Driving from Seattle to California
March 18, 2016 1:01 PM Subscribe
What is the best route to drive from Seattle to Walnut Creek in California on a 3 day road trip?
My cousin is meeting us in Walnut Creek, California and she is driving from Seattle. Goal is do this in 3 days, have a pleasant and scenic drive, stay at cabins/lodging on the way, be as close to the ocean as possible and all the while be safe on the road (not too many hills/rainy drives/steep hills etc.)
We are calculating that the drive will be 3 days with 2 overnight stops, one being Crescent City.
What would your suggestions be in terms of which route to take, ideal towns to stop overnight and great places to visit (in the given time) along the way.
My cousin is meeting us in Walnut Creek, California and she is driving from Seattle. Goal is do this in 3 days, have a pleasant and scenic drive, stay at cabins/lodging on the way, be as close to the ocean as possible and all the while be safe on the road (not too many hills/rainy drives/steep hills etc.)
We are calculating that the drive will be 3 days with 2 overnight stops, one being Crescent City.
What would your suggestions be in terms of which route to take, ideal towns to stop overnight and great places to visit (in the given time) along the way.
Crescent City is such a dreary place. If you have enough time, push on to Gold Beach, OR. We stay at this place every time and we love it.
http://www.irelandsrusticlodges.com/
The full length of the Oregon coast is really not to be missed, but it's long twisty driving. If you can knock a little out on Day 1, that works nicely in your favor.
Then Cannon Beach for sure. Touristy, but fun town with beautiful surroundings.
Highly recommend the Cathlamet ferry across the Columbia.
posted by humboldt32 at 1:19 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
http://www.irelandsrusticlodges.com/
The full length of the Oregon coast is really not to be missed, but it's long twisty driving. If you can knock a little out on Day 1, that works nicely in your favor.
Then Cannon Beach for sure. Touristy, but fun town with beautiful surroundings.
Highly recommend the Cathlamet ferry across the Columbia.
posted by humboldt32 at 1:19 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Seattle --> Longview, WA --> Astoria, OR --> Newport, OR --> Crescent City, CA --> Walnut Creek (via 101).
Overnight stop in Newport (Rogue Brewery!) and Crescent City.
If you stay on 101 all the way from Astoria to Crescent City and beyond, that's a lot of twisty driving (e.g. Seattle to Newport is seven hours without stopping, Newport to Crescent City is 8 hours without stopping).
I'd stop at Coos Bay, then cut east to Ashland, and then down to Sacramento/Walnut Creek. You'll find that incorporating some of Interstate 5 as a straight-ish shot might make 3 days bearable. Plus you get beaches and mountains.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:40 PM on March 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Overnight stop in Newport (Rogue Brewery!) and Crescent City.
If you stay on 101 all the way from Astoria to Crescent City and beyond, that's a lot of twisty driving (e.g. Seattle to Newport is seven hours without stopping, Newport to Crescent City is 8 hours without stopping).
I'd stop at Coos Bay, then cut east to Ashland, and then down to Sacramento/Walnut Creek. You'll find that incorporating some of Interstate 5 as a straight-ish shot might make 3 days bearable. Plus you get beaches and mountains.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:40 PM on March 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
i should have mentioned above that i stayed in gold beach and really enjoyed it. lovely place.
posted by koroshiya at 2:32 PM on March 18, 2016
posted by koroshiya at 2:32 PM on March 18, 2016
Sorry, I read the question in the opposite direction.
posted by humboldt32 at 3:01 PM on March 18, 2016
posted by humboldt32 at 3:01 PM on March 18, 2016
You'll probably need coffee in Cannon Beach. You should get it at The Sleepy Monk.
posted by gurple at 4:41 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by gurple at 4:41 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you find yourself along the 101 in Oregon, be sure to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory! It's right next to the road and they have free samples.
posted by belau at 5:09 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by belau at 5:09 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Assuming Crescent City is fixed, overnight somewhere in Sonoma county (Sonoma or Healdsburg being pleasant options, if not the cheapest overnight stays) would be my recommendation. You can drive through the Avenue of the Giants, stop for short hikes there, and throw in a winery or another hike (there are plenty, e.g., around the Jack London Ranch) down in Sonoma. Short drive the next day for more wine country events or even a bit of a detour to the beautiful Point Reyes or Mount Tam.
