We are starting to plan our first big trip with our new 5th wheel. We plan to catch the Coho Ferry from Victoria BC to Port Angeles Wash. then taking Hyw 101 West down the west coast of Washington and Oregon and Northern California to San Francisco, but have heard that parts of 101 are hard to navigate with a large unit. Is there anyone out there that has made this trip and can help with must see spots, places to avoid, big rig friendly RV parks, attractions etc. Thank you in advance and hope to see you on the Road.. Mike & Hazel
Towing on Hwy 101 Washington/ Oregon
- Thread starter M.Watson
- Start date
wdk450
Well-known member
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
Going through San Francisco on Hwy 101 with an RV would be the worst part. It becomes a narrow lanes , 4 lane, city streets with a couple of moderate hills from the Golden Gate Bridge to Civic Center (about 7 miles) where elevated freeway begins again. Parts of 101 on the Oregon and Washington coast are 2 lane, pretty curvy between Newport Or. and Florence Or., but RV's take it all the time.
If you get a Thousand Trails Zone Membership, there are 6 preserves along the Oregon/Washington Coast, and another in the California Wine Country on 101, in Cloverdale.
Going through San Francisco on Hwy 101 with an RV would be the worst part. It becomes a narrow lanes , 4 lane, city streets with a couple of moderate hills from the Golden Gate Bridge to Civic Center (about 7 miles) where elevated freeway begins again. Parts of 101 on the Oregon and Washington coast are 2 lane, pretty curvy between Newport Or. and Florence Or., but RV's take it all the time.
If you get a Thousand Trails Zone Membership, there are 6 preserves along the Oregon/Washington Coast, and another in the California Wine Country on 101, in Cloverdale.
EPaulikonis
Well-known member
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
Haven't done any towing on the 101, but there are at least two spots in Tillamook, OR, just east of 101 to check out. The first is an old WWII Blimp Hangar on the South end of town. It now houses the air museum and you'll see plenty of signs. The hangar is one of, if not the, largest free standing wooden structure in North America. It's really deceiving just how large it really is until you stand inside the building. There are basketball hoops above the hangar doors and I spent a few afternoons trying to figure out how to launch a basketball high enough to get near the hoop. Can't even come close if you throw the ball. The Army Air Corps used to house up to 6 airships in each individual hangar. They have photos of older prop planes doing aerial maneuvers passing through the hangar as doors on both sides were opened. It's one of the last standing blimp hangars in existence and a must see for aviation buffs.
The second stop is also in Tillamook...it's the Tillamook cheese factory. We always stopped by to buy a yard-long beef stick during lunch. That's a meal you can enjoy all week. Safe travels.
Haven't done any towing on the 101, but there are at least two spots in Tillamook, OR, just east of 101 to check out. The first is an old WWII Blimp Hangar on the South end of town. It now houses the air museum and you'll see plenty of signs. The hangar is one of, if not the, largest free standing wooden structure in North America. It's really deceiving just how large it really is until you stand inside the building. There are basketball hoops above the hangar doors and I spent a few afternoons trying to figure out how to launch a basketball high enough to get near the hoop. Can't even come close if you throw the ball. The Army Air Corps used to house up to 6 airships in each individual hangar. They have photos of older prop planes doing aerial maneuvers passing through the hangar as doors on both sides were opened. It's one of the last standing blimp hangars in existence and a must see for aviation buffs.
The second stop is also in Tillamook...it's the Tillamook cheese factory. We always stopped by to buy a yard-long beef stick during lunch. That's a meal you can enjoy all week. Safe travels.
happykraut
Well-known member
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
I've pulled that stretch in both directions. The last time in a 33 footer. From Salt Point CG S to San Francisco there was a sign with a 22foot limit. It is kind of a taxing drive, but very beautiful and well worth the reward.
I've pulled that stretch in both directions. The last time in a 33 footer. From Salt Point CG S to San Francisco there was a sign with a 22foot limit. It is kind of a taxing drive, but very beautiful and well worth the reward.
shelsay
Well-known member
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
Fort Steven's State Park outside Astoria is a great place to spend a few days. Astoria itself is a quite picturesque. There are a number of nice RV parks in the Florence area as well. Farther south, we would recommend Winchester Bay RV Park in Reedsport. The town of Gold Beach about 25 miles north of the California border has jet boat rides on the Rogue River and several campgrounds. The Oregon coast is indeed beautiful. Once you get south of Eureka, CA, most of 101 is freeway until you reach San Francisco. Once you get to San Francisco, if you stay out of the city and in the East Bay, it's all freeway.
We are planning a May trip around the Olympic peninsula ourselves. Would be interested in hearing your feelings about campgrounds in Washington.
Fort Steven's State Park outside Astoria is a great place to spend a few days. Astoria itself is a quite picturesque. There are a number of nice RV parks in the Florence area as well. Farther south, we would recommend Winchester Bay RV Park in Reedsport. The town of Gold Beach about 25 miles north of the California border has jet boat rides on the Rogue River and several campgrounds. The Oregon coast is indeed beautiful. Once you get south of Eureka, CA, most of 101 is freeway until you reach San Francisco. Once you get to San Francisco, if you stay out of the city and in the East Bay, it's all freeway.
We are planning a May trip around the Olympic peninsula ourselves. Would be interested in hearing your feelings about campgrounds in Washington.
wdk450
Well-known member
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
Salt Point State park is on California HIGHWAY 1, not U.S. Highway 101, which a parallels CA. 1, 30 miles inland. CA HWY 1 in many coastal mountain locations is not advised for large vehicles. CA 1 joins US 101 at certain locations.
Salt Point State park is on California HIGHWAY 1, not U.S. Highway 101, which a parallels CA. 1, 30 miles inland. CA HWY 1 in many coastal mountain locations is not advised for large vehicles. CA 1 joins US 101 at certain locations.
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
Thanks David and Patricia
We will definitely check your recommendations as for RV parks in Washington, this will be our first trip to the Olympic Peninsula, there is another reply on this thread with a couple recommended parks in Sequim. We have read a lot of great reviews about the jet boat rides sounds like a must do.
Thanks David and Patricia
We will definitely check your recommendations as for RV parks in Washington, this will be our first trip to the Olympic Peninsula, there is another reply on this thread with a couple recommended parks in Sequim. We have read a lot of great reviews about the jet boat rides sounds like a must do.
happykraut
Well-known member
Re: Towing on Hyw 101 Washington/ Oregon
Bill you are absolutely correct. Sorry for the error. It's *ell to get old.
