Hi, all,

I am planning on taking a 4-day weekend to drive from the SF Bay Area (where I live) to Oregon. Is this do-able, or should I just focus on northern CA? (I have traveled as far as Mendocino/Ft Bragg, but not north of that). What parts of southern Oregon might be do-able and desirable? Where would you stay overnight for the 3 different nights of the road trip (city/region and/or specific lodgings)?

Any input on any pieces of this are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

john

There have been some heated discussions on this board on the topic of Oregon vs. No. California--see if you can find them. I haven't visited No. Cal. much so I'm not an expert on this drive, but I have visited the Oregon coast several times and it is gorgeous. Go!

Driving from SF to Eureka on 101 takes about 5-6 hrs. On to Bandon (Ore) takes another 4, so you can see how much time would be used up in travel. We have driven the whole 9 + hours at one shot. Stay ed in Bandon for 3 nights and then reversed the trip.Bandon is a small sleepy town with good motels. Some overlook the ocean with great beach walking or you can stay "in town" and drive to beach access. I don't remember any resturants except one by the river out let--had good steaks and seafood. Coos Bay(1/2 hr north)-big gambling casino that was formerly a lumber mill. IMO trying to go farther up the coast would just us up your time.
If you haven't seen the BIG redwoods
stop overnight in Eureka on the way up. Then you can take some time to
see them between Orick and Cresent City. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is beautiful.
Hope this helps,,

Could always go up the I-5 and visit Ashlands Shakespeare Fest & then visit Crater Lake. Or Grants Pass for boat tour & eat at Yankee Pot Roast. The best food in the world.

John, it's totally doable. Head up 101 through the redwoods, stopping when you're tired. Bandon is a good terminus, although you can also turn around in Gold Beach if you want. IMO the best stretch of the Oregon coast is the southernmost strip, from the State line to Bandon or so. On the way up or back, take time to explore some of the redwood groves, take the "Avenue of the Giants" which parallels 101 for a distance. In Eureka (coming or going or both) check out the Samoa Cookhouse (in Samoa, across the bay from Eureka) for a fun meal.
There's a fair amount of driving in a four-day jaunt from the Bay Area to the southern Oregon coast, but it's worth it...

Thanks for all of your recommendations to date -- much appreciated.

john

topping... leaving tomorrow. Any last minute suggestions?

Thanks.

john

ttt
If you are out there John how did you make out with your trip.
DOing similar interested in timeline.Thanks
jan

ttt