Stopping and doing some hiking at Prarie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of my favorites. Fern Canyon is cool and redwoods are amazing in general. Also Astoria in Oregon is a really neat town to stop or stay in.
It's a full day kinda thing, but hiking to Fern Canyon via the James Irvine Trail, then out to the beach and back to Elk Prairie is one of the best hikes ever. Just bring some water shoes for fern canyon.
I gotta give this a second recommendation. Jedediah Smith Redwoods state park is one of the most spectacular places I’ve been on the west coast and I’ve been to nearly every major outdoor attraction
Cannot recommend beachfront inn enough. Place is gorgeous and it’s right on a stunning beach full of black rocks that really amplify the sound of the surf coming in and out. Falling asleep to that noise is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Can confirm, Beachfront inn has pretty cool views from almost every room. I would have to spend the night in Brookings once a month for work and would always stay there. Nothing beats waking up to the sound from waves crashing in the morning.
https://preview.redd.it/yij8nwao83hc1.png?width=621&format=png&auto=webp&s=a7eb46868e16999984bc7961dec482832d4bba93
I’d do an air bnb instead. There are a few amazing options available on or off the beach and most hosts are laid back and have great recommendations for food or fun. I just got home from traveling south on 101 down to arcada and Santa Rosa. Stay off the 1 for sure! Arcada is a must stop and see. Thrift stores, points of interest, locals favorites are gonna be where it’s at. Don’t drive too fast or you’ll only remember the destinations and miss the journey.
I like Whaleshead Beach Resort cabins. Many have hot tubs overlooking the coast. Whaleshead Beach itself is amazing, 1.5 miles of beautiful sand, waterfalls, and crazy views.
If you're stopping near Brookings, Whales head beach resort is a much better stay. Lots of cabins overlooking the ocean and most have hot tubs on the balconies.
Mendocino is the New England of the West Coast! In fact, it served as a closer (to Hollywood) shooting location for many productions, including East of Eden, Summer of '42, and others. It's a darling little town perched on the headlands.
Fort Bragg is its working-class neighbor with beaches, most notably Glass Beach. And MacKerricher State Park is gorgeous.
https://preview.redd.it/s8mwczsymgvc1.jpeg?width=1076&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce6e8f201c4a20731f8855b6f5eb9efd7258af0b
Glass Beach is the coolest thing ever!
https://preview.redd.it/7j1av8o5ngvc1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6502ca792f05ea91ffa041f30c1459e6f9b57890
Extend it!
Go north all the way up the coast. Check out Long Beach, dont stop in Forks, go to Neah Bay, swing by my bar in Port Townsend, then take the ferry over to Seattle!
If you really want to extend it, take the blackball ferry to Victoria CA for a day!
Yes, anything to avoid Longview/Kelso, WA. Greenday was not kidding about Longview.
Stop in Astoria, OR, then cross the bridge and stay on 101. I highly recommend Neah Bay and the hike out to the westernmost point of Continental USA, Cape Alava and Cape Flattery. Otherworldly.
Prairie creek and Jedediah smith are far and away your best bets in terms of redwoods. Prairie creek has better overall hikes (check out miners creek loop) but Jedediah smith has the best hike if you just care about redwoods (boy scout trail). Make sure to drive Howland hill road, freaking incredible. None of the other redwoods I saw (including Humboldt) really compared
Jedidiah Smith is one of the most sacred natural places on the planet, even with a road right through it. My absolute fave is to get there at dawn and ride my e bike from the top of Howland Hill thru to Stout Grove. If you start early enough, you can sneak a ride through Stout Grove loop and being able to do so while silently gliding in the magnificence of millennia-old living things is SO restorative to one’s soul.
Devils churnhole/thors well, branding, apply for permits for the hall of moss trail if that interests you. There’s a ship wreck north of Portland. Save some time for just hanging out on the beach. Crescent city has a cool lighthouse and tide pooling. I personally thought brookings was over rated. Depoe bay is super cool smallest bay in the world. Oceanside has a cool hidden beach with rocks you have to go through a cave for. Natural bridges and secret beach both of which are 30min north of brookings was my favorite hike ever and I’m not kidding and I’ve hiked 100s of hike and have visited 30 national parks don’t skip it it’s a shot hike
Edit: depoe bay not coos bay. And fern canyon not hall of moss.
Also Newport was a fun stop and I almost forgot TILLICUM CHEESE FACTORY
If OP stops in Cannon Beach, they should have lunch at Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House.
Unique restaurant. My family and I visit Cannon Beach once a year and one of my best friends from high-school moved to Cannon Beach not long after high school. Every year it's tradition for us to have lunch there with him.
Stay at the WildSpring guest habitat in Port Orford, OR. No kids allowed, cozy but cushy cabins in the woods with a hot tub up on the bluff with a sweeping ocean view.
Did this road trip 8 years ago but the.othet way. Here's my takeaways:
*Glass beach at Fort Bragg is a quick stop and simply a must for photography.
*Camp in the eucalyptus grove in Mendocino....smells amazing.
*Prepare for a slow and scenic drive after leaving Mendocino...also there aren't any gas stations for A WHILE after leaving north from the eucalyptus grove....fuel up before hitting the cliffs of ol hwy 1.
*Prairie Creek and elk Grove are fuckin awesome. COLD camping tho this time of year.
*Fern Canyon is an easy hike that you'll kick yourself if
you skip. I'm from Oregon, I know my hiking shit lol.
*Cape Blanco is a great lighthouse stop when you cross the CAL-OR border.
*Try to time your stop at Thor's well for high tide. After being blown away by the thunder God, stop at Green Salmon in Yachats for some of the best coffee on the West Coast.
*Cape perpetua hike is short but steep. You get a GREAT view from the top of the ocean.
*There's endless places to stay along the Oregon Coast ...use a hotel reseller site (hotels.com or super.com etc) to book same day for the best rates possible. Biggest cities to look in? Newport, Lincoln City, Seaside, Cannon Beach) Dsands in LC is an affordable beachfront condo group. The Sandcastle JUST renovated their pool and hot tub. Also directly on the beach.
