Leavenworth, WA to San Francisco, CA

[Haggis_OZ]

Hi all,

Travelling Family of Four (kids 11 and 6) from Australia and planning a trip after a White Christmas in Leavenworth down to San Francisco.

Plan thus far

Leave Leavenworth 26/12 heading to the Oregon Coast - Astoria/Cannon Beach
Was thinking of Heading South on 97 to 82 down to Yakima then across 12 to the 5 then South on 5 down to the 30 then across to the Coast to Astoria. (Taking 2 days to drive this)
Astoria/ Cannon Beach - Night of 28th
From Astoria heading down the coast on 101 all the way down to San Francisco to arrive on 31st December evening.

Is this a realistic itinery?

If so, Suggested stops between Leavenworth and Astoria, and Astoria and San Francisco.

Thanks

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

Your trip is certainly doable with the time you have so it's a case of what you want to see. For example the route to the coast, was there something you wanted to see along that route as that could determine where to stop. You could also take a more direct route to the coast and arrive same day, giving you more time down the coast where there are some lovely views and seaside towns and of course, the Redwoods State and National parks. To keep to the coast in California you would have to take CA1 which is slower going than 101 into SF. I would certainly look at a short driving day as you make your way through Redwoods where there are scenic drives such as the Newton B Drury scenic parkway through Prairie Creek Redwood SP and the Avenue of the Giants in Humboltd Redwood SP. With that in mind I would be looking at the 27th in Astoria, the 28th around Coo's Bay, 29th Klamath area, 30th Garberville area [time for Redwoods] and the 31st to San Fran via the Golden Gtae bridge [toll fee]. You should have time to drive along Conzelman road to the Marin headlands for stunning views of the Bay and Bridge, weather permitting.

That's what I would do but it's your trip so get the maps out and do a bit of research and see what appeals. Scrolling down this page and the start of the following one, will give you some insight.

[Haggis_OZ]

Thanks Dave,

The reason I chose that route south from Leavenworth was I thought it might be quite picturesque south of Mount Rainer. The purpose is driving down the Oregon Coast and Redwood so point taken in regards to getting accross to Astoria in a day.

Thanks for your advice.

[Southwest Dave]

You could take that route and get to the coast same day, but not if you had wanted to stop for anything major along the way.

[Lifemagician]

[QUOTE=Haggis_OZ;176215]... after a White Christmas in Leavenworth ....QUOTE]

Sure hope the weather co operates for you. Otherwise you may have to go up to Kosciusko at Christmas time. One year we were up above Thredbo on the high plains on Boxing Day when a blizzard blew in. It was magic seeing the alps all white with snow in that hot summer.

Do you have good maps while you are planning this trip? or only the computer? If you don't have maps, why not ask your friends (I'm assuming) in Leavenworth to send you some. Or you could order a Rand McNally road atlas from the RTA store via the link at the bottom of this page. If you order it now you will have it in a couple of weeks.

You will be able to see all the attractions along the way, and along the coast. Maps also highlight scenic routes with a dotted line.

Also, if you are a member of RACV, NRMA or similar, be sure to bring your membership with you. It will get you access to tourism information from the AAA anywhere in the US and Canada.

Lifey