My husband and I are going to SF in Jan.
I used to live there, but it was yrs ago.
We are staying with friends but planning on taking a few days to go up the coast or do something. He likes wilderness and rock collecting. From SF how far can you expect to
drive north in one day in Jan? Would we make it to Fort Bragg? I want him to see the Redwoods and hopefully we can find a nice place to stay that is not too expensive.
I remember driving thru a blizzard in Jan on
MT Shasta.. was thrilling..going downhill.lol
and I do remember the steep narrow roads on
the North coast. Will this be pleasant or
too much in Jan? Maybe head to Yosemete? But
will it be open in Jan? It is snowing here now in New England so we are used to roughing
it on roads. I never even knew Yosemete was
not far from SF when I lived there. Have not been there. But He's got to see the Redwoods!
Also anyone know of a good place to eat in China Town? I love those hanging ducks.
Thanks, Shelly



Yosemate be a better choice?

Mt. Shasta is not that close to Ft. Bragg and you won't be dealing with snow as long as you stick to the coast an the middle of the state. Snow in California comes with the higher elevations, above 3,000 feet.
Yosemite will have lots of snow and it could be difficult to get there if there's an ongoing snowstorm. You will need either chains or a 4WD.
I don't mean to be rude but you sound clueless about the geography of California. If you are a AAA member, they have free maps and guidebooks on all states. If you aren't and don't know anyone who is (who could get them for you), use a Search Engine, such as:
www.google.com, to learn about all your desired destinations. A paper map is invaluable; get yourself to a good large book store that has a good travel section. Buy a map of California. Better yet, buy a USA Road Atlas by Rand McNally for $10. Buy a guidebook for Northern California.
You also need the use of an online mapping/driving time website. There are several. One is: www.mapquest.com
Yes, you can make it from San Francisco to Ft. Bragg in one day. Use Highway 1 which hugs the coast is beautiful but a long and a hard drive with all its twists and turns. An easier and faster route is Highway 101 which is a bit more inland and then cutting back west through Anderson Valley (a pretty drive in itself with some vineyards, etc.) till you hit Highway 1, turn right (North) to Ft. Bragg.
Ask your friends who live in San Francisco for help and advice on how best to use your free days.

There is a great series of books called Roadside Geology. There is one for Northern California. It will show you the roads and (rocks) and the info on earthquakes, faultlines etc. You might try the Tamales, Point Reyes area. It is closer than the other places you mention and fascinating for a rockhound type.It is also a beautiful drive along the coast.

Yes, I do sound clueless.. I guess I have forgotten alot about CA.. I dont remember any snow except Mt Shasta.
I would drive from Oregon to SF and I remember Oregon had snow. Having never been to Yosemete, you are right should have known there would be snow there if
in Mountains..we do belong to AAA thankyou for advise.

Hi Shelly - I lived in the Eureka, CA area (quite a bit north of Ft. Bragg) for several years and I can tell you that you'll have no problem making it to Ft. Bragg from San Francisco in one day. It would take hubby and I only 6 hours to get from Eureka to SF. Since it sounds like you have semi limited time, though, I would suggest taking highway 101 to Willits and then go west. That highway (20) is 2 lane with curvy roads, but overall your time in the car will be less, than if you took 1 all the way north. A good majority of 101 has 4 lanes. You shouldn't encounter any snow unless you venture north of Ft. Bragg, say to the Garberville area (and then it would be a freak occurance), where the elevations are a bit higher. The main concern you may have is RAIN - around Ft. Bragg and north, 75% of the annual rainfall happens between October and April. Hopefully you'll have nice weather (but it will be chilly). The Redwoods are spectacular! I can't give any reccomendations for lodging, since when hubby and I lived in Eureka, we never stayed overnight anywhere along the way. I'm sure others can help you out on that. Enjoy your vacation.

Here's weather websites you will find useful:

http://www.worldclimate.com

gives AVERAGE high and low temps month by month for cities you type in.

http://www.weatherunderground.com

gives CURRENT detailed actual weather + a 4-day forecast for cities you type in. You can also look at historical weather actuals for specific dates.

Here's another website for you....it's on California State Coastal Redwood Parks.
There are several for you to read about; however, be sure to click on MacKerricher Redwood State Park....it's only 3-5 miles NORTH of Ft. Bragg...a definite MUST SEE!

http://parks.ca.gov/COUNTIES/mendocino.htm