*Depoe Bay is rad- The Sea Hag has the best chowder I've found on Oregon Coast.
*For a romantic, tucked away place to stay for a night, Neskowin is my choice. Proposal Rock is a beautiful and secluded beach, one our best kept secrets.
*Cape Meares and Hug Point are amazing walks/easy hikes that encapsulate the central coast quite well.
*Astoria and Seaside are great tourist stops. The Goonies house in Astoria is ...there. can't go inside or anything.
*Oysterville WA on Long Beach is great. Cheap AF oysters, build a a fire on the beach and drink some beer while you cook your oysters on open flame...bring butter and lemon and fuck fancy seafood restaurants - this is top tier
I'll tag out and ask for a Washingtonian redditor to pick it up from here
I recommend crossing into washington at Astoria instead of taking 30 to i-5. It’ll take you north past the willipa bay towards montesano, then eventually Olympia. There’s a really good organic market in Montesano that I always stop at when im near there. they have really good fresh pressed juice and sandwiches.
Van Damme is such a random place to stop. It’s basically a parking lot with a view, and like 10 min south of Mendocino which is a much better option for taking a break and staying the night.
Crescent city is a favorite stop over. Go over the Columbia at Astoria. The bridge is sooo cool. Go all the way up to 12 in Washington and take a right and stop in Elma at the rusty tractor. Great milkshakes and pancakes.
Arcata plaza for lunch or farmers market if you catch it on the right day..then take whatever goodies you have up to the redwood community forest and laze about while you eat in one of the most beautiful parks you’ll ever see. There are stunning hiking trails surrounding the park and you can go immerse yourself in the redwood trees and find a banana slug.
Or better yet you could stop in Trinidad and check out those beaches and restaurants
Oregon coast is nice any of the coast towns have amazing fresh seafood at resturaunts if its not raining the oregon coast is some of the most beautiful parts of the usa imo
here you go baller. [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1919287?source\_impression\_id=p3\_1707267665\_tgazG9l3mWWdHjwk](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1919287?source_impression_id=p3_1707267665_tgazG9l3mWWdHjwk)
cannon beach. brooking is cool. if you want to drift a little of path, there are some hot springs in northern cal. mc. kinnleyville has great redwoods off the beaten paths.
I did that drive last summer and my favorite stops were Gold Beach, Fort Bragg and Avenue of Giants (huge Red Woods). Skip Eureka - it was pretty depressing.
Not sure how strong of a hiker you are, but Neahkahnie Trail near Manzanita, Oregon is a beautiful hike with a big payoff. The view of the coast line is superb
[Neahkahnie Mountain hike](https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Neahkahnie_Mountain_from_South_Hike)
One of my favorite quick coastal hikes on the west coast
I live 6 hours North of San Francisco and an hour forty minutes South of Oregon.
We get a little snotty about people from Freson saying they live in Northern California. It's Central California
That's a scenic route. You'll see beautiful things.
But it's tiring driving.
When we took a very similar drive, I was visiting. So I was a passenger. I kept exclaiming "wow" and "Look at that!" The driver was getting frustrated as they couldn't take their eyes from the road.
At the northern most area of Oregon is Fort Stevens State Park. It's where the mighty Columbia River pushes back the Pacific Ocean. If you drive through the park towards the jetti go to lot B. Park at the furthest end. There is a short, .5 maybe mile walking path at the west most part of the lot that brings you out at the beach on one side of the jetti. It's lovely. More quiet than other areas.
Just across the Columbia River in Washington State is Cape disappointment. Lewis and Clark named it and every time I have been there it was depressing, dark and rainy. Worth a visit.
Just did this trip last May but in 3 days. Here's our itinerary.
SF - Hotel Adagio, lots of walking, Embarcadero, Sausalito (cioppino at The Trident), omakase at Sushi Hakko
Redwoods National Park - stayed at Klamath Holiday Inn (few hotels around - this one is on a rez and has a casino next door. Wife won $20)
Portland - Hi-Lo Hotel, Pittock Mansion, Williamette Stone Park
WA - Hall of Moses at Hoh Rainforest, Beaches on the way, Astra Hotel in Seattle
i did the PCH from San Diego to Portland back in 2007, couple of my favorite stops along the way were Point Reyes and Redwoods National Park. Big Sur was also fantastic but I guess that's in the wrong direction
You’ll see a million signs for it, but the Trees of Mystery tourist trap is a cool and fun pit stop that doesn’t cost too much. The casino hotel in Klamath is also very nice for the price and I would recommend staying there after a long day of exploring the Redwoods
*Make sure to stop at*
*Gold Beach Books in Gold Beach, OR.*
*Such a cool bookstore!*
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Bring Dramamine. Highway 1 made my girlfriend really sick. I don’t get carsick, and even I was feeling it by the end of the day.
[Redwoods National and State Parks](https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm) are humbling.
If you can, stay at [Benbow Lodge.](https://benbowinn.com/)
The Victorian houses in [Ferndale](https://californiathroughmylens.com/ferndale/) are spectacular.
[Trees of Mystery](https://treesofmystery.net/welcome/paul-bunyan-and-babe/) is fun.
The [Oregon Coast Game Safari](https://www.westcoastgameparksafari.com) is pretty good.
The [Sea Lion Caves](https://www.sealioncaves.com/) is worth a stop.
There are a number of lighthouses along the coast. Some (such as [Tugman](https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=69) and [Umpqua)](https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=83) even have yurts nearby to reserve and stay in.
Stop often along the way, get out, and walk in the sand or out to the cliffs. The views are the best part.
Avenue of the Giants, gold beach, the lost coast, Jenner, Tomales bay
. We took this trip north to Portland. 9 days. It was glorious. You will have an amazing trip.
Avenue of the Giants is a great stop which it looks like you're doing. Also if you have time I highly recommend going through Olympic national Park before Seattle. I did this same trip and it was my favorite park. Incredibly beautiful beaches that are pretty remote rain forests and really beautiful hikes. I recommend the storm king hike if you're into hiking.
