This is the first chance we will have for some winter travel. We plan to visit our daughter in Seattle and than want to travel to LA and than where ever. I would like to know from those of you that are in the area if winter travel (late Jan. or early Feb) is okay on the scenic west coast route (101) or should a person stay to I-5. I would prefer the scenic route as I won't be in a rush. I will be towing our 5th. wheel trailer. Thanks.
-
TDR Magazine subscribers receive more than the magazine! You also gain additional forum privileges!
Details here: TDR Privileges
Subscribe to TDR Magazine here: https://www.tdr-online.com/
Seattle to L.A.
- Thread starter Slow Six
- Start Date
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
Thanks, TDR Staff
SnoKing
TDR MEMBER
By and Large, you will have less of a chance of running into snow on 101. You can even jump over to hiway 1 in Northern Calif to stay right on the coast, however I see you are towing your trailer, so you would not like hiway 1 in Northern Calif.
I would head West at Olympia, Wa and go to Grayland State Park South of Westport (walk on the beach, visit Westport etc), then on down to Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon (see the Coast Guard Lifeboat Museum). You may find a few campgrounds and parks closed in Washington and Oregon that time of year, however I believe the Grayland and Fort Stevens are year round parks. SNOKING
I would head West at Olympia, Wa and go to Grayland State Park South of Westport (walk on the beach, visit Westport etc), then on down to Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon (see the Coast Guard Lifeboat Museum). You may find a few campgrounds and parks closed in Washington and Oregon that time of year, however I believe the Grayland and Fort Stevens are year round parks. SNOKING
if you go down I-5... just be sure to check out the road conditions via the 800 # that is voice activated
note... often during the winter the pass/mountain between Ashland and Redding is a ice and snow mess. . suggest that it be mid-day drive through that section if your not familar with it
note... often during the winter the pass/mountain between Ashland and Redding is a ice and snow mess. . suggest that it be mid-day drive through that section if your not familar with it
I-5 and 101
The only part of I-5 that may give you any trouble is north of Redding,CA to the Oregon border. The elevation starts to climb as you approach Mt. shasta.
I am only familiar w/hiway 101 north of San Fran to Florence Oregon. I would avoid 101 from san fran to santa rose ca area. Heavy traffic.
I follow I-5 up to Williams CA and use hiway 20 to cut across to 101. This is very senic. 101 will give you a lot to look at as you go north. Huge Redwood tree groves, ocean views and beaches. Weather will only effect 101 between Ukiah and Garberville CA. Snow and mud slides have been known to happen and close the road. Orick Ca area has large herds of Roosevelt Elk that usually hang out by the road. It not uncommon for a 1000# bull elk to block the road. (This has happen to me several times-awsome site)
Let me know if you want more details of 101.
Edit:
I first read this as LA to Seattle. If you are going south, use 101 all the way down to Ukiah, then take highway 20 east to Williams( I-5 junction). Just avoid 101 south of Santa Rosa. Heavy Heavy Traffic.
The only part of I-5 that may give you any trouble is north of Redding,CA to the Oregon border. The elevation starts to climb as you approach Mt. shasta.
I am only familiar w/hiway 101 north of San Fran to Florence Oregon. I would avoid 101 from san fran to santa rose ca area. Heavy traffic.
I follow I-5 up to Williams CA and use hiway 20 to cut across to 101. This is very senic. 101 will give you a lot to look at as you go north. Huge Redwood tree groves, ocean views and beaches. Weather will only effect 101 between Ukiah and Garberville CA. Snow and mud slides have been known to happen and close the road. Orick Ca area has large herds of Roosevelt Elk that usually hang out by the road. It not uncommon for a 1000# bull elk to block the road. (This has happen to me several times-awsome site)
Let me know if you want more details of 101.
Edit:
I first read this as LA to Seattle. If you are going south, use 101 all the way down to Ukiah, then take highway 20 east to Williams( I-5 junction). Just avoid 101 south of Santa Rosa. Heavy Heavy Traffic.
Last edited:
I'm not sure if I agree with Don. The stretch between Santa Rosa and San Jose is a big mess traffic mess, but US101 south of there is a nice drive. I5 in CA is borrrrinnnng!!! Depending on how much time you have go to US101 and stay there unless you want to drive on SR 1 in CA. Beautiful country all the way until you get to the LA area. No or very little snow on the coast. If you decide to go US101 in CA pm me for directions on how to get thru the SFO Bay Area with the least hassle.