Alternately for the last stretch, the coastal highway from Mendocino to the Bay Area is beautiful but winding; plenty to see but I personally found it stressful to drive.
posted by mark k at 6:06 PM on March 18, 2016
Alternately for the last stretch, the coastal highway from Mendocino to the Bay Area is beautiful but winding; plenty to see but I personally found it stressful to drive.
posted by mark k at 6:06 PM on March 18, 2016
Crescent City is indeed a disgusting meth-addled stain on the otherwise beautiful route you have planned.
One thing I'll add as food for thought -- Crater Lake (which is very far from the coastal route, but not far from I-5) is a once in a lifetime mind blowing sight that one is not likely to be within striking distance of very often. The Crater Lake Lodge is very very nice and makes an excellent 1st night stop from Seattle. The downside is you'd miss a lot of amazing Oregon coast, but you can head west from there and still have plenty of time to see the southern Oregon coast and all of Humboldt and Mendocino.
And really, the Oregon Coast is a worthwhile vacation destination by itself from Seattle, you might want to save that when you have time to explore and savor it.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:18 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
One thing I'll add as food for thought -- Crater Lake (which is very far from the coastal route, but not far from I-5) is a once in a lifetime mind blowing sight that one is not likely to be within striking distance of very often. The Crater Lake Lodge is very very nice and makes an excellent 1st night stop from Seattle. The downside is you'd miss a lot of amazing Oregon coast, but you can head west from there and still have plenty of time to see the southern Oregon coast and all of Humboldt and Mendocino.
And really, the Oregon Coast is a worthwhile vacation destination by itself from Seattle, you might want to save that when you have time to explore and savor it.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:18 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Now I like this drive/area very much.
General precaution. On northwestern California highways, speed signs are not "suggestions," but instead they generally sort of mean it. Drive carefully, other people are going to be sightseeing all around you.
I'm a little confused, seems you are going to return to Seattle with your cousin so you're going northbound? I'd take 1-680 from Walnut Creek to CA SR4 to I-80 to I-580 to San Rafael and then head north on US 101. From Santa Rosa north to Ukiah you'll be in wine country, Hopland, along the way will have some craft beer.
Alternately if you have days to burn, heading over to CA SR1, the California coastal highway is gorgeous. Russian River area is best to cut over though it 's a long, long drive with ultimate goal being Mendocino and Fort Bragg. CA SR1 eventually rejoins 101 after a very winding stretch north of Fort Bragg. Cloverdale is also an alternate route to the coast via CA SR 128 through the Anderson Valley which is an interesting wine growing area with many wineries. Yum, Husch and Roederer among many others.
If you stay on 101 though, once past Willits you're in northwestern CA.
Laytonville is a restroom provision point, don't blink. They host the Kate Wolf Memorial Festival yearly. Next town, Garberville is the center of the Emerald Triangle and gateway to redwood country. Restroom provision point. Few motels.
Heading north on 101, try to see the Rockefeller Grove at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Take exit at Myer's Flat and drive the Avenue of the Giants till the turn off at the Dyerville Overlook just past the Founder's Grove. Take the road, approximately 1.3 miles. Keep a close watch for a small sign that says "Rockefeller Forest / Lower Bull Creek Flats" next to a single-lane paved road that descends the embankment to your left. Because the road descends so steeply into the dark forest it can be hard to see. Easily walk-able loop trail through a quiet breathtaking redwood grove.