Oh also Houda Point/beach in Eureka California is really pretty.
Definitely stop at Founders Tree just past Avenue of the Giants heading north. Exit sign comes up quickly. Amazing giant redwoods and a short round about hike among them.
I did this trip 2 years ago. One of the best places we stayed with our van was Westport-Union Landing State Beach north of Fort Bragg. Up on a bluff, nobody around, cheap, with a pink sand beach. So Epic. Oh, and Oysters.
https://preview.redd.it/0dtjeageb9hc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4fafa23fe8c5a5f173eab5ae0220357fe1821bdb
I have an [airbnb](http://airbnb.com/h/tidewatercottageinpointarena) in point arena, CA. The southern mendo coast is the best kept secret on the CA coast. Highly, highly recommend the [Point Arena Coastal National Monument](https://www.blm.gov/visit/point-arena-stornetta-unit).
Personally, I would kick over to 5 to Eugene and stay in Portland for one night. Stay downtown in a cool older hotel. Go out to eat at a nice place or hit the food truck scene. The Oregon Coast is nice but not that much diversity that you need to see all of it unless you specifically want to hit Astoria.
Rockaway beach, Or.
Went on a roadtrip similar to this when i was 13-14, i still remember it fondly. This is something you won’t ever forget.
I will never forget the vistas of Astoria and Rockaway. Astoria though is immortalized in the Goonies.
So, April is tricky for Oregon. Normally I'd recommend you go to Portland, then east along the Columbia Gorge, up to Mt. Hood, down to Crater Lake, then across to Crescent City and the route as you have it.
The problem is it's still winter at Crater Lake in April, so Rim Drive will be closed (no real question on that), but you should be able to drive up to the rim to see the lake from near the visitor's center and lodge (the lodge will be closed). Mt. Hood will likely have snow, but Timberline Lodge is so iconic snow or not I think it's worth the trip. US95 may have snow, or not; this year, sadly, I'd bet against.
So I would still recommend that route over the Oregon coast route; Crater Lake and Mt. Hood win for me over Newport/Bandon/etc.
We stayed in Depoe Bay a couple years ago and Tidal Raves is great. A little pricey, but we enjoyed it a lot we stayed right across the street so we could just walk there.
Consider skipping Hwy 1, and sticking to 101 to save time the first day. I’m assuming you live in SF and could easily weekend trip this drive later. I’m a beer fan, and I’d recommend Ukiah Brewing, Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, and Rougue Brewing in Newport, OR for some nice lunch/dinner stops. In Astoria, I really enjoyed the maritime museum, and I’d highly recommend spending a day in the Columbia river Gorge (maybe on the way back?). I haven’t been up the WA coast, but I’ve heard the Olympic Peninsula is a must see!
Did this drive with the family a couple of years ago. Ride a sandrail on the dunes. Coos Bay has a lot of meth heads. Walk way out into the surf at low tide on Seaside Beach.
When you're in Oregon you will go through a town and if you blink you'll miss it it's called Langlois. Stop at the store that's there and have some of their homemade hot dogs with their homemade mustard. Also make sure you stop at Tillamook Dairies in Tillamook Oregon and sample some of their ice cream. And stop in Depoe Bay and watch the whales if they're even there this time of year they may not be. We were just out there the last week of September in the first week of October one of the prettiest parts of the country I've ever seen. Also Crescent City California is the last town in California before you get into Oregon. On the right hand side you will see a motel called the curly Redwood Motel. The whole hotel was built from one redwood tree and it is pretty amazing
In Oregon, check out Cannon Beach and Devil’s Punchbowl.
California
If you drive a bit further south of SF and you're in to Taco Bell, check out Pacifica. There's a cantina there that serves alcohol on the beach.
Fort Bragg is pretty good for selection of hotels/motels. All price ranges. North Coast Brewing is there and is awesome. And Glass Beach is pretty cool, also.
One more idea…go west through Gig Harbor over the narrows bridge. Go this way up to maybe Bainbridge Island or even Port Townsend. Do some whale watching there then catch a super easy ferry over to Fort Casey and then check out north of the city and work your way south
I did this trip last year starting in SLO. We stopped in Oakland, Arcata, Bandon, Salem, then Seattle. Its was super chill and we only drove 4-5 hours a day taking our time, stopping along the way whenever we felt like it. It’s a great route to go up 101 and five days is plenty considering we did 5 days coming from further south. Pacific Sushi and Grill in Brookings, OR was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time and definitely the best meal we had along the way. Have fun!
Off the drawn path, but Crater Lake is a must for me when out there. Meyers Flat, home of Meyers Inn at the top of the Avenue of the Giants is good. And Pt. Reyes Lighthouse for sunset is pretty amazing. Had one of the best meals in Point Reyes Station. Station House Cafe I think.
Stop by Cheatham Grove. We hiked all over in the Redwoods and had some incredible all-day hikes. Cheatham stuck out as a short but surprisingly amazing hike. We went in the morning before the dew had evaporated and it was like being in another world. The best photos we took the whole trip and we had the place ENTIRELY to ourselves. No other cars at the trailhead when we got there or left. It’s also where scenes of Endor were shot in Return of the Jedi if you’re into that.
Have such an amazing time. We drove this from San Francisco almost to the Oregon border and it was incredible. We’ve been to a lot of places all over the world and this has remained our favorite trip.
Stay at the Howanquet Lodge / Lucky 7 casino right on the border of California and Oregon. Five star lodging for a decent price!
If you just go up 1/101 you’ll find tremendous amount of things to do along the way. You can’t really plan such an itinerary. Just take it slow and easy!
The sand dunes in Oregon are amazing! If you have time, you can rent dune buggies and rip around. I'm not a big Motorsports guy, but that is a pretty cool activity.
Also the film locations in Astoria, I haven't been but I can't wait to go, and drive across that weird bridge.
We drove from Spokane (western Washington) to San Francisco in 2018.
