Ca. Redwood trip advice needed

[Joe G.]

MDietrich,



If you have plenty of time, take I80 to just west of Cisco Grove. Then get off on SR 20. That will take you thorough some nice country and you will see some of the Gold Rush country. Stop and take a while to look around Nevada City. Stay on SR 20 all the way to US101. Going by Clear Lake is nice except for the week end traffic. Then you can come to Humboldt County at Richardson Grove. It's kind of a mind blower the first time you see it if you have not been in redwood country before. Avenue of the Giants is really great. Mostly driving in the shade on that road.



My impression of SR 299 is that about half way across there I start to wonder why I'm being punished.

 

[paccool]

If anyone stops at Richardson grove, go to the visitors center and see if my folks are there. Go to the main entrance and the Rangers will let you go to the center without having to pay anything. The folks volunteer their time to work in the center in May and June and then again in Sept. Earl and Mary are their names, be prepared to have them talk your ear off about the redwoods, they love 'em! Tell them that Stan said for them to treat you right and give you lots of info. There is a trail setup there that has some good stuff to look at, is short and doesn't take a lot of time.



The big trees are good for the soul, makes you wonder what they have seen and survived for the past 1000 - 1500 years.



For what its worth, I agree with Joe about 299. Longest Da**ed stretch of road around when towing a trailer through there. (or empty for that matter!)

 

[MDietrich]

My impression of SR 299 is that about half way across there I start to wonder why I'm being punished.

I hope that's not how I feel half way though our vacation with the in-laws. :-laf



Joe G. 's route is the way we were considering. If the powers to be decide to go the other route, we will know what to expect. I'll have to print this post and stick it in with our travel guides.



Thanks to all that offered information. We can't wait to start heading your way!



MD

 

[MDietrich]

Thought I'd bring this thread back up to update the statice of our trip. We got to Trinidad on the 13th. Took SR 20 across from I-80 to 101, but we didn't stop there. Took SR 20 right over to Ft. Bragg to see the ocean first thing. 20 from Willits to Ft. Bragg is a fun road. Then to add more fun to the trip we took 1 from Ft. Bragg north to Legget. Talk about some beautiful scenery, but man, what a workout! It didn't seem like there was a straight section to either road :-laf ! Saw a campground in Westport I'd like to go back to someday.

Awesome country along the coast with the Redwoods. Truly awe inspiring! Fern Canyon was probally my favorite.

We then went back down to the Fort Bragg area (took 20 from Willits again) and stayed a couple a nights. From there went back to 101 and headed south to Monterey. We figured what the heck and took 101 right trough San Francisco across the Golden Gate and into downtown. Was'nt too bad. The route was marked well and most of the time we were in the correct lane. Saw Alcatraz, sailboats, and downtown pretty well as it was a clear day. Got to experience a "California parking lot" more than once. We stayed in the Prunedale area 2 nights and drove into Monterey.

From Monterey we headed for the Grand Canyon. Went over to I-5 and worked our way over to Bakersfield then Barstow, on into Needles, and stayed at Kingman AZ. From there we worked our way to the Canyon and then on home. We got home on the 24th

We got to see a lot of California, and from what we did see we will surely plan another trip out. Maybe do San Diego in the winter.



MD

 

[Joe G.]

I'm glad you liked where I live. Next time you come by this way look me up. Did you take The Avenue of the Giants while you were in Humboldt County? I didn't recommend going through Fort Bragg because the drive from there to Legget is so bad towing a trailer. At least you survived it.

 

[plntmgr]

We traveled Rte 20 to Clear lake towing 14K and the last leg was sweaty palms with a 7% grade to lug. Should you elect this route, follow the route north of the lake to hwy. 101.

We went up I-5 to Crater lake in Oregon(recommended) and took 199 west to Hwy. 101 and points South. (great drive) The return trip was Hwy 37 East at Novato and then 680 to Dublin and San Jose. That was a weekday morning to midafternoon with no heavy traffic. Pleasent trip as we may have hit it lucky. Don

 

[MDietrich]

Joe,

I'm sorry to say that we did not drive the Avenue of Giants :{ . To many time restraints . We did walk the trails in the Lady Bird Johnson Grove and drove another loop though one of the state parks.

I dont' regret driving highway 1. It was a workout, but beautiful at the same time. I crossed sr 20 from Willits to Fort Bragg 3 times because we stayed around Mendencino 2 nights. That road was worst when it rains, gets slick.

We were close to you in Trinidad, should have looked you up. Next time hopefully.



MD