California Coast Up to Tacoma?

[Bernard]

Anyone do a ride from just above LA to Tacoma? Places to see, stay and avoid? Hwy 101?

[Polarbear]

If traveling on a weekend, the Oregon Coast gets heavy traffic, so do not get in a hurry. Sights are worthy, indeed. Randy

[DarrylRi]

When I lived in Seattle I made many trips up and down the coast, to LA and to Death Valley.

101 is a pleasant ride in California, but if you have the time, CA-1 between San Luis Obispo and Monterey, and also from the north peninsula above SF to Leggett, are really great rides. Summer weekends can be very slow, however, especially on the southern stretch.

There are alternate rides in some areas that are great. For example, Indian Valley/Peachtree/CA-25 from San Miguel (just above SLO on 101) to Hollister is an excellent alternative. If you haven't done it, the Avenue of the Giants parallels 101 between Garberville and Eureka, and is really wonderful. From Crescent City to Grants Pass, US-199 is very nice, and leads to one of the two sections of I-5 that is at all curvy.

In Oregon, there are a series of smaller roads west of I-5 from Eugene to the Washington border that are pleasant. A lot less traffic than either 101 or I-5. If you have the time, nearly any of the east-west roads between 101 and I-5 are very nice.

I'm told there's a good motorcycle museum in Florence, OR; there's also a good museum in Solvang.

[BigSkyRider]

Hi Bernard,

I've ridden that route a number of times and a couple of places come to mind that I really enjoyed.

If you like wine and camping visit Bothe napa state park just outside of Calistoga, Ca. it's a great place to camp and only 5 minutes from downtown Calistoga and great places to eat and visit. Hotels are really expensive in this area so camping is a great option.
Another little town I enjoyed was Trinidad, Ca. on the coast, a beautiful little old whaling town that is more like a village with an amazing rocky beach to walk on and a great cafe in town to eat at......I can't remember the name of the cafe but you can't miss it since it's the only one in town. Near Trinidad is "Patricks Point" state park another great place to camp and explore. I could ramble on but I'm jealous and I know you'll enjoy your ride. Once in Tacoma visit the "Museum of Glass", it's a very cool place.
On a sad note: they had a "Krispy Kreme" in Tacoma but I think it's now closed.:cry

P.S. You might have better response if you have the mod. move your thread to "West" or "Campfire".

[franze]

Here's two threads to check out

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=33484

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34082

If you are making a round trip, I would ride north along the coast range and south along the coast. This way the ocean would be on your side of the highway which makes stops a lot easier. There is fantastic camping along the Oregon coast. If you are not familiar with coastal weather north of Santa Barbara, it can be very damp and cold in the mornings. Sometimes it's better to head up into the hills in the morning until the fog burns off and ride along the beach from lunch til dusk. Have fun.

[roofertoo]

Just rode down the coast last week to the north bay area. Beautiful weather and ride all the way. I like franze's ideal of riding south along the coast and north up through the interiors...

I started out in Willapa Bay area on the WA coast and spent the 1st night in Brookings and then into Sonoma county the next day.. Didn't do the Legget part of the trip this time just stayed on 101 right on down into Harley land....

There are many camp sites along the Oregon coast and if you do a Google search you will find free camping at some of the county parks in Oregon and also on state lands, although they are more in the upland areas and away from the coast.

Have wonderful and safe trip……

[njnear]

I rode CA 1 in February from Cambria to the Humboldt Redwoods and the best part was south of Monterey. Be sure to take the 2 lane through the Humboldt State Park not the 101. If you like the twisties, the northern end of CA 1 where it ends at the 101 is a great road (see pic).

Fort Bragg has some nice motels. I liked the north side of town better.

The wine country around Paso Robles is fantastic. I'd pass on the over rated Napa Valley. Avoid Stockton, CA.

Keep the sticky side down...