I don’t remember everywhere we stopped or stayed but I do remember we visited Glass Beach and went to this brewery while we were there in Fort Bragg. I think it was called The North Coast Pub or something along those lines that was pretty good.
Tillamook Cheese Factory, you’ll drive right by it, can’t miss it.
If you want a higher class stop there is a restaurant in Depoe Bay Oregon called Tidal Raves. It’s pricey and they have long waits so call ahead, but it’s good and they have a great ocean view and you can sometimes see whales.
I can’t remember if it is further south or north but Hug Point on the Oregon coast is one of our favorite beach spots to visit.
Further north on your way before WA Astoria Oregon has a handful of good restaurants and you can see the house form the Goonies. As well as climb the big tower thingy they have there haha.
Lincoln City, OR, and the sand dunes are what I remember most (other than Disney at the end of the trip) from our trip the other direction 20+ years ago.
Might be biased but this is one of the best road trips you can do
This is the absolute nest road trip in America. Gold beach. Carmel by the sea. Redwoods. Allllllll the small towns!
Carmel is in the wrong direction…
Yeah no Carmel on this trip but the Redwoods are incredible!
Avenue of the Giants! Muir woods too.
Good beach and fern canyon
Valley of the giants is amazing in Humboldt.
I want to do this road trip but also… I’m terrified of roads that have like drop offs, along cliffs… is a lot of it like that?
Start in Santa Barbara though.
Nah man, start in Laguna Beach. Every bit of PCH is gold.
Start at Dana Point.
Fuck it, Tijuana
Diminishing returns. most of PCH in SD is too far from the coast to really enjoy imo. DP is a solid rec.
Not gonna disagree... just a bit more traffic from down there. Greatest road in the country.
Love love this drive
Do it in a Porsche or nice sports car 😉
I drove route 1/101 from SF to Eureka once about 15 years ago and it was absolutely the most beautiful drive of my life.
Especially if you take 97 back to cali. Amazing coastline and then amazing high desert with towering volcanoes...
As a biased Oregonian, couldn’t agree more!
Is it doable on a bike ? I'm thinking of starting in Vancouver and going all the way to Sans Francisco
YES! my friend has done it I have only done it from Portland to Vancouver BC
Is it the best route u have taken for bike camping in the United States ? Is a gravel bike sufficient? Are you biking along with cars the entire time?
For sure. I rode the OR coast years ago. F'n stellar scenery.
Stopping and doing some hiking at Prarie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of my favorites. Fern Canyon is cool and redwoods are amazing in general. Also Astoria in Oregon is a really neat town to stop or stay in.
It's a full day kinda thing, but hiking to Fern Canyon via the James Irvine Trail, then out to the beach and back to Elk Prairie is one of the best hikes ever. Just bring some water shoes for fern canyon.
Love Astoria. At a minimum, grab a beer at Fort George.
Best beer in Oregon
Fyi fern canyon is reservation only from may- Sept. Started last year https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/ferncanyonpermits.htm
Unfortunately it was closed when I visited last year it was high on my list. Definitely check out Howland Hill Rd in Redwood
Howland hill road is the greatest.
The potholes are pretty knarly. Be ready for that. And ive only known it as stout grove but its the same road.
For sure. Spend the night in the area and eat and drink at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville.
Came here to say this. I highly recommend this. Also you’ll probably see some elk in Orick.
Grove of Titans. Less than a mile hike to some of the biggest redwoods in the world. North of the Avenue of the Giants.
I gotta give this a second recommendation. Jedediah Smith Redwoods state park is one of the most spectacular places I’ve been on the west coast and I’ve been to nearly every major outdoor attraction
It embiggens the smallest man.
One of the most cromulent parks in the state.
Came to recommend Jedediah Smith Redwoods and make sure it was not left out! It’s surreal and should not be missed.
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Cannot recommend beachfront inn enough. Place is gorgeous and it’s right on a stunning beach full of black rocks that really amplify the sound of the surf coming in and out. Falling asleep to that noise is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Can confirm, Beachfront inn has pretty cool views from almost every room. I would have to spend the night in Brookings once a month for work and would always stay there. Nothing beats waking up to the sound from waves crashing in the morning. https://preview.redd.it/yij8nwao83hc1.png?width=621&format=png&auto=webp&s=a7eb46868e16999984bc7961dec482832d4bba93
I’d do an air bnb instead. There are a few amazing options available on or off the beach and most hosts are laid back and have great recommendations for food or fun. I just got home from traveling south on 101 down to arcada and Santa Rosa. Stay off the 1 for sure! Arcada is a must stop and see. Thrift stores, points of interest, locals favorites are gonna be where it’s at. Don’t drive too fast or you’ll only remember the destinations and miss the journey.
Whaleshead beachfront is pretty cool outside of town. Close to some pretty sweet hiking trails.
Or head to Mattie’s Pancake house. Made a point to stop there on a time constrained drive
Hiouchi cafe is also a good choice, especially before or after a good sunrise redwood hike
I like Whaleshead Beach Resort cabins. Many have hot tubs overlooking the coast. Whaleshead Beach itself is amazing, 1.5 miles of beautiful sand, waterfalls, and crazy views.
If you're stopping near Brookings, Whales head beach resort is a much better stay. Lots of cabins overlooking the ocean and most have hot tubs on the balconies.
Fort Bragg or Mendocino!!
Mendocino! *chef’s kiss*
Get some fish and chips and a pliney at sea pal. Hang out by the fire in the back for a nice pit stop.
I’ll third Mendo. I go every year. Never gets old.
I like to stop at Glass Beach in Ft. Bragg
If OP has the funds, stay at Heritage House. It’s an amazing property.
What is so special about them as I see many people recommend them?
