Lets try something new... Route/Trip Planing

[2010augusta]

I would like help in making sure the our planned route from Uvalde, TX to Gig Harbor, WA. I have not traveled through California much before so I really do not know what any of the highways and other roads are like. Each flag/marker is where we are planning on spending a night or two. If you have traveled around California and Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP, and Redwoods NP then you might be able to help. Below is a basic idea of what we are planning.

Here is a link to the Google map of the current route. Just click on each "Directions to" line for the specifics on each leg.

If this works out maybe a new section on route planning could be added to the forum, for those traveling to new or unfamiliar areas. I would hate to drive right pass a must see sight or a must eat at food joint.

 

[jmgratz]

Looks to me like you will be going through or near Bullhead City, AZ. If so you are very close to Oatman, AZ. Oatman AZ is an old mining town where Burros roam free in the town. Many shops to browse and a fun place. Also Lake Havasu, AZ is just a few miles south of Oatman and the London Bridge (the actual bridge from London England which was disassembled and moved there) is at Havasu City. Lake Havasu is beautiful. And right across the Colorado River from Bullhead City AZ is Laughlin, NV. Many casinos there. Like a mini Las Vegas. There is a pretty good uphill climb going west from Laughlin, NV towards Las Vegas but I have been over it several times and it is doable, just long.

PS There is a narrow winding piece of old Route 66 going north out of Oatman AZ which is fun to drive but do not take your RV on it.

 

[TXBobcat]

Oregon and Washington are beautiful states. A lot of places in California are also beautiful. My only problem with California is the speed limit is 55 and you have to stay in the right lane when pulling a trailer. The road will beat you to death. I would continue up through the Nevada mountains and into Oregon. Sequoia NP North east of Frezno and then Yosemite NP are nice if you stay off interstates. I know I could have gotten in trouble but I drove in the left hand lane and at the speed of the other traffic. California is a real PITA to drive through.

When you get to Oregon don't bypass Crater Lake NP off Hwy 97 and then Mt Rainer NP in Washington. We are in Montana and it gets down to 44* at night now so you will be getting some colder weather this time of year. Are you going to stay in Washington for the winter?

BC

 

[sgtbigb]

Route

Several +500 mile days

 

[branson4020]

Be sure you pass through the SeaTac area about mid day. You do not want to experience the commute traffic there.

 

[SilverRhino]

Route Planning Section

I would second Alan's idea about a section on Route Planning advice.......nothing better to rely on for information than personal experience. With all the members of this forum.....I would bet that just about every route in the U.S. and Canada have been personally driven.

 

[jbeletti]

I like it. Done. Enjoy

 

[2010augusta]

Are you going to stay in Washington for the winter?

BC

Bobcat, yes will we be in Washington for at least the next year or two.

We have been to crater lake before, but we are returning for an entire day.

The parks we are going to on this trip include:

Big Bend NP
Grand Canyon NP North Rim
Cedar Breaks NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Sequoia NP
Kings Canyon NP
Yosemite NP
Redwoods NP
Crater Lake NP
Mt, St. Helen's NVS
Olympic NP

I would especially like advise on traveling CA hwy 20 west from Williams CA to the 101 Hwy.

 

[rl7greg]

I guess you'll have time for trips to Oregon while you're living in Washington, but if you aren't in a rush near the end of your trip, Highway 101 on the coast is very scenic. Pacific City, Oregon is one of my favorite spots there - not overly busy and touristy.

 

[bigredtruck]

Bobcat, yes will we be in Washington for at least the next year or two.

We have been to crater lake before, but we are returning for an entire day.

The parks we are going to on this trip include:

Big Bend NP
Grand Canyon NP North Rim
Cedar Breaks NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Sequoia NP
Kings Canyon NP
Yosemite NP
Redwoods NP
Crater Lake NP
Mt, St. Helen's NVS
Olympic NP

I would especially like advise on traveling CA hwy 20 west from Williams CA to the 101 Hwy.

Enjoy your stay in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

 

[Clark]

Alan and Sandy, we drove from through the Southwest and up to Washington and beyond in 2007. Did not follow the exact route that you propose, but if you are willing to keep an open mind, please go to the attached link to a blog that we wrote while on the road. I think that you'll enjoy and it may point out some other options for you.
http://foldentrek.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html

Clark

 

[wdk450]

Bobcat, yes will we be in Washington for at least the next year or two.

We have been to crater lake before, but we are returning for an entire day.

The parks we are going to on this trip include:

Big Bend NP
Grand Canyon NP North Rim
Cedar Breaks NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Sequoia NP
Kings Canyon NP
Yosemite NP
Redwoods NP
Crater Lake NP
Mt, St. Helen's NVS
Olympic NP

I would especially like advise on traveling CA hwy 20 west from Williams CA to the 101 Hwy.

Being from Sacramento, we have frequently travelled the Hwy 20 route from Williams to Hwy 101. The road is good, but you do go over a range of hills, so there are some grades. The drive along the shore of Clear Lake is very scenic with many small towns, but is speed restricted most of the way here. There is a bypass route you can take to the south of the lake which is faster. We pulled our BH3670 up to Willits on this road last time we travelled it.