hounddog_express

My wife and I will be driving with our dog from Seattle to the S.F.bay area, taking I-5 to Grants Pass then 101 the rest of the way. We've got lodging figured out, but it seems like there aren't a lot of worthwhile stops on this route without getting too far off the highway. Does anyone have any suggestions for good stops along this route to get out of the car (food, coffee, vistas, etc). Especially food, it'd be nice to avoid the fast food.

happytrailstoyou

The drive from Crescent City is Eureka is quite beautiful. Ferndale (a little off 101) is a charming Victorian town. You will be near the redwood parks.
Gaberville is a good place for coffee.

However, if you're in a rush, you will be in SF mid- afternoon the second day if you stay on I-5.

panhandle

I-5 through Oregon is a pretty bland drive. As you said most of the scenic stuff is a little off the path. As a Grants Pass citizen I will welcome you early! Depending on how much time you have it is possible to take alot of back roads the run close to I-5 from roseburg south to the Grants Pass. Try Hwy 99 between Grants Pass and Gold Hill. It wont take you that much longer and is very scenic following the Rogue River the whole way. Just north of Roseburg is a little roadside stand with real ice cream shakes in about every flavor you can think of. Farther south between Canyonville and Grants Pass is Heaven and Earth with their AMAZING cinnamon rolls. Where will you be staying in Grants Pass ...I can offer some food tips here.

Gardyloo

Not to goof up your route, but you might think about cutting over on Oregon SR 38 from Drain to Reedsport instead of US199. Not that US199 isn't pretty, it is (at least the last 10 miles or so) but SR 38 follows the Umpqua out to its mouth, the last stretch of it through a canyon that is, IMO, the most scenic route through the Oregon coast range that there is. Then, from Reedsport you're in the nicest stretch of the whole Oregon coast down to the State Line.

As far as stops, obviously Eugene has plenty; but I tend to agree with Panhandle that (and you probably know this) I-5 through the Willamette Valley is a bit on the boring side.

One possible way to enjoy yourselves, especially the canine companion, is to seek out some of the dog parks that have been set up in many of the valley towns. We took our pup on a drive to LA a couple of years ago (in the winter) and managed to string together a number of off-leash dog parks that made for good stops for all of us - fresh air, calories burnt (good for him and us).

Checkout www.dogfriendly.com for great links to towns with dog parks, motels that allow pets, route suggestions - lots.

As for you humans, try to hit the Samoa Cookhouse, in Samoa (over the bay from Eureka) - old mill mess hall now serving family-style meals brought to your table by your grannie; the building is more museum than restaurant. Quite fun. Doggie bags available.

Have fun.

nancytwo

When you are in CA 101 is beautiful with all the redwoods - Ferndale is worth the stop and Healdsburg is a must for lunch or dinner. Nice little town square with shops/dining. Many wineries are close if you are into that. Sausalito (touristy with Europeans) is a great way to see SF before you cross the Golden Gate.

GP

Hi hounddog_express

There is not a lot of anything except fantastic scenery between the Oregon State line and Eureka. Pull off 101 in Trinidad (20 miles north of Eureka) head down to Trinidad Head. There is a nice beach there that is (I think) dog ok, at least the locals take there dogs there. Hike up and around the Head, great views and there are a couple of nice little restaurants right in Trinidad too! The Arcata Marsh is a nice walk, plenty of coffee places in Arcata.. it is a college town. Believe it or not, there are a lot of great restaurants in Eureka. The Samoa cookhouse is not one of them, but it is a nice stop for the museum and maybe lunch. The beach at Samoa is wide open and people let their dogs run free. Let me know where you’re staying on the North coast and I can give you more specific tips on places up here.

Have Fun
GP

hounddog_express

Thanks for all the help. We're actually staying east of Eugene the first night (Vida, OR) and Trinidad the second. The tips on dog friendly beaches are appreciated.
Might try the scenic drive mentioned above (through the canyon) if it's not too winding.
How about a good breakfast/coffee spot in or near Trinidad?
Also, a good lunch stop in or north of Salem, OR?

GP

Hi hounddog_express

I have never had breakfast in Trinidad (I’ll have to take the wife there one morning) I have heard good things about Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery for breakfast. I have had lunch and dinner many times at the Seascape and always have gotten good food at a fair price. Either of these places should be good. When you head south out of Trinidad take the old road (narrow and winding) along the coast, it is one of the most scenic stretches in all of California.

Have Fun
GP