Portland, Crater Lake and coast to LA
Jun 30th, 2016, 06:31 AM
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Portland, Crater Lake and coast to LA
Well, we have found so much helpful information on this site, it's been great! I'm looking for info and feedback on our lofty plans. We are a fairly fit family of 4 traveling with an 8 yr old and 12 yr old; in Portland on the July 6th eve and spending 1 day (using transit), then picking up rental car next morning to head to Crater Lake on July 8th. Continue on the 8th to get closer to Jedidiah and Humboldt for the 9th/10th, then San Fran for 11th Monteray and whale excursion July 12th to friends in Agourra Hills, 13th, Disney 14th, hang in LA and return car on 15th fly home 16th
Now for some details. As far as places to stay, we are on a budget but require clean rooms and decent beds (dust allergies and back aches). We plan on spending most of our time being active and crashing at night. What do you recommend to do in Portland? We have a hotel already, the only place we've booked, looking at the Gorge or Washington Park. We can always change the car rental day. Planning on a 1/2 day at Crater Lake and driving towards coast that same eve. Would like to do the boat tour on Crater Lake if we can, it looks like a 4-5 hr car ride from Portland. Not sure if another 2 hours of sitting would give the kiddos a good time or not. Also, having a hard time finding a budget place for one night on the 8th after leaving Crater Lake.
Any sleep recommendations and locations based on our itinerary would be appreciated. Would like to stay outside of San Francisco due to cost. Is this trip doable in your traveling opinion? We are not opposed to traveling off the coast at some point to keep the trip moving. Much appreciated.
Now for some details. As far as places to stay, we are on a budget but require clean rooms and decent beds (dust allergies and back aches). We plan on spending most of our time being active and crashing at night. What do you recommend to do in Portland? We have a hotel already, the only place we've booked, looking at the Gorge or Washington Park. We can always change the car rental day. Planning on a 1/2 day at Crater Lake and driving towards coast that same eve. Would like to do the boat tour on Crater Lake if we can, it looks like a 4-5 hr car ride from Portland. Not sure if another 2 hours of sitting would give the kiddos a good time or not. Also, having a hard time finding a budget place for one night on the 8th after leaving Crater Lake.
Any sleep recommendations and locations based on our itinerary would be appreciated. Would like to stay outside of San Francisco due to cost. Is this trip doable in your traveling opinion? We are not opposed to traveling off the coast at some point to keep the trip moving. Much appreciated.
Jun 30th, 2016, 06:46 AM
#2
It is a bit confusing because of 'extra commas' but it looks like you mean
July 8 Portland > Crater Lake > somewhere en route to the Redwoods.
July 9-10 in the Redwoods
July 11 in SF
July 12 SF > Monterey /Whale watching trip
July 13 Agoura Hills
July 14 Anaheim
July 15 LA
This is very VERY aggressive. Except for very NW CA/the Redwoods you don't have much time anywhere. For instance Jedidiah Smith to SF is a 7 to 8 hour drive w/o any stops, so essentially all day. Then you have to leave first thing in the AM for Monterey.
The next day you have a 6-ish hour drive to Agoura Hills.
July 8 Portland > Crater Lake > somewhere en route to the Redwoods.
July 9-10 in the Redwoods
July 11 in SF
July 12 SF > Monterey /Whale watching trip
July 13 Agoura Hills
July 14 Anaheim
July 15 LA
This is very VERY aggressive. Except for very NW CA/the Redwoods you don't have much time anywhere. For instance Jedidiah Smith to SF is a 7 to 8 hour drive w/o any stops, so essentially all day. Then you have to leave first thing in the AM for Monterey.
The next day you have a 6-ish hour drive to Agoura Hills.
Jun 30th, 2016, 07:38 AM
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With your time constraints, I would skip Crater Lake. Instead, zip down I-5 to Grants Pass. Take a jet boat ride down the Rogue River (kiddos will like it better than Crater Lake). Next day take Hwy 199 to Jedidiah Smith.
One of our favorite hikes is the Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Beautiful canyon that starts at a beach where you can see Roosevelt Elk.
You have planned a very aggressive trip. Traveling the coast is time consuming as during the summer you will be sharing the coastal roads with RV's. Persoanlly, I would skip the stop in San Francisco. Travel over the Golden Gate Bridge, through the city on Hwy 101 and continue on to Monterey.
Lots of choices, so little time.
Have fun!
One of our favorite hikes is the Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Beautiful canyon that starts at a beach where you can see Roosevelt Elk.
You have planned a very aggressive trip. Traveling the coast is time consuming as during the summer you will be sharing the coastal roads with RV's. Persoanlly, I would skip the stop in San Francisco. Travel over the Golden Gate Bridge, through the city on Hwy 101 and continue on to Monterey.
Lots of choices, so little time.
Have fun!