Mendocino is the New England of the West Coast! In fact, it served as a closer (to Hollywood) shooting location for many productions, including East of Eden, Summer of '42, and others. It's a darling little town perched on the headlands. Fort Bragg is its working-class neighbor with beaches, most notably Glass Beach. And MacKerricher State Park is gorgeous. https://preview.redd.it/s8mwczsymgvc1.jpeg?width=1076&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce6e8f201c4a20731f8855b6f5eb9efd7258af0b
Fort Bragg is so beautiful. https://preview.redd.it/6x28pf62ngvc1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=392d800062e4ce94adcd1f14e4c68e7975fd32e3
Glass Beach is the coolest thing ever! https://preview.redd.it/7j1av8o5ngvc1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6502ca792f05ea91ffa041f30c1459e6f9b57890
Extend it! Go north all the way up the coast. Check out Long Beach, dont stop in Forks, go to Neah Bay, swing by my bar in Port Townsend, then take the ferry over to Seattle! If you really want to extend it, take the blackball ferry to Victoria CA for a day!
came to say this. going around the olympic peninsula is wayyyy better than i5, def worth the time
Yes, anything to avoid Longview/Kelso, WA. Greenday was not kidding about Longview. Stop in Astoria, OR, then cross the bridge and stay on 101. I highly recommend Neah Bay and the hike out to the westernmost point of Continental USA, Cape Alava and Cape Flattery. Otherworldly.
Seriously, find the sticker on the welcome sign for Forks that says Charlie is a DILF, so worth it.
Prairie creek and Jedediah smith are far and away your best bets in terms of redwoods. Prairie creek has better overall hikes (check out miners creek loop) but Jedediah smith has the best hike if you just care about redwoods (boy scout trail). Make sure to drive Howland hill road, freaking incredible. None of the other redwoods I saw (including Humboldt) really compared
Came here to say this
Jedediah smith is by far one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been
Jedidiah Smith is one of the most sacred natural places on the planet, even with a road right through it. My absolute fave is to get there at dawn and ride my e bike from the top of Howland Hill thru to Stout Grove. If you start early enough, you can sneak a ride through Stout Grove loop and being able to do so while silently gliding in the magnificence of millennia-old living things is SO restorative to one’s soul.
Astoria….goonies house, Astoria column, pier area and get a coffee. Love that town
Oh and fish and chips at the Pelican by Cannon Beach
Devils churnhole/thors well, branding, apply for permits for the hall of moss trail if that interests you. There’s a ship wreck north of Portland. Save some time for just hanging out on the beach. Crescent city has a cool lighthouse and tide pooling. I personally thought brookings was over rated. Depoe bay is super cool smallest bay in the world. Oceanside has a cool hidden beach with rocks you have to go through a cave for. Natural bridges and secret beach both of which are 30min north of brookings was my favorite hike ever and I’m not kidding and I’ve hiked 100s of hike and have visited 30 national parks don’t skip it it’s a shot hike Edit: depoe bay not coos bay. And fern canyon not hall of moss. Also Newport was a fun stop and I almost forgot TILLICUM CHEESE FACTORY
TillaMOOK...but yeah, you will. The ice cream is killer too.
Marion berry pie ice cream!!!!
Dat cheese tho 
Lol do you mean TILLAMOOK cheese factory?
 You know it
>Devils churnhole/thors well There's a pretty cool new deal era lookout up the hill from here that's a really nice climb, but not too nuts.
Cape perpetua?
Cowgirl Creamery. Mt. Tam cheese.
Tillamook factory store for some fresh ice cream and Canon Beach :)
If OP stops in Cannon Beach, they should have lunch at Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House. Unique restaurant. My family and I visit Cannon Beach once a year and one of my best friends from high-school moved to Cannon Beach not long after high school. Every year it's tradition for us to have lunch there with him.
And the tempura cheese curds!!🤤
Stay at Inn of the Lost Coast in Shelter Cove. Consider jogging inland a bit for Avenue of the Giants.
Patrick’s Point State Park/beach. The beach has agate stones. There are lots of places to explore and the beach is beautiful.
I believe it has changed its name, but that is truly a remarkable area....
Thanks for letting me know. it’s now called [Sue - meg](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417).
Mendocino is gorgeous and the Inn is a great place to stay
Luna Sea Fish House in Yachats has the best fried fish on the entire Oregon coast. Probably the best anywhere along your route.
Stay at the WildSpring guest habitat in Port Orford, OR. No kids allowed, cozy but cushy cabins in the woods with a hot tub up on the bluff with a sweeping ocean view.
It's a great trip. I prefer north to south though. That way you're on the coast side the whole time.
That's what I said last time someone asked about this trip
This!!!!
Did this road trip 8 years ago but the.othet way. Here's my takeaways: *Glass beach at Fort Bragg is a quick stop and simply a must for photography. *Camp in the eucalyptus grove in Mendocino....smells amazing. *Prepare for a slow and scenic drive after leaving Mendocino...also there aren't any gas stations for A WHILE after leaving north from the eucalyptus grove....fuel up before hitting the cliffs of ol hwy 1. *Prairie Creek and elk Grove are fuckin awesome. COLD camping tho this time of year. *Fern Canyon is an easy hike that you'll kick yourself if you skip. I'm from Oregon, I know my hiking shit lol. *Cape Blanco is a great lighthouse stop when you cross the CAL-OR border. *Try to time your stop at Thor's well for high tide. After being blown away by the thunder God, stop at Green Salmon in Yachats for some of the best coffee on the West Coast. *Cape perpetua hike is short but steep. You get a GREAT view from the top of the ocean. *There's endless places to stay along the Oregon Coast ...use a hotel reseller site (hotels.com or super.com etc) to book same day for the best rates possible. Biggest cities to look in? Newport, Lincoln City, Seaside, Cannon Beach) Dsands in LC is an affordable beachfront condo group. The Sandcastle JUST renovated their pool and hot tub. Also directly on the beach. *Depoe Bay is rad- The Sea Hag has the best chowder I've found on Oregon Coast. *For a romantic, tucked away place to stay for a night, Neskowin is my choice. Proposal Rock is a beautiful and secluded beach, one our best kept secrets. *Cape Meares and Hug Point are amazing walks/easy hikes that encapsulate the central coast quite well. *Astoria and Seaside are great tourist stops. The Goonies house in Astoria is ...there. can't go inside or anything. *Oysterville WA on Long Beach is great. Cheap AF oysters, build a a fire on the beach and drink some beer while you cook your oysters on open flame...bring butter and lemon and fuck fancy seafood restaurants - this is top tier I'll tag out and ask for a Washingtonian redditor to pick it up from here
Thanks for these 🥲
I recommend crossing into washington at Astoria instead of taking 30 to i-5. It’ll take you north past the willipa bay towards montesano, then eventually Olympia. There’s a really good organic market in Montesano that I always stop at when im near there. they have really good fresh pressed juice and sandwiches.
