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don512 Aug 28th, 2008 02:40 PM

From Seattle to San Francisco
 
Is there a coastal highway that you can travel form Seattle to San Francisco? I am looking to maybe take four days traveling, any suggestions for good places to stop

NWWanderer Aug 28th, 2008 02:58 PM

Yes, Rt. 101 and/or Hwy 1 (after Rt. 101 turns inland south of Garberville CA).

With 4 days 3 nights (assuming that's what you meant), I'd probably go with stops in Yachats OR, Trinidad CA and Mendocino CA. That's about 4-6 hours driving each day but with lots of possible stops and things to do along the way.

happytrailstoyou Aug 28th, 2008 03:01 PM


I would drive from Seattle to Cannon Beach, and then from Cannon Beach to Leggett on 101, from Leggett on twisty CA-271 to Highway 1, and then on Highway 1 to Bodega Bay and on to San Francicso.

There is a great deal of scenery along the way, some of which requires detours to enjoy--such as important parts of the Oregon Coast and the Redwoods.

Some good stops are Cannon Beach, Newport, Yachats, Bandon, and Mendocino, but there are many others.

Four days and three nights would be rushing it too much, in my opinion.

The drive is about 925 miles (without detours) and 20+ hours of driving, compared to 800 miles and 12+ hours of driving directly from Seattle to San Francisco



don512 Aug 28th, 2008 04:35 PM

Actually, when I said four days I was meaning four nights. I was thinkinking of arriving in Seattle on a Sunday, staying there through Wednesday morning. I was figuring that we would get into San Francisco the following Sunday and then leaving for back home on Wednesday. That would be three nights in both Seattle and San Francisco and four nights inbetween the two.

happytrailstoyou Aug 28th, 2008 05:37 PM


Thanks, don512, for the clarification.

There are many options. My choices for stays would be Cannon Beach (200 miles/4 hours), Bandon (230 miles/6 hours), Garberville or Benbow (260 miles/5 hours), Mendocino, Albion, or Little River (90 miles/2 hours), and San Francisco via Bodega Bay (160 miles/4 hours).



NWWanderer Aug 29th, 2008 07:17 AM

In that case, I agree with HTTY's suggestions for stops, except that I'd still stop in Trinidad rather than Garberville--my overnight in Trinidad was a highlight of my trip down the coast and if you want to hike in the redwoods I'd give yourselves more time in that area by staying overnight there.

donnawho Aug 29th, 2008 07:46 AM

Just returned yesterday from a Seattle to San Fran coast drive down 101, and agree with NWWanderer. Our only disappointment (and mildly so) was Cannon Beach...too many tourists, gift shops and galleries scrunched in a small town. But if you like that atmosphere, go for it!
CAVEATS: 1) it took us 11 hours to drive from C.Beach to Bandon because we couldn't resist stopping at many of the scenic parks/overlooks/trails which make this coast so memorable. 2) Also keep in mind the "Fog Factor"--this time of year it's often foggy in the morning and burns off by noon.
3)Traffic (altho probably not bad after Labor Day?) You get behind one of the many logging trucks on this winding hilly road and you won't go too fast.
Trinidad, CA was one of our favorite places--stayed at the Lost Whale Inn on a cliff overlooking the ocean- beautiful garden setting, awesome sunsets from your room or the deck, and sea lions sitting on a rock just offshore honking you awake each morning !


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