If you do not want to tow thru San Francisco you can turn off 101 in Marin County and take 580 and the Richmond San Raphael Bridge to 80 South, and then 880 South till you pick up 101 South of San Jose. I would do this as towing a 5er thru San Francisco would not be fun. The route described above is via freeways, while 101 in San Francisco is on city streets.
It's actually easier to go thru SF in my experience, especially with a trailer. I agree that US101 is an unbelievable mess going thru the city and on to San Jose. It's easy if you go on Park Presidio and 19th Ave (same street, changes names) to I280. No need to even change lanes after getting off US101 just after the Golden Gate Bridge. From I280 you can take the SR 1 freeway to Pacifica and the ocean to completely miss the bay area mess south of SF. Or you can take I280 to the SR 85 freeway to go completely around San Jose before getting back on US101.
If you get down to LA and are looking for something a little different to do, the Quartzite AZ. RV Show will be going on from saturday, Jan. 23 thru sunday Jan. 30.
If you have never been there, it's a whole lot more than just an RV show. there are literally hundereds of thousands of campers that go to this show, from all over the USA & Canada.
If you don't mind "boondocking" for free, if you go about 5 miles north or south on Hwy 95, it's free camping, for two weeks. Lots of real nice people and a real good time.
Hope this helps. Joe F. (Buffalo)
If you have never been there, it's a whole lot more than just an RV show. there are literally hundereds of thousands of campers that go to this show, from all over the USA & Canada.
If you don't mind "boondocking" for free, if you go about 5 miles north or south on Hwy 95, it's free camping, for two weeks. Lots of real nice people and a real good time.
Hope this helps. Joe F. (Buffalo)
I live in Santa Rosa and tow my 36ft 5th wheel thru the Bay Area without any trouble. Just avoid commute traffic, 6-10 AM or 3-7PM, and you'll be fine. The Oakland route cwsoules describes is the truck route and I've gone that way several times.
Crossing the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge 580 is free going S/B. The Golden Gate going S/B is a $5 toll for passenger cars, not sure what it is for truck/trailer combo of 4 or 5 axles.
Taking Hwy 20 from 101 to I-5 is the looonnnngggg way around and not worth it IMO.
Brian
Crossing the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge 580 is free going S/B. The Golden Gate going S/B is a $5 toll for passenger cars, not sure what it is for truck/trailer combo of 4 or 5 axles.
Taking Hwy 20 from 101 to I-5 is the looonnnngggg way around and not worth it IMO.
Brian
Last edited:
Loren
TDR MEMBER
Slow Six,
Your daughter can advise you on routes and sights to see near Seattle. As you move south you can cut over to 101 via several routes.
I haven't crossed from California into Oregon enough to know which route would be better in the winter, but there seems to be some good advice from others on that issue. Just be aware than when crossing the mountains you may be required to mount chains on your truck if the weather is bad. In that case, if it were me, I'd stay put until it cleared up. You, being a resident of the Great Frozen North (It's just a joke!), might not find it as intimidating as I would.
Hwy 101 along the Oregon coast is beautiful, with lots of medium-sized fishing villages. To get a feel for the area, check the scenery in the movie "Overboard" with Goldie Hawn. (It's a pretty good movie as well. )
After you leave Eureka, CA, 101 cuts inland, but it's still a nice drive -- much nicer than I-5. If you want to stay on the coast, which is probably the most scenic route, you'll have to cut west to hwy 1. This will eventually take you through Bodega Bay, just north of San Francisco (never called "Frisco", but "San Fran" is acceptable). Bodega bay is where Hitchcock filmed "The Birds" and also where the San Andreas fault passes out to sea to the northwest. (Notice the long slim bay, right along the fault. )
There are several ways to get through S. F. , but I agree with Brian. Unless you are worried about the traffic and city streets, I'd drive through the city. If you follow hwy 1 off the Golden Gate Bridge, you will avoid the downtown area. It will take you very near (if not right alongside) Golden Gate Park. Depending upon your timetable and inclinations, that might be worth a stop. There is the De Young art museum, a great aquarium (more later), a museum of natural history, and more!
As you go farther south along hwy 1, you will pass through Santa Cruz, where almost all of America's brussels sprouts are grown and home to a Wrigleys gum factory. (Tours for organized groups only, the last time I checked. ) A little farther along and you'll be in Castroville where almost all of America's artichokes are grown at the mouth of the Salinas river.
The Monterey Peninsula is worth some time. The Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) in Cannery Row is literally world famous. You may prefer it to the one in Golden Gate Park, although the MBA is limited to sealife that is found in the Monterey Bay. Carmel is just a little past Monterey. Great shopping, but expensive. There is a mission in Carmel, as well as almost every city whose name starts with "San" or "Santa".