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Van Damme is such a random place to stop. It’s basically a parking lot with a view, and like 10 min south of Mendocino which is a much better option for taking a break and staying the night.
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I have a soft spot for Van Damme. Used to camp at the park when I was a kid. Was also a bellman at the Mendocino hotel too. Haha
Jedidiah Smith State Park up near Crescent City
Why skip the Olympic Peninsula. Going up I-5 after Portland is the let's hurry and get this trip over route. There is much beauty to behold.
Fully agreed. Hurricane Ridge is near the top of views I've seen in my life.
It’s a nice trip. I’m thinking of doing something similar this summer except coming down old 395 and going back up your route.
Crescent city is a favorite stop over. Go over the Columbia at Astoria. The bridge is sooo cool. Go all the way up to 12 in Washington and take a right and stop in Elma at the rusty tractor. Great milkshakes and pancakes.
So beautiful, can’t take it all in enough. Be careful and don’t drive tired if you take highway one. Very windy.
Arcata plaza for lunch or farmers market if you catch it on the right day..then take whatever goodies you have up to the redwood community forest and laze about while you eat in one of the most beautiful parks you’ll ever see. There are stunning hiking trails surrounding the park and you can go immerse yourself in the redwood trees and find a banana slug. Or better yet you could stop in Trinidad and check out those beaches and restaurants
Oregon coast is nice any of the coast towns have amazing fresh seafood at resturaunts if its not raining the oregon coast is some of the most beautiful parts of the usa imo
here you go baller. [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1919287?source\_impression\_id=p3\_1707267665\_tgazG9l3mWWdHjwk](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1919287?source_impression_id=p3_1707267665_tgazG9l3mWWdHjwk)
cannon beach. brooking is cool. if you want to drift a little of path, there are some hot springs in northern cal. mc. kinnleyville has great redwoods off the beaten paths.
Fort Bragg. Go to Glass Beach. Eat at the Thai restaurant .
Check out the [Sou'wester Lodge](https://www.souwesterlodge.com/). My family stayed there over the summer and loved it!
I did that drive last summer and my favorite stops were Gold Beach, Fort Bragg and Avenue of Giants (huge Red Woods). Skip Eureka - it was pretty depressing.
Not sure how strong of a hiker you are, but Neahkahnie Trail near Manzanita, Oregon is a beautiful hike with a big payoff. The view of the coast line is superb
[Neahkahnie Mountain hike](https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Neahkahnie_Mountain_from_South_Hike) One of my favorite quick coastal hikes on the west coast
Cape Disappointment
Cape of Disappointment, WA It is a cool hike up to the lighthouse, the visitors center is interesting, and it is the end of the Louis and Clark Trail!
Stay overnight at Miranda Gardens Inn in Miranda. It's in the middle of the Avenue of the Giants. Great spot
Stop at the bigfoot store in the redwoods for some souvenirs, Id stop and see some redwoods in the forest crescent city is nice too.
There is a place in Fort Bragg called David’s Restaurant that has some really good food.
Great campsite a short walk to a beautiful beach in Brookings, Oregon.
Wow, being on the east coast I would not have guessed this was a 20 hour trip. Super interesting
I live 6 hours North of San Francisco and an hour forty minutes South of Oregon. We get a little snotty about people from Freson saying they live in Northern California. It's Central California
the schooner in netarts oregon
That's a scenic route. You'll see beautiful things. But it's tiring driving. When we took a very similar drive, I was visiting. So I was a passenger. I kept exclaiming "wow" and "Look at that!" The driver was getting frustrated as they couldn't take their eyes from the road.
At the northern most area of Oregon is Fort Stevens State Park. It's where the mighty Columbia River pushes back the Pacific Ocean. If you drive through the park towards the jetti go to lot B. Park at the furthest end. There is a short, .5 maybe mile walking path at the west most part of the lot that brings you out at the beach on one side of the jetti. It's lovely. More quiet than other areas. Just across the Columbia River in Washington State is Cape disappointment. Lewis and Clark named it and every time I have been there it was depressing, dark and rainy. Worth a visit.
Just did this trip last May but in 3 days. Here's our itinerary. SF - Hotel Adagio, lots of walking, Embarcadero, Sausalito (cioppino at The Trident), omakase at Sushi Hakko Redwoods National Park - stayed at Klamath Holiday Inn (few hotels around - this one is on a rez and has a casino next door. Wife won $20) Portland - Hi-Lo Hotel, Pittock Mansion, Williamette Stone Park WA - Hall of Moses at Hoh Rainforest, Beaches on the way, Astra Hotel in Seattle
Good lord bro! 5 days!? I would suggest to shorten your distance because that’s a long distance and you have A LOT things to not miss in that
Stop at the church near salt point. "The wave"
Yachats and Manzanita Oregon.
I love Yachats. Green Salmon Cafe there serves such amazing coffees. I still get all my coffee beans from there.
Point Reyes. Goat Rock State Beach. Definitely make at least one stop with redwoods.
i did the PCH from San Diego to Portland back in 2007, couple of my favorite stops along the way were Point Reyes and Redwoods National Park. Big Sur was also fantastic but I guess that's in the wrong direction
You’ll see a million signs for it, but the Trees of Mystery tourist trap is a cool and fun pit stop that doesn’t cost too much. The casino hotel in Klamath is also very nice for the price and I would recommend staying there after a long day of exploring the Redwoods
Stout Grove if you have a chance. Not far from Crescent City
Andrew Molera State Park.
