Oregon/Nor Cal In October

[Turtleboy]

Hi, first time poster. I like taking solo roadtrips.

In Summer 04, I flew into Vegas, drove to LA, then from LA I drove up Highway one the entire way to SF, then to Yosemite, over the Sierra Nevadas, down south to Death Valley and back to Vegas. It took me a month. I stayed in fancy hotels, on friends' couches, and some nights, I slept in my car.

Anyway, I'd like to take another roadtrip, but I won't have as much time. One week or two weeks at most. I haven't really been to Oregon or Northern California.

My plan is to fly into Seattle or Portland, and drive to SF along the coast, and leave from there. Probably Portland just because I don't have the time. How much time do I need? Should I just do Oregon and a round trip? Is October too cold?

I love hiking and taking pictures, but nothing too strenuous. I also like rafting, but it might be too late.

Sorry if this is a commonly asked question. Any other tips or links?

[Mass Tim]

Welcome to the RoadTrip America Forum!

Portland to San Francisco isn't a huge trip - two days at a decent pace. That gives you five days if you only have a week available, and 12 days if you can manage to swing the extra week.

Here is a thread that can help get you started in the right direction. This area is relatively popular on these forums for road tripping.

I don't think October would be too cold, though you would definitely want to be prepared for any weather you might encounter.

[Turtleboy]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the links.

I'm most interested in BIG SCENERY -- mountains, oceans, craters, etc. Not so much as interested in "quaint towns" or shopping. I do like to eat well though.

[Turtleboy]

Ok, I think I have my dates. I live in Fort Lauderdale. I will fly out of Fort Lauderdale on Fri Oct 10, and return on Sat Oct 18.

First decision. Do I fly into Seattle or Portland? I will def be leaving on the 18 from SF. Of cousre if I fly into Seattle, I can see "more" but will I be too pressed for time, resulting in me seeing less?

If I fly into Seattle, I'll bypass Portland all together b/c I'd stay on the coast. Is one better than the other?

[Mark Sedenquist]

If I fly into Seattle, I'll bypass Portland all together b/c I'd stay on the coast. Is one better than the other?

Um.... Seattle is not on the coast.... It's on the Pugent Sound and is at least 100 miles inland -- by car the closest route from Seattle to the Pacific coast is ~ 175 miles...

-- in fact, Portland is closer to the coast than Seattle by about 25 miles or so.

Here are some ideas and tips for your planning...
Some good tips for the Olympic Penisula
Seattle and Portland ideas by PNW Judy
Some more threads from this area
Crater Lake and some other ideas from Peter Thody

So, as to which one makes more sense -- given your time window, I would say Portland!

Mark