Seattle - SanFran on Highway101 road trip - Where to stop and stay??
 

Hi all,

Me and my girlfriend live in London, UK and are flying out to Vancouver, CA for our friends wedding (staying in Vancouver between 24 July - 29/30 July) We then will go from Vancouver to Seattle, and rent a car in Seattle to drive down all the way to San Francisco, and drop off the car there.
We both love nature, hiking, small towns, american food, and are excited to experience America for the first time via the amazing Highway101. We don't have a huuuge budget, so we're not planning on staying in expensive hotels every night.
Please can you guys give us any tips on how to plan and divide this trip up, as we're a bit overwhelmed with all the options out there. As it'll be pretty busy around the time we're going, do we need to book hotel/airB&B/campsites ahead...and if so, what are the best places to stay as we're not sure how long each days' drive will be. What if we want to stay at a certain place a bit longer to do a hike and we've already booked a hotel some town further ahead? Any tips are welcome in terms of toll roads / where to fill up on gas, and how often will we need to do this during our trip/ what sights should we definitely see / and mainly how to plan ahead on where to stay...

Thanks so much in advance,
Stef & Brit

Sorry, forgot to mention we're flying back from San Fran International Airport on Sunday the 7th of August. So we've got about 7-8 days from Seattle - San Fran. Thanks!

The only toll that I know of in the Pacific NW is a bridge over the Columbia River east of Portland.
There are 2 trains and several buses from Vancouver to Seattle.
Do you want to spend a night in either Seattle or San Francisco?
I prefer the Oregon coast to the Washington coast.
Cross the huge bridge from Washington into Oregon at Astoria.
See the Astoria Column and the docks.
Stay in either Seaside or Cannon Beach. See Haystack
Rock in Cannon Beach.
In Oregon, there is an attendant that pumps your gas - no self serve.
I think there is only 1 other toll on 101 which is to cross the Golden Gate bridge into San Francisco.

Here's the route I'd suggest - https://goo.gl/maps/p5UVewPWgQJ2

It starts out by traveling over the Cascade mountains from Seattle, then south through great "old west" scenery to the Columbia River near the fun little Maryhill museum and nearby Stonehenge replica, then to Hood River, Oregon, for the first night. The next day, drive up to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, then back down the Hood River Valley and through the Columbia Gorge (use the "historic Gorge highway") for spectacular scenery and numerous waterfalls, to Portland.

From there, head south and west to hit the Oregon coast at Newport, then spend the next 3 or 4 days driving down US 101 to SF. You'll drive along the beautiful Oregon coast until the redwoods start just over the California line. All (as in 100%) of my British friends who've done this drive (quite a few) have declared the redwoods to be the high point of the trip, which is saying something given all the other things you'll encounter.

On the Oregon coast I'd look at Yachats or Bandon for lodging, being mindful that some places want a 2-night stay (especially on weekends) while others won't. In the redwood country there are numerous options for lodgings in the Arcata-Eureka area, as well as Crescent City and smaller places like Trinidad or lovely little Ferndale.

>> What if we want to stay at a certain place a bit longer to do a hike and we've already booked a hotel some town further ahead? <<

Most -- not all but a large majority -- of American motels/hotels have very generous cancellation policies. Often, even if you don't cancel til 3 or 4 PM the same day you are fine. Just be sure to read the cancellation policy closely before booking.

<i>What if we want to stay at a certain place a bit longer to do a hike and we've already booked a hotel some town further ahead?</i>

That would be a problem if you have booked rooms on the Oregon coast during the height of the tourist season. (If you book rooms at the last minute, you may find yourself overpaying to stay in a dump.)

<i>where to fill up on gas</i>

You won't have a problem finding gas on Highway 101. I fill up when the tank is down to 1/4 full.

<i>what sights should we definitely see</i>

Mt. Rainier, the Columbia River gorge, the Oregon coast (including dunes), the redwoods of northern California, and the Sonoma Valley or Napa Valley.