Jun 30th, 2016, 07:41 AM
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I'm thinking the same thing as Janis; way too much time in the car, and little more than drive-by experiences of places en route. I can't imagine my kids enjoying this itinerary when they were the ages of yours. IMO, about the only thing you got going for you here is long daylight hours.
Jun 30th, 2016, 11:02 AM
#5
Have you priced the car rental, picking up in Portland and dropping in L.A.??? I would think you'd want a somewhat larger car (as opposed a small budget vehicle) for that many people/days, and there might be a drop charge. I think you're looking, easily, at $1000+.
I agree with BarbAnn about summer traffic along the coast and her suggestion of skipping San Francisco, esp. if you think you'd need to stay outside of the city. I would think your kids would enjoy time at the Monterey Aquarium or hiking around Pt. Lobos State Park more than walking around San Francisco.
Farther down the California coast, before you reach San Simeon, look for the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Viewing from the free parking lot. It's about a mile south of the turnoff to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.
But FYI, Monterey to Agoura Hills along the coast is probably 7 hours not counting any stops, the drive from Agoura Hills to Anaheim/Disneyland the next day will be a bear and then the return drive to L.A. will be bad too. I suppose Disneyland is non-negotiable, but these three consecutive days will be tough.
I agree with BarbAnn about summer traffic along the coast and her suggestion of skipping San Francisco, esp. if you think you'd need to stay outside of the city. I would think your kids would enjoy time at the Monterey Aquarium or hiking around Pt. Lobos State Park more than walking around San Francisco.
Farther down the California coast, before you reach San Simeon, look for the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Viewing from the free parking lot. It's about a mile south of the turnoff to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.
But FYI, Monterey to Agoura Hills along the coast is probably 7 hours not counting any stops, the drive from Agoura Hills to Anaheim/Disneyland the next day will be a bear and then the return drive to L.A. will be bad too. I suppose Disneyland is non-negotiable, but these three consecutive days will be tough.
Jun 30th, 2016, 11:19 AM
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Sounds like my idea of h**l. Only one day in SF and one overnight stop between Monterey and Agoura Hills? WAY too rushed, kids will be bored silly. I'd also do two days at Disneyland since there are two parks and over 100 rides.
Jun 30th, 2016, 03:13 PM
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Yes janisj, you’ve got it right. We’d spend the 7th in Portland and head out from there. There was brief discussion about skipping the city and saving it for another trip. It sounds like this might be a good idea. If we are set on Crater Lake BarbAnn, what might you suggest then? I did take a look at your suggestion for Rogue Rover and it does look like great fun! Thanks so much for the feedback, We are already traveling for the 4th and I'm in and out not always with internet access. There are way too many places to see!
Jun 30th, 2016, 03:19 PM
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lol. So glad we are checking in with "those who know". I'm sure we will make adjustments to have a more enjoyable trip. I don't want to spend that much money on "hell", lol. Will flesh it out more and see what we come up with taking these great places into account.
Jun 30th, 2016, 06:38 PM
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CJ, we have a vacation home a few hours from Crater Lake. I am not wowed by Crater Lake. However, if you must stop, drive part of the rim road and then head for Grants Pass. Take Hwy 138, skirt the western rim of Crater Lake then west on on Hwy 62. Years ago I spent the night in Shady Cove. It was just OK.
Our son found Crater Lake boring, but LOVED the jet boat ride on the Rogue River. Crater Lake is so far out of your way and you have a very limited time. I will reiterate the slow progress on two lane roads if you are behind an RV.
Our son found Crater Lake boring, but LOVED the jet boat ride on the Rogue River. Crater Lake is so far out of your way and you have a very limited time. I will reiterate the slow progress on two lane roads if you are behind an RV.
Jun 30th, 2016, 11:25 PM
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Arbor Inn in Monterey usually has good rates on booking.com, 48 hr cancellation. You don't want to wait much longer to book something for Monterey.
In San Fran, the Lombard Inn is $170 including parking (make sure you check the parking rates wherever you stay in the city)....or north of the city there's the lovely Marin Lodge.But I think you should stay right in the city if you only have 24 hrs there. Tweak the budget elsewhere.
In San Fran, the Lombard Inn is $170 including parking (make sure you check the parking rates wherever you stay in the city)....or north of the city there's the lovely Marin Lodge.But I think you should stay right in the city if you only have 24 hrs there. Tweak the budget elsewhere.
Jul 1st, 2016, 06:40 AM
#15
With limited time you have to make choices. Bear in mind that all your destinations are VERY popular and that some of the roads are narrow and prone to construction delays.
