Turn Right at San Francisco

Do we have a resident West coast expert? Me and the present Mrs Treelo are considering a trip early next year and, instead of turning left at San Francisco as we have done on previous trips to the West coast, are looking to head North through Oregon and perhaps on to Washington.

I realise this is a hugh subject but, any thoughts guys

[Decker]

Got friends in Stockton CA and Portland OR... any specific questions?

[preiffer]

Shasta, GOTTA go to Shasta... [y]

Originally posted by Decker
Got friends in Stockton CA and Portland OR... any specific questions?

We know the SFO area faily well - Mrs T has a cousin living in Hollister CA - but know little of the area North of there. Thinking about a circular-ish tour taking in OR (posibly WA too) and maybe a few interesting wineries on the way. Just really sticking a finger in the wind at present,

[honey lamb]

When I go to California in July I'm doing exactly that and going north to Garberville in the redwoods to visit a delightfull elderly couple who will be celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary while we are there! A friend who is travelling with me and is from Sacramento has arranged for us to stay at the following places

http://www.benbowinn.com
http://%20www.littleriverinn.com

Originally posted by honey lamb
When I go to California in July I'm doing exactly that and going north to Garberville in the redwoods to visit a delightfull elderly couple who will be celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary while we are there! A friend who is travelling with me and is from Sacramento has arranged for us to stay at the following places

http://www.benbowinn.com
http://%20www.littleriverinn.com

They both look really great HL but I am very impressed with the Benbow [y]

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by Treelo

Originally posted by honey lamb
When I go to California in July I'm doing exactly that and going north to Garberville in the redwoods to visit a delightfull elderly couple who will be celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary while we are there! A friend who is travelling with me and is from Sacramento has arranged for us to stay at the following places

http://www.benbowinn.com
http://%20www.littleriverinn.com

They both look really great HL but I am very impressed with the Benbow [y]

Me too! Be aware that it is about a 4 hour drive from SFO so you probably may want to potter along staying at other places en route

Certainly don't miss the redwoods. However, a few words of advice: don't believe the map when you are planning drive times back out of Redwoods National Park. Hwy 299 back out of the park to Redding will take at least 4 hours, more if the road is under construction (again and always, it seems). It's a twisty-turny slow crawl at the best of times. Hwy 101 to Hwy 199 is not much better; the slog into Grants Pass in Oregon (where you meet up with I-5) will take time in the summer due to all the tourist-RV traffic. Staying on 101 will be slow at best. The views are worth it, but it will not be a one-day trip! Realize you will spend more than a day doing it, and all will be well (sightseeing and driving, that is). If you are pressed for time, a stop in the Muirs will be better time-wise, although not as majestic. If you've never been to Point Reyes, a stop is recommended.

You might see signs pointing to the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon side of 101. I do NOT recommend doing it in the summer! The smell is astounding, and I always tell people to do it in the dead of winter ONLY. If you still want to go, arrive early... There's a side benefit of going that way, which is the Oregon Sand Dune Recreation Area. Pack lots of water, bring your own shade, wear a hat, and have fun!

Booklovers will not want to miss Powell's Books in Portland. Several locations! Call ahead and have them hold books for you. Another good thing: they take AMEX, so you can justify the books as adding up to a free ticket.

Or you could try Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon, or Mt. Rainier in Washington, or... how long are you going to be here? Anyway, no V-flyer should miss the Museum of Flight on I-5 (Seattle Area) or a trip to Everett to take the assembly-line tour of Boeing's plant at Paine Field. You could also Ride the Ducks!

Lots to do up here! (Better stop now, I'll go on all day...) If GJ sees this, I'm sure he'll add his own two cents' worth.

(...editing highway numbers after checking the map...)

Originally posted by vs_itsallgood
Certainly don't miss the redwoods. However, a few words of advice: don't believe the map when you are planning drive times back out of Redwoods National Park. Hwy 299 back out of the park to Redding will take at least 4 hours, more if the road is under construction (again and always, it seems). It's a twisty-turny slow crawl at the best of times. Hwy 101 to Hwy 199 is not much better; the slog into Grants Pass in Oregon (where you meet up with I-5) will take time in the summer due to all the tourist-RV traffic. Staying on 101 will be slow at best. The views are worth it, but it will not be a one-day trip! Realize you will spend more than a day doing it, and all will be well (sightseeing and driving, that is). If you are pressed for time, a stop in the Muirs will be better time-wise, although not as majestic. If you've never been to Point Reyes, a stop is recommended.

You might see signs pointing to the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon side of 101. I do NOT recommend doing it in the summer! The smell is astounding, and I always tell people to do it in the dead of winter ONLY. If you still want to go, arrive early... There's a side benefit of going that way, which is the Oregon Sand Dune Recreation Area. Pack lots of water, bring your own shade, wear a hat, and have fun!

Booklovers will not want to miss Powell's Books in Portland. Several locations! Call ahead and have them hold books for you. Another good thing: they take AMEX, so you can justify the books as adding up to a free ticket.

Or you could try Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon, or Mt. Rainier in Washington, or... how long are you going to be here? Anyway, no V-flyer should miss the Museum of Flight on I-5 (Seattle Area) or a trip to Everett to take the assembly-line tour of Boeing's plant at Paine Field. You could also Ride the Ducks!

Lots to do up here! (Better stop now, I'll go on all day...) If GJ sees this, I'm sure he'll add his own two cents' worth.

(...editing highway numbers after checking the map...)

OMG, what fantastic advice [^] That's what I love about this forum, no matter what is asked there is usually someone who can help. Thanks a lot Vs