Back on 101, head through Eureka - once mid "down town" take a left to drive through old town. The main 101 drag is ugly as sin.
Go north to Arcata CA, home of Humboldt State University. The plaza is a fun shopping area. Abruzzi is on the bottom floor and Plaza Grill on the top floor of the Jacoby Building on the Plaza. Arcata Hotel is a funky place to stay, get an interior room unless you want to hear a lot of noise and watch the plaza. Motels are a bit father north of town off 101 - make reservations if you're traveling a weekend. Finnish Hot Tubs is a tea/coffee house with hot tub rentals and seriously funky in a good way - reservations for tubs needed. There is some music happening evenings. Funky movie theater.
Approx twenty miles north of Arcata is Trinidad CA, Seascape is a fun restaurant at the pier. At Westhaven exit, just before Trinidad, is the Moonstone Grill, pricey, but with a gorgeous view of the ocean. I make reservations for sunset when I'm up there.
A couple of miles north is Patrick's Point State Park, a gem in the CA park system. Wedding Rock as well as Patrick Point Overview is a short walk-able trail among many others.
Next north is Orik, don't blink. Just north is the turn off to Lady Bird Johnson Grove of the Redwood National and State Parks. Very walk-able short loop trail.
Next park is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Take the park route vrs. 101 which rejoins 101 later. Before reaching the park, there is a cutoff road that heads to Gold Bluffs and Fern Canyon, both gorgeous locations (approx 12 miles). Road is gravel/dirt but well maintained. Elk along the coast road, they usually hang out a few hundred yards either side of the coast camp ground.
Now, heading north you'll pass many lagoons, very beautiful. Breeze through Crescent City, not particularly picturesque (sorry Crescent City). City is notable for basically being wiped out in the 60's by the earthquake in Alaska that created a tsunami.
Now entering the Oregon coast drive. There are so many places to pull over or stop for views and breaks (Whales Head Beach is a nice picnic area, a few mile north of Brookings for instance). Gold Beach is a nice little town, I second the recommendation for Ireland's. Some good restaurants in town. The gallery/bookstore/coffee shop mid town is a nice stop (Rachel's Coffee House). Just before reaching Gold Beach, Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor is one of the iconic Oregon coast locations.
North find more gorgeous scenery. Florence has a funky looking bridge. I usually cut over to I-5 for the rest of the trip to Seattle in Florence OR on OR 126 to Eugene. You can also head over to I-5 at Newport on US 20 to essentially Albany OR a little farther north.
When I travel north, Arcata or Trinidad are the most logical stopping points after a day in the southern Humboldt redwoods. Gold Beach or Florence are the next points where I usually call it a day. Reservations are typically needed at motels, etc and made by early afternoon. Another caveat, don't expect to find ANY restaurants open after ten PM (oh there is a Denny's in Eureka CA lol) and if you're eating dinner later than eight you're pushing your luck.
Have fun. It's a wonderfully beautiful area.
posted by WinstonJulia at 1:07 AM on March 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
General precaution. On northwestern California highways, speed signs are not "suggestions," but instead they generally sort of mean it. Drive carefully, other people are going to be sightseeing all around you.
I'm a little confused, seems you are going to return to Seattle with your cousin so you're going northbound? I'd take 1-680 from Walnut Creek to CA SR4 to I-80 to I-580 to San Rafael and then head north on US 101. From Santa Rosa north to Ukiah you'll be in wine country, Hopland, along the way will have some craft beer.
Alternately if you have days to burn, heading over to CA SR1, the California coastal highway is gorgeous. Russian River area is best to cut over though it 's a long, long drive with ultimate goal being Mendocino and Fort Bragg. CA SR1 eventually rejoins 101 after a very winding stretch north of Fort Bragg. Cloverdale is also an alternate route to the coast via CA SR 128 through the Anderson Valley which is an interesting wine growing area with many wineries. Yum, Husch and Roederer among many others.
