Our tentative itinerary includes a stop in Ashland, then drive to Yachats for a few days, then over to Bend for a few days, then back home to N. Calif. My question: since we are a bit pressed for time, is the drive up 101 in southern Oregon worth the extra time vs. driving Hwy. 5. Also, looks like we could cut across at Hwy. 36 too? Any advice/opinions? Thanks, in advance.

That seems like a lot of back and forth. Why not come up I-5, stop in Ashland, head over to Bend, then go to the coast and head south on 101 towards home?

5 is much, much faster. Boring, boring ,boring. But fast.

yes, the drive on the SO coast is spectacular and worthwhile, but NW wanderer's idea isn't a bad one, and you'd be going down the coast. Always better. 126 from Eugene is not a bad way to get to Yachats. Can you reverse Bend and Yachats?
I-5 once you get North of Redding is a beautiful drive too.
Where is home?

Hi joangk

Hwy. 36 will not save you any time. It gets quite narrow and steep for 80% of its length from 101 to 5.

Have Fon
GP

Definitely I-5 northbound, 101 southbound.

Use SR 38 from Drain to Reedsport to cut over. Most scenic route of them all, and not as slow as some others either.

Highway 36 is an awful road. It seems endless. I would avoid it.