If you decide to take 101, you'll miss some of the above, but you'll drive south through the Salinas valley. Almost all of our country's lettuce, celery, carrots, and many other vegetables come from there. There is good camping at the Pinacles Nat'l Monument just south of Salinas. You'll have to get off of 101 to get there though.
If you decide to stay on hwy 1 south of Monterey, you'll go right through Big Sur and see lots of redwoods. The biggest trees are over in Sequoia National Park (in the Sierra Nevada mountains) but those at Big Sur are still impressive. Lots of camping at Big Sur too.
Between Monterey and Big Sur you'll cross the Bixby Creek Bridge. It's the curved concrete bridge with the beautiful arch under the roadway. You'll recognize it when you see it; it's in lots of commercials and movies.
A bit farther south on hwy 1 is San Simeon, the home of Hurst Castle. Plan on spending an entire day here. William Randolph Hurst built it and it's now owned by the state of California and kept as a museum. If they still offer the upstairs and downstairs tours, take both. More camping.
Hwy 1 joins 101 just north of Santa Barbara along the coast. There used to be a refinery along this stretch of road that was the only place on the American mainland that was bombarded during WWII. A Japanese submarine surfaced and lobed a few shells from her deck gun. I don't think that there's even a marker there.
Try to find the time to visit the mission in Santa Barbara. It's the "Queen of the Missions", and the last time I was there the friars gave tours.
There are so many things to see in L. A. that books have been written. Check one out.
At the southern end of the state is San Diego, with the largest and most famous zoo in the world.
As you might imagine from all the above, I agree that I-5 through most of California is really boring, especially compared to the alternatives. The coast road will be slow, winding, and sometimes narrow, but is well worth the drive if you are not in a hurry.
You'll be one of those guys I used to pass when I'd ride from San Diego to Monterey on a fast motorcycle.
Sorry this is so long, but you asked. Happy motoring.
Loren
Your daughter can advise you on routes and sights to see near Seattle. As you move south you can cut over to 101 via several routes.
I haven't crossed from California into Oregon enough to know which route would be better in the winter, but there seems to be some good advice from others on that issue. Just be aware than when crossing the mountains you may be required to mount chains on your truck if the weather is bad. In that case, if it were me, I'd stay put until it cleared up. You, being a resident of the Great Frozen North (It's just a joke!), might not find it as intimidating as I would.
Hwy 101 along the Oregon coast is beautiful, with lots of medium-sized fishing villages. To get a feel for the area, check the scenery in the movie "Overboard" with Goldie Hawn. (It's a pretty good movie as well. )
After you leave Eureka, CA, 101 cuts inland, but it's still a nice drive -- much nicer than I-5. If you want to stay on the coast, which is probably the most scenic route, you'll have to cut west to hwy 1. This will eventually take you through Bodega Bay, just north of San Francisco (never called "Frisco", but "San Fran" is acceptable). Bodega bay is where Hitchcock filmed "The Birds" and also where the San Andreas fault passes out to sea to the northwest. (Notice the long slim bay, right along the fault. )
There are several ways to get through S. F. , but I agree with Brian. Unless you are worried about the traffic and city streets, I'd drive through the city. If you follow hwy 1 off the Golden Gate Bridge, you will avoid the downtown area. It will take you very near (if not right alongside) Golden Gate Park. Depending upon your timetable and inclinations, that might be worth a stop. There is the De Young art museum, a great aquarium (more later), a museum of natural history, and more!
As you go farther south along hwy 1, you will pass through Santa Cruz, where almost all of America's brussels sprouts are grown and home to a Wrigleys gum factory. (Tours for organized groups only, the last time I checked. ) A little farther along and you'll be in Castroville where almost all of America's artichokes are grown at the mouth of the Salinas river.
The Monterey Peninsula is worth some time. The Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) in Cannery Row is literally world famous. You may prefer it to the one in Golden Gate Park, although the MBA is limited to sealife that is found in the Monterey Bay. Carmel is just a little past Monterey. Great shopping, but expensive. There is a mission in Carmel, as well as almost every city whose name starts with "San" or "Santa".
If you decide to take 101, you'll miss some of the above, but you'll drive south through the Salinas valley. Almost all of our country's lettuce, celery, carrots, and many other vegetables come from there. There is good camping at the Pinacles Nat'l Monument just south of Salinas. You'll have to get off of 101 to get there though.
