Southern OR and Northern CA RV trip, must see in OR?
#1
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Southern OR and Northern CA RV trip, must see in OR?
Hi,
We're renting an RV and taking our 7 and 5 year old on a road trip for just under two weeks in July. We're traveling to see Shasta/Burney Falls and up to Crater Lake, then to Sunriver for several nights, over through Eugene and then down the Oregon Coast to Redwood National Park. Any tips on things to see, especially along the Oregon Coast? Any suggestions on good places to stay (have never rented an RV before). Thoughts on if it's quicker to head back from the Redwoods to SF along coast or inland (not looking to sightsee on the way home from the redwoods, will do that another day in a car)
Thanks!
We're renting an RV and taking our 7 and 5 year old on a road trip for just under two weeks in July. We're traveling to see Shasta/Burney Falls and up to Crater Lake, then to Sunriver for several nights, over through Eugene and then down the Oregon Coast to Redwood National Park. Any tips on things to see, especially along the Oregon Coast? Any suggestions on good places to stay (have never rented an RV before). Thoughts on if it's quicker to head back from the Redwoods to SF along coast or inland (not looking to sightsee on the way home from the redwoods, will do that another day in a car)
Thanks!
#2
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From the redwoods, US 101 is the fastest way to get to SF. You can use Google Map to get distances and driving times.
I would stay in public campgrounds; they're cheaper than private campgrounds, and from the looks of the latter, generally more attractive.
I would stay in public campgrounds; they're cheaper than private campgrounds, and from the looks of the latter, generally more attractive.
#4
There is a campground in Crater Lake NP. It's south of the lake and east of the Park headquarters. You should get a reservation at least a month before you arrive. Unless there is something you really want to see in Medford, turn off I-5 at Weed onto US97 and come through Klamath Falls and past the lake where I have seen Bald Eagles. You might enjoy a night at the Newberry Caldera near Paulina or East lake. There are several campgrounds for your RV there. I will not knock Sunriver Resort but there are better places to stay with an RV.
Take the time to see the High Desert Museum south of Bend. There is always plenty to see and do in and around Bend. Heading from Bend through Sisters go over the McKenzie Pass.
Make a stop at the Dee Wright Observatory to get a good view of the lavafields and the volcanic mountains.
On the Oregon coast south of Florence, stop to see the Oregon Dunes Nat. Rec. Area. Also stop to see the Umpqua Lighthouse.
It's your choice as to whether to use Rt. 199 to Redding or Route 36 to Red Bluff. Either will get you back to I-5 and SF faster than using US 101. If you have other interests not addressed, let the Fodorites know.
Take the time to see the High Desert Museum south of Bend. There is always plenty to see and do in and around Bend. Heading from Bend through Sisters go over the McKenzie Pass.
Make a stop at the Dee Wright Observatory to get a good view of the lavafields and the volcanic mountains.
On the Oregon coast south of Florence, stop to see the Oregon Dunes Nat. Rec. Area. Also stop to see the Umpqua Lighthouse.
It's your choice as to whether to use Rt. 199 to Redding or Route 36 to Red Bluff. Either will get you back to I-5 and SF faster than using US 101. If you have other interests not addressed, let the Fodorites know.
#5
I stand corrected on the US 101 route along the coast vs tne routes back to Redding or Red Bluff. From McKinleyville to the Embarcadero (SF) is 6:38 and 369 miles. The other routes are 1 to 2 hours more.
Enjoy your time with the rented RV.
Enjoy your time with the rented RV.
#6
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10-12 miles north of Florence is Haceta Head Lighthouse, probabaly the most photographed scene on the Oregon coast. Kids might get a kick out of climbing/touring it. And just south of there is Sea Lion Caves, if you're interested (I think it's a rip-off, but others like it).
Honeyman State Park would be the place to camp for the Oregon Dunes: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_134.php. Put a dune buggy ride high on your list; great fun. Use that same website for other campgrounds down the coast. And I'd recommend making reservations as soon as you've finalized the itinerary. Another activity you all would enjoy: http://www.roguejets.com/.
And a word of caution... The scenery over McKenzie Pass is breathtaking, but I don't know if I'd want to drive that road in an RV. It's narrow, winding, and has switch-backs. So maybe take it up to Dee Wright, turn around back into Sisters, then hwy 126 to Eugene. That would then give you a chance to stop by Camp Sherman and visit the fish hatchery down the Metolius River from there. Kids will love that too.
Honeyman State Park would be the place to camp for the Oregon Dunes: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_134.php. Put a dune buggy ride high on your list; great fun. Use that same website for other campgrounds down the coast. And I'd recommend making reservations as soon as you've finalized the itinerary. Another activity you all would enjoy: http://www.roguejets.com/.
And a word of caution... The scenery over McKenzie Pass is breathtaking, but I don't know if I'd want to drive that road in an RV. It's narrow, winding, and has switch-backs. So maybe take it up to Dee Wright, turn around back into Sisters, then hwy 126 to Eugene. That would then give you a chance to stop by Camp Sherman and visit the fish hatchery down the Metolius River from there. Kids will love that too.
#7
Unless you have a real need to go through Eugene, if you double back to Sisters, stay on US 20 through Corvallis to Newport.
Just south of Newport on US101, is the Oregon Coast Museum.
Your kids would learn more there than at the Sea Lion caves IMOP
If you tire of the RV you can try 1 night in a Yurt at Honeyman.
