BarbAnn

I like Gardyloo's itinerary also. If driving Hwy 1 south of Mendocino is seems scary, an alternative is to take SR 128/29/12 through the Napa Valley to the junction of I-80. In Sacramento, I-80 will become Hwy 50 if you stay in the left hand lanes. It is not as difficult route. My parents lived in Ukiah for over 35 years. I live near Folsom, so I've traveled the roads.

I always travel SR 49 to Yosemite. The California Gold Country is so historic and beautiful. I know why California is considered the Golden state!

bbqboy

I agree with Easy Traveler. Ashland after Crater Lake would be tons more fun then Crescent City,especially
being from the UK.

LSky

May I ask, why Phoenix? It's not usually on people's travel list. Was there something special you wanted to see there? Taliesin West, perhaps? Art?

UKnewcomer

Well, am I glad I asked! Thank you so much all of you, especially gardyloo, janisj and tomfuller for such detailed help. We have "rebuilt" our itinerary and asked the travel agent to do the same - shifting overnight stays to give us more time on the Californian coast, as suggested. We will give Klamath Falls a miss - our agent had suggested it but I'd rather take your recommendations. No particular reason for Phoenix other than a friend's recommendation, but I think we've learnt that less is more! Can't wait, and thanks to you all, once again.

Tomsd

Even though I am from Klamath Falls, I think you will see plenty of other beautiful country on your trip if you miss it.

While 30 to 40 mile long Klamath Lake is very pretty - and the Running Y Resort is a great place to stay (what - with an Arnold Palmer designed golf course - http://www.runningy.com/ ) - Crater Lake is incredibly beautiful and Ashland has more to offer/things to do, including the open air Shakespeare theater.

Michael

You should have the time to weave inland. There's lots to see on the West Coast. If going around the Olympic Peninsula, don't miss Neah Bay for its Indian museum and hike to Cape Flattery.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4235004880/

Crater Lake should be seen.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622981132189

And the California coast--here in reverse order from your itinerary:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...12998387/show/

NorthwestMale

I was merely going-over this thread, and very early on I recalled in my mind the part about California Hwy #1 below Mendocino being very likely "scary" in the mind of the OP.

I hesitated at Gardyloo's suggestion of going east from Mount Rainier, but everything about the idea made great sense!

(although you may gain understanding from going over the following website in preparation for your trip through The Columbia Gorge: http://glaciallakemissoula.org/ and through western Oregon as well)

October 1 is a decent spot on the calendar weather-wise, particularly for beginning from the north and heading south. Should be a great trip.

maggiemcq

Hi I'm interested in hearing how your trip went as we are looking at similar itinerary although would skip Yosemite as we have been there before. Anywhere you wanted longer at our less time? Like yourself interested in stopping off at wineries also - any recommendations appreciated.

janisj

maggiemcq: Welcoem to Fodors.

>>Hi I'm interested in hearing how your trip went . . .