San Jose to Seattle

[dilip]

I have done this once before along CA-1. However during the 4-day July weekend, my girlfriend and I have decided to try it again but along I-5.

Any suggestions on how we could plan?

My idea would be to see

Mount Shasta
Redwood Forests
Crater lake

Any other spots that we could go. We don't intend to be in Seattle for more than a day, so it works fine for us.

Thanks

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America forum.

The drive up (or down) the Pacific coast between the Bay area and Puget Sound is one of the most discussed topics on this forum. Here are two pretty thorough threads (1 2) covering just that stretch. I don't think I could do better than the recommendations contained in those threads. But be sure to also use the search function to see what else might be on the board and check the suggested reading at the bottom of the page. Those should get you well on your way.

AZBuck

[roadie4]

If you take I-5 and decide to go to the redwood forests (Fortuna area), be aware that if you take SR-36, it is a very long road and you will have to take the whole thing.

At the beginning of the road, you will see a road sign that shows an "S" curve and then a sign below it "Next 140 miles". Just make sure you have a strong stomach.

Also, as of a couple of weeks ago, the rim drive around Crater Lake wasn't fully open (or even 20% open). You might want to check with the park to see if it is fully open. It is an AMAZING park to see.

(PS: I have tried to attach the picture of the road sign, so you see what I mean -- I hope it works).

[cool]

dilip,
We are also headed the same way, but only until Portland. We have included OR caves(in the south), Astoria column(hrd this is an amazing place for viewing the Columbia river gorge). We are heading south via the OR coast. Hence, Sea lion caves, OR sand dunes, a couple lighthouses and beaches will hopfully complete the trip.
You guys might probably able to cover more than us as we are camping.
AAA map helped me build this trip. I pretty much look for any green in the map and connect it all later. Pick up a map, see how far you can detour from I 5 and plan your trip.

2 years back we did a trip to Crater lake as well. There are a couple of wonderfull waterfalls in Shasta trinity forest. I haven't been to Shasta caverns. But it is a good option. As said here, do chk if Crater lake is open.

have fun, planning!

cheers
cool

[PNW Judy]

Cool, just an FYI...the Columbia River Gorge area starts east of Portland. You will have a wonderful view of the mouth of the Columbia River from the Astoria Column but you will be a long way away from the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Hope this doesn't upset your plans. Just don't want you to be surprised and disappointed.

[cool]

Thanks for the info, Judy. I really dont know what to expect much. Just read it somewhere. Have not been there, yet.

Anything else important to see there? Or along the OR coast?

thanks again,
cool

[dilip]

Thanks for wonderful explanations. Now I am thinking of a slight detour. I do plan to go back to Shasta/Redding area in couple of weeks, so I might just drive up to Seattle and do some camping in Olympic Park. Is this a better suggestion?

I will look at the other threads too for suggestions.

Hey cool, have a great OR trip. Hopefully I will pass by you :)


Cheers,

[cool]

Its just not you and me, dilip, a lot of my friends are heading that way this July 4th. No wonder, all the campgrounds were booked.

Chk for camping reservations in Olympic. I don't know how fast it gets filled up there. Also, Olympic NP is a huge place. No doubt, its an amazing place; But you will have to pace your timing to cover everything.
If you go, don't miss Ruby beach.
They also have a lot of beaches that are drive-thru. We don't have such beaches in the bay area. Its real cool.

Wherever you go, I'm sure it'll be lots of people and loads of fun...

cheers,
cool

[PNW Judy]

Thanks for the info, Judy. I really dont know what to expect much. Just read it somewhere. Have not been there, yet.

Anything else important to see there? Or along the OR coast?

thanks again,
cool

Gosh, I've written tons of threads about the Oregon Coast. You might want to do a search for posts I've written on this matter. I've also written a few posts about SW Washington so you might want to search for these as well. Sorry I can't be more help right now.

[PNW Judy]

Thanks for wonderful explanations. Now I am thinking of a slight detour. I do plan to go back to Shasta/Redding area in couple of weeks, so I might just drive up to Seattle and do some camping in Olympic Park. Is this a better suggestion?

I will look at the other threads too for suggestions.

Hey cool, have a great OR trip. Hopefully I will pass by you :)


Cheers,

Well, I don't know if it's a better idea but it would be something different. But you don't have to go to Seattle to get to the Olympia Peninsula. However, you can do that if you want to experience the ferries. But you could also just drive up there. You could go up the coast and keep driving 101 up the coast to the Olympic Peninsula. 101 circles around it and will bring you back down the other side. Or you can drive up I-5 and hook up with 101 and go around the Olympic Peninsula the other way.

Campground spots do fill up quite quickly here so you will either need to make your reservations soon or be flexible about where you stay.