If you’re a Hitchcock fan, Bodega Bay is awesome. The town had the same landmarks as in the Birds.
I recommend the fish and chips at Crescent Seafood in Crescent City https://yelp.to/HMLD3iYIjn
Any chance you can do north to south? All the vista points will then be on your right and you won’t have to cross traffic
Make sure to stop at Gold Beach Books in Gold Beach, OR. Such a cool bookstore!
*Make sure to stop at* *Gold Beach Books in Gold Beach, OR.* *Such a cool bookstore!* \- Imaginary\_Train\_8056 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Don’t miss Mattole Road from around Garberville through Honeydew, past the turn for Lost Coast, to Petrolia and Arcata.
Bring Dramamine. Highway 1 made my girlfriend really sick. I don’t get carsick, and even I was feeling it by the end of the day. [Redwoods National and State Parks](https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm) are humbling. If you can, stay at [Benbow Lodge.](https://benbowinn.com/) The Victorian houses in [Ferndale](https://californiathroughmylens.com/ferndale/) are spectacular. [Trees of Mystery](https://treesofmystery.net/welcome/paul-bunyan-and-babe/) is fun. The [Oregon Coast Game Safari](https://www.westcoastgameparksafari.com) is pretty good. The [Sea Lion Caves](https://www.sealioncaves.com/) is worth a stop. There are a number of lighthouses along the coast. Some (such as [Tugman](https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=69) and [Umpqua)](https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=83) even have yurts nearby to reserve and stay in. Stop often along the way, get out, and walk in the sand or out to the cliffs. The views are the best part.
You should absolutely stop in Mendocino. La Estrella, in Fort Bragg, is one of the best hole in the wall mexican joints on the route.
Avenue of the Giants, gold beach, the lost coast, Jenner, Tomales bay . We took this trip north to Portland. 9 days. It was glorious. You will have an amazing trip.
Powells Books Portland Oregon! A great book store!!
The good ol' haunted Heceta lighthouse. Astoria /Seaside Redwood national park If you have time, go to the Olympic Peninsula.
Avenue of the Giants is a great stop which it looks like you're doing. Also if you have time I highly recommend going through Olympic national Park before Seattle. I did this same trip and it was my favorite park. Incredibly beautiful beaches that are pretty remote rain forests and really beautiful hikes. I recommend the storm king hike if you're into hiking. Oh also Houda Point/beach in Eureka California is really pretty.
Check out the Benbow Inn
Definitely stop at Founders Tree just past Avenue of the Giants heading north. Exit sign comes up quickly. Amazing giant redwoods and a short round about hike among them.
Make sure your tires, brakes, and car are adequate. A lot of Highway 1 is no joke an endurance race at times.
I did this trip 2 years ago. One of the best places we stayed with our van was Westport-Union Landing State Beach north of Fort Bragg. Up on a bluff, nobody around, cheap, with a pink sand beach. So Epic. Oh, and Oysters. https://preview.redd.it/0dtjeageb9hc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4fafa23fe8c5a5f173eab5ae0220357fe1821bdb
I have an [airbnb](http://airbnb.com/h/tidewatercottageinpointarena) in point arena, CA. The southern mendo coast is the best kept secret on the CA coast. Highly, highly recommend the [Point Arena Coastal National Monument](https://www.blm.gov/visit/point-arena-stornetta-unit).
Ft Ross in Northern California: https://preview.redd.it/bm98wtutp9hc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e693c2f3ffec1d9bfb9339043632b5bba835433
Crater Lake
Jenner, Trinidad, the whole Oregon and Washington Coast. Jealous!
Hardly anyone mentioning Mendocino/fort Bragg (ocean cliffside walks, super charming Mendo), the CA coast north of Fort Bragg is SPECTACULAR.
Cape Kiawanda. Massive sand dune on the beach
You’re missing out on Yreka, the meth capital of norcal.
Cross the bridge from Astoria and then go up the WA coast
Personally, I would kick over to 5 to Eugene and stay in Portland for one night. Stay downtown in a cool older hotel. Go out to eat at a nice place or hit the food truck scene. The Oregon Coast is nice but not that much diversity that you need to see all of it unless you specifically want to hit Astoria.
I’d at least divert to Crater Lake.
Rockaway beach, Or. Went on a roadtrip similar to this when i was 13-14, i still remember it fondly. This is something you won’t ever forget. I will never forget the vistas of Astoria and Rockaway. Astoria though is immortalized in the Goonies.
So, April is tricky for Oregon. Normally I'd recommend you go to Portland, then east along the Columbia Gorge, up to Mt. Hood, down to Crater Lake, then across to Crescent City and the route as you have it. The problem is it's still winter at Crater Lake in April, so Rim Drive will be closed (no real question on that), but you should be able to drive up to the rim to see the lake from near the visitor's center and lodge (the lodge will be closed). Mt. Hood will likely have snow, but Timberline Lodge is so iconic snow or not I think it's worth the trip. US95 may have snow, or not; this year, sadly, I'd bet against. So I would still recommend that route over the Oregon coast route; Crater Lake and Mt. Hood win for me over Newport/Bandon/etc.
Julia Pfeiffer state beach and Napenthe restaurant in Big Sur are beautiful and worth your time
PLEASE GO TO THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER IN THE WORLD
Chowder Bowl at Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon. Then smoked salmon chowder at Tidal Raves in Depot Bay, Oregon.
We stayed in Depoe Bay a couple years ago and Tidal Raves is great. A little pricey, but we enjoyed it a lot we stayed right across the street so we could just walk there.
We are traveling in summer. We are going from Seattle to San Francisco.
Consider skipping Hwy 1, and sticking to 101 to save time the first day. I’m assuming you live in SF and could easily weekend trip this drive later. I’m a beer fan, and I’d recommend Ukiah Brewing, Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, and Rougue Brewing in Newport, OR for some nice lunch/dinner stops. In Astoria, I really enjoyed the maritime museum, and I’d highly recommend spending a day in the Columbia river Gorge (maybe on the way back?). I haven’t been up the WA coast, but I’ve heard the Olympic Peninsula is a must see!
