fiveinafiver
san jose, ca
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We're leaving this weekend for a trip up north. I read the post a few pages back that talks about several of the smaller nor-cal coastal routes being a little rough.
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/21632691.cfm
We're in a 24' 5th wheel, guessing about 35-37' oal. Would you recommend going up 101 to Eureka (through the trees) instead of up Hwy 1 along the coast? We could then drive 101 up the coast into Oregon. It looks like the road would be better that way. We are planning on making it a a leisurely drive, leaving Sunday, late afternoon. Can anyone recommend a good campground along the route? Say between Healdsburg and Cloverdale?
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Great-Dane
Antioch, CA
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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Seems to me avoid hwy 1 unless you have patience and nerves, and stick to 101.
Just quoting from memory of a previous thread, LOL. I honestly haven't done either. I'd just take I-5 knowing RV friendly but boring drive.
Have a great trip! 
-Bob
2004 SouthWind 32VS
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Maplewood
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I would certainly recommend it (101), if you're not in a hurry. We took a couple of days a few years ago to drive up to Crescent City, overnighting in Willits (Skunk Train to Fort Bragg) and visiting Richardson Grove SP and Humboldt SP.
good luck!
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jbbrick
Northern Calif
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For sure stay away from Hiwy 1 from SF north. Its slow, really tight turns past Stinson Beach area, a real steering wheel gripper for a big rig. We just came back two weeks ago from Ore, went 5 up to Lassen then into Ore, then back home 101 all the way. You might want to do the reverse. Can't give you too many campground rec's, we stayed at the 1000 Trails park in Cloverdale but its members only. Spring Lake in Santa Rosa is nice but there are lots of nice State parks farther up, like Richardsons grove, Patrick Point, Hendy Redwoods, just look at the map.
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Litch
Truckee, CA
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If you took 1 you would basically have to go out of your way and it doesn't go all the way to Oregon. It ends and merges into 101 at Leggett, CA which is well South of the border. 101 is a fine route and very scenic, really the best way to go if you have the time and want to enjoy the ride. 101 is inland from the Coast all the way until you get to the border of Oregon, but goes through the Redwoods, which is well worth it. Have a great trip, I'm envious.
2006 Chevy HD LBZ Duramax/Allison
2006 Holiday Rambler Savoy 30sks
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fiveinafiver
san jose, ca
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thank you for the information!
The trip north will be a relaxing one, so we'll do 101 through the trees and the coast. Unfortunately, the return on Sunday is a one-day bonzai run down I-5... Have to work on Monday, after all.
I think we're staying in the KOA in Willits. Has anyone been there? Opinions?
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sforegon
McMinnville, Oregon
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Your RV is perfectly fine for the Avenue of the Giants, which is "old" US 101. I strongly recommend this magnificent by-way, which never strays far from the freeway and normally has pretty light traffic.
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fiveinafiver
san jose, ca
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GREAT IDEA! I printed the online map / brochure. I haven't been through there since I was a kid. I grew up in the coastal redwoods above Santa Cruz, so I'm used to the big trees, but we don't have a lot of old growth trees left here. It will be a beautiful drive anyway! Thanks for the tip.
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Maplewood
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The KOA in Willits is standard KOA. If you have kids, they'll dig it (pool, petting zoo, old-west decor, ice cream, etc.). Best thing about the KOA there is that the Skunk Train will stop and pick you up, so you can spend an afternoon in Fort Bragg if you want.
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