Some of the choices I'd recommend:
Exchange the Columbia Gorge for Crater Lake. Spend a couple of hours exploring the Gorge before heading south. The "historic highway" between Troutdale and Multnomah Falls is one of the most beautiful roads in the US, the waterfalls (I'd stop at both Latourell and Multnomah) are spectacular, and the kids will have a blast at the Bonneville hatchery (at Bonneville Dam near Cascade Locks) where they can view Herman the Sturgeon (an ancient and giant fish) through underwater viewing windows. Then head south to Grants Pass.
Exchange the Big Sur coast for the Oregon coast. While the Big Sur coast south of Monterey/Carmel is much shorter (in miles) than its Oregon counterpart, it's every bit as scenic, and has the great advantage of being bracketed by two amazing don't-miss wonders, Point Lobos to the north and San Simeon to the south. Following CA Hwy 1 south from Carmel is very high-density travel pleasure.
Exchange a night in San Francisco for one in Santa Cruz. My recommendation is to visit SF during the day, spending the previous night outside the city in Marin County and continuing through the city around 2 hours to Santa Cruz at the north end of Monterey Bay. SF is expensive, and if you limit yourselves to a few hours in the city you won't have to wrangle expensive accommodation, worry about public transportation, etc. On the other hand, Santa Cruz has a terrific beachfront amusement park that would be ideal to let the kids vent some pent-up energy after several days on the road.
Add a night in San Simeon (or Cambria.) A visit to the Hearst Castle is a must. Don't skip this.
So my suggested plan -
8-Jul Portland to Grants Pass via Columbia Gorge
9-Jul Grants Pass to Arcata
10-Jul Arcata to San Rafael via Avenue of the Giants
11-Jul San Rafael to Santa Cruz via San Francisco
12-Jul Santa Cruz to Cambria via Monterey, Pt Lobos & Big Sur
13-Jul Cambria to Agoura Hills via Hearst Castle
14-Jul Agoura Hills to Anaheim via Disney
15-Jul Anaheim to LA (where?)
16-Jul Depart
Map - https://goo.gl/maps/sEQWtQ9bJV62
Other suggestions:
Dinner on July 9 at the Samoa Cookhouse in Samoa - fun place for kids - http://samoacookhouse.net/
You can go whale watching from both Santa Cruz and Monterey - same whales.
Monterey aquarium - a no-brainer.
Carmel and Santa Barbara missions: Historic and stunningly beautiful. Don't miss.
Point Lobos - Ditto, don't miss.
Spend the night in Anaheim after Disney. Bring money.
Some of the choices I'd recommend:
Exchange the Columbia Gorge for Crater Lake. Spend a couple of hours exploring the Gorge before heading south. The "historic highway" between Troutdale and Multnomah Falls is one of the most beautiful roads in the US, the waterfalls (I'd stop at both Latourell and Multnomah) are spectacular, and the kids will have a blast at the Bonneville hatchery (at Bonneville Dam near Cascade Locks) where they can view Herman the Sturgeon (an ancient and giant fish) through underwater viewing windows. Then head south to Grants Pass.
Exchange the Big Sur coast for the Oregon coast. While the Big Sur coast south of Monterey/Carmel is much shorter (in miles) than its Oregon counterpart, it's every bit as scenic, and has the great advantage of being bracketed by two amazing don't-miss wonders, Point Lobos to the north and San Simeon to the south. Following CA Hwy 1 south from Carmel is very high-density travel pleasure.
Exchange a night in San Francisco for one in Santa Cruz. My recommendation is to visit SF during the day, spending the previous night outside the city in Marin County and continuing through the city around 2 hours to Santa Cruz at the north end of Monterey Bay. SF is expensive, and if you limit yourselves to a few hours in the city you won't have to wrangle expensive accommodation, worry about public transportation, etc. On the other hand, Santa Cruz has a terrific beachfront amusement park that would be ideal to let the kids vent some pent-up energy after several days on the road.
Add a night in San Simeon (or Cambria.) A visit to the Hearst Castle is a must. Don't skip this.
So my suggested plan -
8-Jul Portland to Grants Pass via Columbia Gorge
9-Jul Grants Pass to Arcata
10-Jul Arcata to San Rafael via Avenue of the Giants
11-Jul San Rafael to Santa Cruz via San Francisco
12-Jul Santa Cruz to Cambria via Monterey, Pt Lobos & Big Sur
13-Jul Cambria to Agoura Hills via Hearst Castle
14-Jul Agoura Hills to Anaheim via Disney
15-Jul Anaheim to LA (where?)
16-Jul Depart
Map - https://goo.gl/maps/sEQWtQ9bJV62
Other suggestions:
Dinner on July 9 at the Samoa Cookhouse in Samoa - fun place for kids - http://samoacookhouse.net/
You can go whale watching from both Santa Cruz and Monterey - same whales.
Monterey aquarium - a no-brainer.
Carmel and Santa Barbara missions: Historic and stunningly beautiful. Don't miss.
Point Lobos - Ditto, don't miss.
Spend the night in Anaheim after Disney. Bring money.
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