<i>where to stay</i>

In the Columbia River gorge we stay at the pleasant town of Hood River; on the Oregon coast we stay in Newport, Yachts (small town), Florence, or Brookings; in northern California we stay in Garberville.

HTtY

Re my response . . . Canceling won't usually be a problem (at all). But depending on where you are at the time, finding a replacement room certainly could be.

If you prebook (but do not prepay) directly with the hotel or motel it is usually not a problem to cancel, just read the terms, some ask for 24 hours notice without charge, others you can as stated cancel the same day.
If you use a third party such as Expedia, etc. you often have to prepay so best to book directly.

One of my favorite hikes on the Oregon Coast starts at Devils Elbow State Park- also known as Heceta Head. The beach is a beautiful little cove with a nice trail up to the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S. Behind the lighthouse there is another trail which hooks onto the Hobbit Trail, leading to beach only accessible by hiking in.
At Devils Elbow beach, there are grills so you could cook out when done hiking.
I think it's a beautiful spot.

Another fav is Silver Falls State Park. This is not on the coast but it's quite lovely. It is east of Salem Or. There are 10 waterfalls on the trail, some of the trails go behind the falls so water is gushing out over your head. At least one of the falls has a swimming hole at the base.

Much to see and do in this part of the country.

Thanks for all the replies so far everyone!

@tomfuller 'Do you want to spend a night in either Seattle or San Francisco?'

Probably, and I think Seattle over San Fran if we only had time to fit one of these two cities in. I imagine just dropping the car off in San Fran and maybe have a quick look around before catching our flight, and perhaps come back for another holiday to dedicate more time to LA/San Fran...

Thought this link might be useful for you- a mile by mile guide to the Oregon Coast

http://www.oregoncoastmagazine.com/m...coast_2011.php

I think Newport would be a good place to stay. There are nice beaches, restaurants etc. the Old Town area is pretty touristy but still an active fishing center.
Try the Local Ocean restaurant in Newport.
It's a good place to see sea lions as they come and lay on the docks.

In Florence, I like to eat at the Restobar- there is an enclosed patio in the back which is cozy.

Sandlot tours just south of Florence offers dune buggy rides over the sand dunes. I think it's very fun- you don't drive yourself, you have a driver - and I always go in the smaller vehicles which hold 4 or 5 passengers.

Lots to see and do

First of all, yes, you'll be landing in the Seattle area at <b>THE very busiest time of the tourist season</b>.

I would book all rental cars and hotels for Seattle and vicinity <b>well in advance</b>.


And while I do agree that you <b>should</b> go and see the U.S. version of <b>Stonehenge</b>... I don't think you need to see <i>Yakima, USA</i> on such a trip.

You'd do better to see <b>Mount Rainier</b> (up close, I mean) on the path away from Seattle, and then find your way to the town of <b>Morton, Washington</b> (just south of Mount Rainier)... before taking Forest Road #25 to the Columbia River, and on to <b>Hood River, OR</b>.

Side trip to Stonehenge near Maryhill, WA... and then onward to <b>Timberline Lodge</b>, Mount Hood, Oregon.

<b>Make sure you drive much of the length of the <I>Columbia Gorge</i> (Columbia River, WA/OR)</b>, so IF you were <U>forced</u> to save time, then you'd cut-out the side trip to Mount Hood... but I did that entire side-trip, and <I>doubled-back</I> to the river just last summer, and I think it was worth it.

Then maybe stop in Portland for a look around, before heading off to the Oregon coast (ideally toward the <u>northwest</u>, from Portland).

(side note: IF you have any friends who were/are fans of the <I>Twilight</i> movie series, you should <b>make the effort</b> of taking a short side-trip from Portland, to get photos of yourselves in front of various on-location sets from the movie - mostly in <b>St. Helens, Oregon</b>)

Correction - dune buggy rides are Sandland Tours, not Sandlot.

