hey all-

I am planning a trip from Portland down the coast to SoCal, then thru Utah/CO/NE/IA into Minneapolis. I will be leaving Portland 3/1. My current plans are listed below, and wanted to know if anyone has additional advice or suggestions of 'not to miss sights' along these routes. I will be camping and staying w friends along the way. I plan to do some hiking in Yachats, Orick, Big Sur and Zion areas- please let me know of any favorite hikes in these areas! I will also be travelling w my large beast of a dog :) Thanks!!

Portland to Yachats area

Yachats to Orick , CA (redwoods)- camping

Orick to San Fran

San Fran to Big Sur- camping

Big Sur to LA area

LA to Palm Springs

Palm Springs to Zion area -camping
**any suggestions of where to camp outside of the park? doggie is only allowed on one trail inside, and I am wondering if it's worth paying the entrance fees...

Zion to Price

Price to SLC via 9-Mile Canyon

SLC to Boulder

Boulder to Kearney, NE area
**would like to see the sandhill crane migration along the Platte- any advice on the best way to do this w/out paying to join a group?

Kearney to Des Moines

Des Moines to Minneapolis

Thanks!!