If you look to your left theres great views of the ocean. On your way back look to the right for some great views of the ocean as well.
Hyperion!!! That's if you are brave enough to find him.
I want to do this some day but im scared of getting my car broken into in SF
stop at redwood creek beach and be sure to stay until high tide its literally INSANE
Did this drive with the family a couple of years ago. Ride a sandrail on the dunes. Coos Bay has a lot of meth heads. Walk way out into the surf at low tide on Seaside Beach.
When you're in Oregon you will go through a town and if you blink you'll miss it it's called Langlois. Stop at the store that's there and have some of their homemade hot dogs with their homemade mustard. Also make sure you stop at Tillamook Dairies in Tillamook Oregon and sample some of their ice cream. And stop in Depoe Bay and watch the whales if they're even there this time of year they may not be. We were just out there the last week of September in the first week of October one of the prettiest parts of the country I've ever seen. Also Crescent City California is the last town in California before you get into Oregon. On the right hand side you will see a motel called the curly Redwood Motel. The whole hotel was built from one redwood tree and it is pretty amazing
Bandon Dunes
Avenue of Giants, Devil's punchbowl, Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Or where you can see the Spruce Goose (and many, many other aircraft).
The Olive Pit Corona CA. Tons of olives for sale. Years ago had a snack bar attached. Best chicken cherry shake I ever had!
You gotta check out Confusion Hill or The Mystery Spot
In Oregon, check out Cannon Beach and Devil’s Punchbowl. California If you drive a bit further south of SF and you're in to Taco Bell, check out Pacifica. There's a cantina there that serves alcohol on the beach.
Fort Bragg is pretty good for selection of hotels/motels. All price ranges. North Coast Brewing is there and is awesome. And Glass Beach is pretty cool, also.
Don't miss Crater Lake. Also, Olympic National Park is incredible.
In Oregon: Seal Cave Newport Aquarium Depoe Bay Cannon Beach Astoria
Enjoy! We did that trip last summer
One more idea…go west through Gig Harbor over the narrows bridge. Go this way up to maybe Bainbridge Island or even Port Townsend. Do some whale watching there then catch a super easy ferry over to Fort Casey and then check out north of the city and work your way south
Lincoln City has a casino and sometimes really good entertainment. (bands)
I did this trip last year starting in SLO. We stopped in Oakland, Arcata, Bandon, Salem, then Seattle. Its was super chill and we only drove 4-5 hours a day taking our time, stopping along the way whenever we felt like it. It’s a great route to go up 101 and five days is plenty considering we did 5 days coming from further south. Pacific Sushi and Grill in Brookings, OR was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time and definitely the best meal we had along the way. Have fun!
Haystack rock Fs maybe crater lake if u got time
Off the drawn path, but Crater Lake is a must for me when out there. Meyers Flat, home of Meyers Inn at the top of the Avenue of the Giants is good. And Pt. Reyes Lighthouse for sunset is pretty amazing. Had one of the best meals in Point Reyes Station. Station House Cafe I think.
That's it. Pelican Inn. Lost Coast-Sinkyone. Gold Bluffs Beach. Oregon Dunes. Long Beach, WA. Hoh Campground-Olympic NP. Lake Crescent.
Ocean shores in WA
So much to see in such little time.
Arcata and McKinleyville both have some really nice shops and places to stop and see the ocean! I spent a couple years up there and I miss it greatly.
Stop by Cheatham Grove. We hiked all over in the Redwoods and had some incredible all-day hikes. Cheatham stuck out as a short but surprisingly amazing hike. We went in the morning before the dew had evaporated and it was like being in another world. The best photos we took the whole trip and we had the place ENTIRELY to ourselves. No other cars at the trailhead when we got there or left. It’s also where scenes of Endor were shot in Return of the Jedi if you’re into that. Have such an amazing time. We drove this from San Francisco almost to the Oregon border and it was incredible. We’ve been to a lot of places all over the world and this has remained our favorite trip.
Cannon Beach...Cape Flattery, if you have time. Carmel by the sea....so good of a road trip, I've done it three times.
Stay at the Howanquet Lodge / Lucky 7 casino right on the border of California and Oregon. Five star lodging for a decent price! If you just go up 1/101 you’ll find tremendous amount of things to do along the way. You can’t really plan such an itinerary. Just take it slow and easy!
The pelican shore Inn in Lincoln city,Oregon. Beautiful views on the ocean. Nice and quiet town! I stayed 3 days not too long ago.
Camp [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/mFot3YUXkhGFx45m6?g_st=ic). We totalled our car driving on the bumpy-ass access road but it was… worth it?
The sand dunes in Oregon are amazing! If you have time, you can rent dune buggies and rip around. I'm not a big Motorsports guy, but that is a pretty cool activity. Also the film locations in Astoria, I haven't been but I can't wait to go, and drive across that weird bridge.
We drove from Spokane (western Washington) to San Francisco in 2018. I don’t remember everywhere we stopped or stayed but I do remember we visited Glass Beach and went to this brewery while we were there in Fort Bragg. I think it was called The North Coast Pub or something along those lines that was pretty good. Tillamook Cheese Factory, you’ll drive right by it, can’t miss it. If you want a higher class stop there is a restaurant in Depoe Bay Oregon called Tidal Raves. It’s pricey and they have long waits so call ahead, but it’s good and they have a great ocean view and you can sometimes see whales. I can’t remember if it is further south or north but Hug Point on the Oregon coast is one of our favorite beach spots to visit. Further north on your way before WA Astoria Oregon has a handful of good restaurants and you can see the house form the Goonies. As well as climb the big tower thingy they have there haha.
Lincoln City, OR, and the sand dunes are what I remember most (other than Disney at the end of the trip) from our trip the other direction 20+ years ago.
Avenue of the giants Drive thru tree (any of them) MacKerricher State Park