Suggestion: buy cheap camping equipment in Seattle. Not REI but at a K-Mart, Sports Authority, or other lower hand store like these. Tent, air mattress, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, cooler.


The $300+ it will cost you will be recovered in a few days, especially if you are willing to cook. National Park campgrounds tend to reserve a few sites for daily arrivals without reservations, but they tend to fill up early. National Forests are full of campgrounds, they are generally are the cheapest, but require the correct cash because you pay by depositing the money in a locked box. National Forest sites that are on lakes or fishing streams tend to be fully reserved, especially on weekends.

Oregon State parks tend to have more amenities, but also fill up very quickly.

For each identity (National Park, National Forest, State parks) you would need to use google to find out about camping grounds.

Examples: http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=visit.dsp_find

https://freecampsites.net/#!Oregon&query=region

BTW, I never use private campgrounds and consider them to be the least desirable choice.

As for sights, you can browse through these albums which cover both inland and ocean sights in Washington, Oregon and Northern California:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...4484/show?rb=1

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...3985/show?rb=1

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...2189/show?rb=1

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...6341/show?rb=1

Thanks for everything so far guys! One more question about the car rental as we're not that knowledgable on cars. Can we just rent any car from Avis/Hertz or do we need a powerful car? I don't think there is gonna be crazy climbs along the way, right? Thanks.

No crazy climbs if you take 101. We just returned from a trip from Seattle to the Bay area driving our Corolla.

It is a beautiful coastline
Get the brochure from the info centre
It outlines every stop of interest along the way
Very useful

You'll love the little towns along the way..great cafes ..gorgeous scenery
But it will be busy
We winged it
And we're lucky but one time we literally got the last room in town
We'd start looking round mid afternoon when we took a break..hunted on the Internet and ur was a bit hairy
It's such a popular route in summer

We like the best westerns..good value...kinda..( what am I saying? Nothing is good value when you're australian! Lol)
Have a blast!
Seattle us gorgeous
Go find the RUSSIAN pirogi shop and go eat on the harbour

Thanks for all the comments guys. The planning is starting to come together!
How much $ would it roughly cost for gas from Seattle to San Fran following highway 101? Cheers

Regular gasoline is running around $2.30 per gallon in Washington, $2.25 in Oregon, and $2.50 in much of California, so call it 42p per liter on average. A 1000-mile road trip in a car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require around 40 gallons, i.e. 160 l. and cost roughly $90-$100, i.e. £60-65. Prices will be higher in small towns and remote areas.

<i>How much $ would it roughly cost for gas from Seattle to San Fran following highway 101?</i>

If you use www.michelin.com for your itinerary, you will be given various options, including The cost of tolls and fuel in dollars, euros, or pounds.

You'll also have a to pay a toll if you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. You cannot pay cash, no toll takers. You can pay in advance online or you will need a transponder with your rental, which can be expensive. We were told by Budget that we would have to pay $4 a day for the transponder for each day of our car rental, even though we'd only need it for the one time we'd be crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you drive from Portland to the Oregon Coast, definitely see Haystack Rock (as others recommended), but you might prefer to stay in Manzanita, 18 miles to the south, as it's smaller, less touristy, and accommodations are cheaper. We stayed at Sunset Surf Motel, which was simple but clean, across from a beautiful beach, and had a microwave and refrigerator. As we were checking in, two bald eagles flew overhead. It was wonderful!

Ecola State Park, north of Cannon Beach, and Oswald West State Park, between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, have hiking trails.

When driving south from Manzanita, you'll see some signs for Cape Meares Lighthouse. It's part of the Three Capes Scenic drive (part of which is closed right now). If you have time, try to visit Cape Meares Lighthouse. It's a beautiful spot with many Sitka spruce trees.

Oregon has beautiful lighthouses. I loved Yaquina Heads. On the beach below Yaquina Heads Lighthouse, you can explore the tide pools at low tide. Rangers are standing by to tell you all about the tide pool creatures, such as purple urchins, green and aggregating anemones, sea stars (starfish), and small fish. We were there a couple of weeks ago and also saw numerous harbor seals nursing their pups.