Just south of Newport on US101, is the Oregon Coast Museum.
Your kids would learn more there than at the Sea Lion caves IMOP
If you tire of the RV you can try 1 night in a Yurt at Honeyman.
#8
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kids will love dunebuggy rides south of Florence - don't take the large group buggy- take the smaller one- a drying takes you over the dunes and it is really is a blast!!
Kids love it- as well as adults
Kids love it- as well as adults
#10
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You mean the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Tom? Yep, agree. And you could then go to the docks in the Newport harbor, where you'll see sea lions for free. A better experience than any at Sea Lion Caves IMO.
#11
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The sea lions are not always on the docks in Newport in the summer -I was there once and there was not one to be seen- was told by locals that they do move to other areas at times.
But they sure are fun to watch when they are there -
But they sure are fun to watch when they are there -
#12
Yes, actually it is the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center.
hmsc.oregonstate.edu If the sea lions are not at the dock, the folks at the Oregon Coast Aquarium can tell you where they are.
Take a detour about 5 miles east of Reedsport on 38. You may be lucky enough to see a few Roosevelt Elk at one of the viewing areas.
hmsc.oregonstate.edu If the sea lions are not at the dock, the folks at the Oregon Coast Aquarium can tell you where they are.
Take a detour about 5 miles east of Reedsport on 38. You may be lucky enough to see a few Roosevelt Elk at one of the viewing areas.
#13
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For the Redwoods--Stout Grove is a good one, but not sure about an RV. It is a dirt road, but a very good dirt road. The 10 mile drive is very nice. I think you would be fine in an RV, but I would check the website or call just to make sure.
Also, James Irvine Trail(Prairie Grove section) all the way to the ocean, it goes through Fern Canyon. It is 4 miles one way. You can do it One Way and one of you could drive to the other side.
If you don't do the James Irvine Trail, I would at least do Fern Canyon. You can park near the ocean and just do it from there.
I would second the Sand Dunes. And it is pretty hard not to miss one or two of the lighthouses along the way.
You might consider Oregon Caves National Monument. And perhaps a Jet Boat Ride at Grants Pass. I think there is also one along the coast.
Near the Redwoods is Patrick's Point State Park. Find out when low tide is, and go tidepooling there.
Burney Falls is a really great waterfall.
Also, James Irvine Trail(Prairie Grove section) all the way to the ocean, it goes through Fern Canyon. It is 4 miles one way. You can do it One Way and one of you could drive to the other side.
If you don't do the James Irvine Trail, I would at least do Fern Canyon. You can park near the ocean and just do it from there.
I would second the Sand Dunes. And it is pretty hard not to miss one or two of the lighthouses along the way.
You might consider Oregon Caves National Monument. And perhaps a Jet Boat Ride at Grants Pass. I think there is also one along the coast.
Near the Redwoods is Patrick's Point State Park. Find out when low tide is, and go tidepooling there.
Burney Falls is a really great waterfall.
#14
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The jet boat rides are fun especially on a hot day - I have always done the one at Gold Beach-
we have seen bears, eagles, river otters, osprey from the boat- the drivers get into water fights with rafters , turn donuts in the river so that everyone gets wet - kind of stuff kids love while still enjoying nature.
we have seen bears, eagles, river otters, osprey from the boat- the drivers get into water fights with rafters , turn donuts in the river so that everyone gets wet - kind of stuff kids love while still enjoying nature.
#15
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Thanks for the great suggestions, boat ride and dune buggy ride - the kids will have a blast. Appreciate the driving tips and suggestions on where to see animals etc., now just have to make the reservations!
#16
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Lots to do in Klamath...my kids loved the Lava Tubes and Crater Lake: www.discoverklamath.com
#18
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hidden gems:
The county parks in Jackson and Joesphine counties
both offer RV camping. Emmigrant Lake right outside Ashland and Indian Mary along the Rogue outside of Grants Pass offer great opportunities.
http://www.co.jackson.or.us/SectionI...p?SectionID=16
http://www.co.josephine.or.us/sectio...?sectionid=132
The county parks in Jackson and Joesphine counties
both offer RV camping. Emmigrant Lake right outside Ashland and Indian Mary along the Rogue outside of Grants Pass offer great opportunities.
http://www.co.jackson.or.us/SectionI...p?SectionID=16
http://www.co.josephine.or.us/sectio...?sectionid=132
#20
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Ok, so my itinerary is now as follows:
leave San Francisco in the RV,
2 nights in Burney Falls
1 night in Crater Lake (Mazama)
3 nights in La Pine State Park near Sunriver
1 night in Florence - Jesse Honeyman State Park (drive via Eugene)
2 nights in Bandon Dunes - Bullards Beach State Park
1 night in Redwood National Park
Is any of this really crazy driving - like do I need to stay somewhere between Sunriver and Florence, or anything I'm really missing and need to stay a night at on the coast?
leave San Francisco in the RV,
2 nights in Burney Falls
1 night in Crater Lake (Mazama)
3 nights in La Pine State Park near Sunriver
1 night in Florence - Jesse Honeyman State Park (drive via Eugene)
2 nights in Bandon Dunes - Bullards Beach State Park
1 night in Redwood National Park
Is any of this really crazy driving - like do I need to stay somewhere between Sunriver and Florence, or anything I'm really missing and need to stay a night at on the coast?