Our On The Road Journal
6/21/2016 In this update, we want to outline our plan for a trek from Central California, to the coast and north thru Oregon and Washington, following the Pacific Ocean along US-1 and US-101, to the Canadian border and back, visiting different parks in each direction. We will be joining our good friend Doug & Karen (in their new Tiffen Allegro Bus) in spending about 2 1/2 weeks on the road. We anticipate 11 park stops, many for the first time. We will update this entire event at it’s completion, but for now, here is the plan…
Our first stop is Petaluma KOA in Petaluma, California, about 40 miles north of San Francisco. The park is a typical KOA, with a lot of amenities and great for the kids. They have miniature golf, petting animals, a pool, etc. While here we plan a trip over to Gamba Winery in Windsor. (about 28 miles North) These guys make “World Class Zinfandel” and our traveling friends are members!. In our case, Petaluma makes a very logical first stop on our adventure north. You won’t find it (yet) in our parks included in this site, but if they make the grade this trip, you might just find them here soon…
Next stop is some 165 miles north on US-101, the Benbow Valley RV in Benbow, California. This place is a very special spot for us, having been here several times. We will probably have to include it in our site following this visit. While we are there we will doubles take the opportunity to walk under the freeway from the park to the Historic Benbow Inn, and a great dinner. Yumm!
Next morning, and we are off north on US 101! We follow the beautiful Pacific Coastline for about 206 miles, and we are at Turtle Rock RV Resort in Gold Beach, Oregon. This is another park I may want to include in our blog. I mean, with private hot tubs at your site? Are you kidding? We’ll see, and let you know! We will be spending an extra day here, visiting the Myrtlewood Grove, (really, check it out) and of course our own private hot tub……
We’re off for Newport, Oregon, and Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort, for a tw0-night stop. Just 181 miles up the 101, (you’ll notice we like short travel stints) and we arrive at a legitimate Luxury Motorcoach Resort. Like most all such resorts, Pacific Shores is largely ownership sites, many of which are available for r
ent when not occupied by the owner. Perhaps what we like best in such spots is that no two sites seem to be quite alike, reflecting the upgrades put in place by the site owners. This particular resort has the advantage of being right on the Pacific, with pull-in sites to allow a grand windshield view for your motorcoach. We are more than anxious to check this place out in person, and anticipate providing pictures to prove it’s worth. Meanwhile, here is a site example:
Our next (and the 5th on our trip) park visit will be some 209 miles up the 101, at Hoquiam River RV Park, in Hoquiam, Washington. Having never been here before, it’s hard to say what our impressions might be, but they appear to offer all the necessary amenities for a comfy stay, and they are located well, plus they are right on the Hoquiam River! It’s another one-night stay.
Next day is a short drive, 132 miles up US-101 to Sequim, Washington. Here, we’ll be staying at GilGal Oasis RV Park. Not sure what led me to pick Gilgal, but it really looks new, neat, and the sort of park I like to feature here. I’ll keep you posted. This stay is scheduled for three nights, giving us time to see several things we came to the top edge of the continental US to check out. Driving note: In order to avoid some potential ferries, tolls, etc. we will opt to take the inland 101 from Montesano north to reach Sequim. I’ll be letting you know if this was smart, as well! LOL
Leaving Sequim we will back-tracking, following the same road that took us here for much of the way home. I know a lot of folks might avoid this practice, but there are sights and parks we want to experience that we passed on our way North. You might say that US-101 deserves another look-see! First stop on the Southern leg of our adventure is Cannon Beach, Oregon, 217 miles South. Here we’ll find Cannon Beach RV Resort, for a one-night stop.
Then it’s on to Lakeside, Oregon, and North Lake RV Resort. This is a Resort and Marina, really well suited to fishing (we don’t have a plan for that this trip, but the park looks interesting to us), right off the highway. Or trip today was 192 miles.
A short 143 miles south and it’s Crescent City KOA, right on US-101 in Crescent City, California. This is a two night stop as there is a bit to do and see here. Looks to be a really nice KOA, as well.
Finally! We’ll be venturing East into more central/northern California for this next stop! We are headed to Hornbrook, California, about 150 miles 
inland on US-199 to Grants Pass, then down the I-5 through Medford. There, we’ll be staying at the Blue Herron RV Park. This is a high-end RV Park, right on the Klamath River, and on my short-list of parks to include on this site. (the primary reason for our detour east from Pacific Coast objective!) I am anxious to check this park out, and will certainly let you readers know how it fares. A picture to tickle your interest:
Our last stop (and an old favorite of mine) will be JGW RV Park in Anderson, California. Just off the I-5, and short 124 mile stint from our last stop in Hornbrook, JGW sits peacefully along the banks of the Sacramento river, just below Redding, California. A very nice ending for what promises to be a great adventure. I’m looking forward to telling you all about it soon!
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