Haceta Heads Lighthouse is another fabulous lighthouse in a stunning location. When we were there a couple of weeks ago, three grey whales were feeding in the waters right in front of the lighthouse. We saw whales all along the Oregon Coast.

Speaking of whales, you might want to have a look at this news about 200 whales settling in at Oregon's Depoe Bay for the summer:
http://koin.com/2016/05/31/depoe-bay...me-for-summer/

After you cross the border into California, you'll reach Crescent City. You can get brochures and great advice about the Redwood National and State Parks and its hiking trails and campsites from its Crescent City Office, 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, Calif. (Corner of 2nd and K Streets)
https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvis...CP_JUMP_281933

I highly recommend you hike through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/415/fi...ochure2014.pdf
It's south of Crescent City, but north of the small community of Trinidad (which is north of the college town of Arcata).
http://redwoods.info/capsule.asp

Driving south of Eureka on Highway 101, you'll start to see signs for Avenue of the Giants.
http://avenueofthegiants.net/

You'll save time if you just drive straight down Highway 101 to San Francisco, but in my opinion, you'll be missing some of the most beautiful parts of northern California if you don't divert over to Highway One at Leggett, but it could add a day or two (or more) to your trip. The Mendocino County Coast is beautiful, followed by the beautiful Sonoma County Coast, then the Marin County Coast. But Highway One can be extremely curvy. The northern California Coast can also be foggy in summer.

If you don't have time to drive the entire length of Highway One north of San Francisco, try to at least do part of the Highway One drive from Point Reyes National Seashore to Muir Beach. You can cut over to the coast from Highway 101 at Petaluma or Novato. Point Reyes National Seashore has great hiking trails and camp sites (which you must reserve ahead of time).
https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm

When done at Point Reyes National Seashore, follow Highway One to Stinson Beach, then Muir Beach. Muir Woods Redwoods National Monument is near Muir Beach. It'll be crowded at this time of year. The park itself won't feel too crowded, but you'll have to park quite a distance from the park entrance.
https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

Highway One will join up with Highway 101 in Mill Valley, north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Before you cross the bridge, and if it's not foggy, you might want to make a right turn into the Marin Headlands to catch some fabulous views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvis...older-web2.pdf

Thanks everyone for your help! We had an amazing trip, it couldn't have been any better. We had amazing weather all throughout Vancouver, Washington & Oregon...strangely California was the only state that was pretty cloudy, and obviously some fog in the mountains.
All the ferry/tollbridge crossings went smooth, and gas stations were easy to find and use as well. I'm planning to write a proper breakdown of the trip, but roughly we went to the following places:
Seattle - Lake Crescent - Sol Duc Hot Springs - Forks - Lake Quinault - Willipa Bay - Ecola State Park - Canon Beach - Tillamook (cheese factory AND airplane museum) - Depoe Bay (saw whales for the first time in our lives!) - Yachats - Siuslaw National Forest - Heceta Head - Port Orford (can recommend staying in Wildspring Guest Habitat! our only expensive stay, the rest were cheap but awesome airbnbs) - Samual H Boardman viewpoints (Thomas Creek one was closed unfortuantly) - Arcata - Burlington - Avenue of Giants - Myers Flat & Legget (drive thru trees) - Russian Gulch - Mendocino - Point Arena - Point Reyes - Bolinas Lagoon - Stinson Beach - Golden Gate Bridge - San Fransisco, as well as other lakes and little towns I have missed off! Will be back soon for sure. Thanks again everyone for the tips and advice!

>>.strangely California was the only state that was pretty cloudy<<

Yep -- Summer is cool, even cold, on much of the CA coast. 100F+ degrees inland, cool and foggy along the coast. Autumn is when it s warm and sunny most days.

Glad you had a great trip. Looking forward to the trip report.