If you stay on 101 though, once past Willits you're in northwestern CA.
Laytonville is a restroom provision point, don't blink. They host the Kate Wolf Memorial Festival yearly. Next town, Garberville is the center of the Emerald Triangle and gateway to redwood country. Restroom provision point. Few motels.
Heading north on 101, try to see the Rockefeller Grove at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Take exit at Myer's Flat and drive the Avenue of the Giants till the turn off at the Dyerville Overlook just past the Founder's Grove. Take the road, approximately 1.3 miles. Keep a close watch for a small sign that says "Rockefeller Forest / Lower Bull Creek Flats" next to a single-lane paved road that descends the embankment to your left. Because the road descends so steeply into the dark forest it can be hard to see. Easily walk-able loop trail through a quiet breathtaking redwood grove.
Back on 101, head through Eureka - once mid "down town" take a left to drive through old town. The main 101 drag is ugly as sin.
Go north to Arcata CA, home of Humboldt State University. The plaza is a fun shopping area. Abruzzi is on the bottom floor and Plaza Grill on the top floor of the Jacoby Building on the Plaza. Arcata Hotel is a funky place to stay, get an interior room unless you want to hear a lot of noise and watch the plaza. Motels are a bit father north of town off 101 - make reservations if you're traveling a weekend. Finnish Hot Tubs is a tea/coffee house with hot tub rentals and seriously funky in a good way - reservations for tubs needed. There is some music happening evenings. Funky movie theater.
Approx twenty miles north of Arcata is Trinidad CA, Seascape is a fun restaurant at the pier. At Westhaven exit, just before Trinidad, is the Moonstone Grill, pricey, but with a gorgeous view of the ocean. I make reservations for sunset when I'm up there.
A couple of miles north is Patrick's Point State Park, a gem in the CA park system. Wedding Rock as well as Patrick Point Overview is a short walk-able trail among many others.
Next north is Orik, don't blink. Just north is the turn off to Lady Bird Johnson Grove of the Redwood National and State Parks. Very walk-able short loop trail.
Next park is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Take the park route vrs. 101 which rejoins 101 later. Before reaching the park, there is a cutoff road that heads to Gold Bluffs and Fern Canyon, both gorgeous locations (approx 12 miles). Road is gravel/dirt but well maintained. Elk along the coast road, they usually hang out a few hundred yards either side of the coast camp ground.
Now, heading north you'll pass many lagoons, very beautiful. Breeze through Crescent City, not particularly picturesque (sorry Crescent City). City is notable for basically being wiped out in the 60's by the earthquake in Alaska that created a tsunami.
Now entering the Oregon coast drive. There are so many places to pull over or stop for views and breaks (Whales Head Beach is a nice picnic area, a few mile north of Brookings for instance). Gold Beach is a nice little town, I second the recommendation for Ireland's. Some good restaurants in town. The gallery/bookstore/coffee shop mid town is a nice stop (Rachel's Coffee House). Just before reaching Gold Beach, Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor is one of the iconic Oregon coast locations.
North find more gorgeous scenery. Florence has a funky looking bridge. I usually cut over to I-5 for the rest of the trip to Seattle in Florence OR on OR 126 to Eugene. You can also head over to I-5 at Newport on US 20 to essentially Albany OR a little farther north.
When I travel north, Arcata or Trinidad are the most logical stopping points after a day in the southern Humboldt redwoods. Gold Beach or Florence are the next points where I usually call it a day. Reservations are typically needed at motels, etc and made by early afternoon. Another caveat, don't expect to find ANY restaurants open after ten PM (oh there is a Denny's in Eureka CA lol) and if you're eating dinner later than eight you're pushing your luck.
Have fun. It's a wonderfully beautiful area.
posted by WinstonJulia at 1:07 AM on March 19, 2016 [4 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by koroshiya at 1:03 PM on March 18, 2016 [1 favorite]