Roadtrip between CA and Oregon? [moved from California forum]
Oct 2, 2014, 9:33 am
#16
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This thread had me contemplating some other road trips between CA and OR as well; particularly driving north along 101 coastal route and then cutting east from Cannon Beach through Hood River and Columbia Gorge all the way accross to Joseph and Wallowa Lake, ending in Portland and flying home.
Ideally I'd like to kick it off around Eugene but there doesn't seem to be any easily accessible way of getting there. I could drive all the way upstate but I'm trying to be efficient since I want to focus on the Oregon part of this roadtrip. There are direct flights from SFO on United Express but since it's a regional airport, we'd be looking at $500 for a one-way fare! I suppose we could possibly do a connection through PDX on Alaska but it seems kind of silly to connect in Portland, fly back south to OTH, then drive back North up towards Cannon. The Amtrak or Coastal Starlight (I forget which rail runs up the coast) is like 12 hours and I've gotten horrible feedback from those that have taken it south down to LA. I'd rather drive in less time. Are there any other nearby airports that are serviced by SFO or Oakland that I might consider? I'd like to set off up the coast somewhere around the Siuslaw Nat'l Forest; near Yachats or thereabouts. Any suggestions? This wouldn't be for several months btw, I'm just thinking about it now...
Ideally I'd like to kick it off around Eugene but there doesn't seem to be any easily accessible way of getting there. I could drive all the way upstate but I'm trying to be efficient since I want to focus on the Oregon part of this roadtrip. There are direct flights from SFO on United Express but since it's a regional airport, we'd be looking at $500 for a one-way fare! I suppose we could possibly do a connection through PDX on Alaska but it seems kind of silly to connect in Portland, fly back south to OTH, then drive back North up towards Cannon. The Amtrak or Coastal Starlight (I forget which rail runs up the coast) is like 12 hours and I've gotten horrible feedback from those that have taken it south down to LA. I'd rather drive in less time. Are there any other nearby airports that are serviced by SFO or Oakland that I might consider? I'd like to set off up the coast somewhere around the Siuslaw Nat'l Forest; near Yachats or thereabouts. Any suggestions? This wouldn't be for several months btw, I'm just thinking about it now...
If you want to start off near Florence, EUG might be your best bet, it's only an hour drive on 128.
Enjoy your trip!
Jan 1, 2015, 8:32 pm
#17
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I'm planning a trip like this July 2015. Fly in to PDX at noon, stay there for the night then take 101 to Klamath a couple of nights to see the Redwoods, 101 to SF for night and fly out the next morning. Any suggestions? Thanks
Jan 2, 2015, 1:34 am
#18
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Jan 2, 2015, 8:28 am
#19
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Jan 2, 2015, 9:09 am
#20
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I avoid that part of the coast. 
Tainted from my upbringing in NorCal.
Jan 2, 2015, 10:35 am
#21
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You probably have more stay choices in Cresent City, and visit the Redwoods from there. Heck, bring a sleeping bag, buy a cheap inflatable mattress and car camp at one of the state parks like Del Norte!
Jan 2, 2015, 11:03 am
#22
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Klamath CA is pretty much a wide spot in the road with a cool bridge (guarded by bears.) Look at Trinidad, Arcata, or Ferndale as alternate overnight stopping points. I find Crescent City to be depressing and Eureka, despite some cool Victorian houses, to be something of a trafficky strip commercial shlog.
The Avenue of the Giants (loop) byway south of Eureka is worth every minute you can give it.
Jan 6, 2015, 6:29 pm
#23
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We just picked Klamath because of proximity to Redwood National Park but open to all suggestions other than I have some wimps that will be with me so no camping, LOL. Must have decent hotel with WIFI to keep them entertained. 
Jan 7, 2015, 9:19 pm
#24
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I've stayed in various towns along the coast in far-Northern California and Southern Oregon on several trips. I'll second the suggestion above for Bandon, OR. It's a small town with a beautiful, nature-oriented beach and numerous small motels. Crescent City and Eureka are also right on the coast and offer more in the way of name-brand motels, but I agree with the person above who opined that these towns are kind of dreary. Either way, I am typically only in my room for "8 hours and shower" when traveling in this region so I don't care too, too much.
Jan 7, 2015, 11:13 pm
#25
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Before you start, make sure you check the Oregon Department of Transportation site https://tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap.asp?curRegion=0 for road conditions. We occasionally have floods and landslides that block the highways. Oh, drive carefully; elk and bear can mess your car up.
Jan 20, 2015, 6:39 pm
#26
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I love the whole southern Oregon coast and parts of N Cal. I was just in Bandon a few days ago in fact. I like Gold Beach for access to the Rogue River as well as hikes north and south of there: Humbug Mt, Cape Sebastian, The Samuel Boardman section. In 50 minutes you can be to Hwy 199 and Jedidiah Smith redwoods. I did stay in Klamath, CA a few months ago at the Requia Inn and found it nice with great dinner at their restaurant. A favorite drive in the park system is out to Fern Canyon in the northern part of Humboldt Co.