

good call!

Brian

[jorbill2or]

Go south on 101 better access to view points and easier to get back on the highway turning right than left! You have a ambitious schedule. The route from Reno via Klamath falls and crossing to Eugene is the easy climb. Go as far north in Oregon on I- 5 as you have time then cut over most roads are fine but the further north the more you climb the “small “ coast range and back down to the sea All very doable but I’ve lived there my whole life and don’t know your comfort level Driving . Now come down 101 . I don’t know where all the switchbacks and close overhangs are but they aren’t on 101 ! ... it’s a major highway ... trucks use highway! 1 maybe in calif but that’s 1 not 101 . The north coast has lots to see and do different from the south coast but you know your timeline. Have a great visit ! Oregon State parks are fantastic and midweek availability can usually be had if you stop early

[discovery4us]

We have done I5 North to Williams, CA. West on highway 20 which drops you out on the 101 near Willits, CA and then 101 North up the coast. Done it with the 40' FW and the 36' MH and trailer.

[ppine]

Good idea. I would go up 395 past Reno stay on the East Side of the Cascades, probably Bend over Santiam Pass to the Coast. Take the Coast road going home.
Avoid the Valley and I- 5. Newport is a great place. They still have a commercial fishing fleet.

[wrktfsh]

E side of the sierras is nice and would be my choice. The greater LA area is a nightmare, and I drive it once a month from San Diego to Goleta. 101 does not get picturesque until you clear Ventura. Beware rush hours through Santa Barbara too.

[hotjag1]

My suggestion would be to head west to Bakersfield then get on I-5 and head north to Salem, OR. Turn west at Salem to HWY 101 and travel southbound. The scenic viewpoints will all be on the right side so you would not have to deal with cross traffic when pulling in to see the fantastic views.

We did that in a 40' motorhome and towing. There are a few tight turns, but I never had to get over the centerline to make the curve.

Since you have more time heading north than south, you could reverse what I said, but cross traffic can be pretty hectic during the summer.