If you decide to stay on hwy 1 south of Monterey, you'll go right through Big Sur and see lots of redwoods. The biggest trees are over in Sequoia National Park (in the Sierra Nevada mountains) but those at Big Sur are still impressive. Lots of camping at Big Sur too.
Between Monterey and Big Sur you'll cross the Bixby Creek Bridge. It's the curved concrete bridge with the beautiful arch under the roadway. You'll recognize it when you see it; it's in lots of commercials and movies.
A bit farther south on hwy 1 is San Simeon, the home of Hurst Castle. Plan on spending an entire day here. William Randolph Hurst built it and it's now owned by the state of California and kept as a museum. If they still offer the upstairs and downstairs tours, take both. More camping.
Hwy 1 joins 101 just north of Santa Barbara along the coast. There used to be a refinery along this stretch of road that was the only place on the American mainland that was bombarded during WWII. A Japanese submarine surfaced and lobed a few shells from her deck gun. I don't think that there's even a marker there.
Try to find the time to visit the mission in Santa Barbara. It's the "Queen of the Missions", and the last time I was there the friars gave tours.
There are so many things to see in L. A. that books have been written. Check one out.
At the southern end of the state is San Diego, with the largest and most famous zoo in the world.
As you might imagine from all the above, I agree that I-5 through most of California is really boring, especially compared to the alternatives. The coast road will be slow, winding, and sometimes narrow, but is well worth the drive if you are not in a hurry.
You'll be one of those guys I used to pass when I'd ride from San Diego to Monterey on a fast motorcycle.
Sorry this is so long, but you asked. Happy motoring.
Loren
Make sure you have chains for the trailer as well as the truck. If they post full chain controls over some of the passes they will probably make you chain the trailer as well as the truck. I just came down the coast from Astoria all the way to the Santa Rosa CA area towing my 7000 # travel trailer. We did this due to bad weather plus it is a nice drive. Had a problem over the bypass at Prairie Creek, was snowing and there was a couple of inches on the road. Was getting pretty slick before we got over but luckily had a snow plow come along and followed him down. Didn't have to chain but was real close before the plow came along.
Enjoy the trip and may the weather be good for you!
Enjoy the trip and may the weather be good for you!
When you are in Humboldt County, CA get off of US 101 on two roads. They are the old US101 route and connect back up to the highway after a few miles. Just after you come into the county in the north take the Newton P. Drury Parkway (I think I spelled that right). South of Scotia take the Avenue of the Giants. Watch out for tourists with cameras and crews filming commercials.
Slow Six. If you plan to take Highway 1 south of Carmel with your 5er you should review the Mountain Directory West, available in Camping World, my copy says "This road does not include long grades but it is narrow two lane with sharp curves and switchbacks that may be difficult for large vehicles. " I would not consider doing it with my 29' 5er. If you take it without the 5er you will see some breathtaking views almost like the Almafi (spelling) coast south of Naples Italy, but with less traffic.
Loren
TDR MEMBER
I agree that hwy 1 is two-lane and has many curves and switchbacks. It is not narrow, however, just two-lane. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it with any legal trailer. You won't average 55 mph, but you will get a great sightseeing trip.
Regarding having the ocean on your right, the person riding shotgun may be a bit nervous, it's true. The upside is that the grey whales may be making their way south at that time of year and you may see some spouting. (I'm not sure about the seasons for whale migrations, but you could do some Internet searching and find out. ) Whether you see whales or not, the ocean view is much more interesting than looking at the dirt (uphill side) beside the road to the east. Be sure to take binoculars.
Enjoy the trip.
Loren
Regarding having the ocean on your right, the person riding shotgun may be a bit nervous, it's true. The upside is that the grey whales may be making their way south at that time of year and you may see some spouting. (I'm not sure about the seasons for whale migrations, but you could do some Internet searching and find out. ) Whether you see whales or not, the ocean view is much more interesting than looking at the dirt (uphill side) beside the road to the east. Be sure to take binoculars.
Enjoy the trip.
Loren
Can you tow the trailer on Hwy 1? Sure. But you're going to be very stressed out and the people following you are going to be ****** off. Depending on the size of your trailer I might not take Hwy 1 for certain sections. Monterey/Big Sur/Cambria is twisty (it's a favorite for motorcycles for a reason... ). Same for the section from Leggett to Jenner. I wouldn't tow my 36ft 5th wheel there unless I absolutely had to - I've towed it down the Oregon coast and in the Sierra's where I really shouldn't have.
Brian
Brian
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
Turbo Diesel Register
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
