Northern California Rt 1

[Mike&Nan]

We were looking at taking scenic Rt 1 south from Leggett, CA, but the Mountain Directory West sounds like it's a good route to avoid. Has anyone taken this route lately? If not, any other ideas or can you recommend campgrounds in the Leggett/Willits area?

[coupevillefish]

We did that cpstretch in 2009. The road is windy, narrow, steep, and scary.


And scenic!


We were towing a 17' Casita behind a Ridgeline. We took our time and did fine. I would NOT do it with our current class A because if the length and width.

[bikendan]

that stretch has not changed. the worse part is from Leggett to the coast.
if you are an experienced 5th wheel driver, you can do it, since logging trucks/semis drive it all the time.
personally, i wouldn't drive it no matter how experienced i was.
that stretch along with the part north of San Francisco and the part from Carmel to San Simeon, are the 3 sections on Highway 1 not advised for big RV rigs.
check and see what the directory says about Highway 20 out of Willits west, as an alternative.

[Kaboom]

I would not recommend Hwy 1 west of Leggett. I have Freinds that tow 38' fifth wheels over Branscomb Road to the coast and say It is not a problem at all. Branscomb Rd. intersects Hwy 101 at the town of Laytonville. It comes out on Hwy 1 about 3-4 miles north of West Port. there is a nice camp ground at west port called Wages Creek. I use Hwy 20 and the travel north or south along the coast.

South of Garberville is the Benbow RV Park. Nice, Clean and a golf course. 3-4 miles west of Willits on Hwy 20 is a nice KOA.

[lakejumper]

I tow a 30 ft. Fifth wheel throughout Northern California and recommend avoiding highway 1 due to it being very curvy with many hairpin turns. I suggest that you consider hwy 101 and take side trips with your tow vehicle over to hwy 1 to see the scenery. If you want to stay on the coast, look at Pomo campground in Ft. Bragg. They have a nice park like setting (no pavement) with full hookups. It is about a 1 1/2 hour drive each way from Willits. A few other places to stay as mentioned, is Benbow and Standish Hickey State Park if it's still open and I'm not sure if your RV will fit in their spaces. I personally stay at Benbow when I'm in the area.

[marsh]

A little late with this post...live in Ukiah and I would definitely recommend HW 20 from Willits to Fort Bragg. 20 has lots of turnouts when traffic builds up. We like to stay at Pomo campground just a mile south of Fort Bragg.

[Ddubya]

Will be traveling north of San Francisco in June on to Seattle and would like to plan a few side trips along hwy 1 as I understand towing a 5er is not advisable.
Any tips as to where to get on/off of hwy 1?


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[Witch Doctor]

Yes get on at Bodega Bay and you will be fine. Do Not try to go from San Simeon North. You can't make it with all the switch backs and cliffs. Take 101 and head to petaluma. then to Bodega Bay. If your going North if your going South get off at Bodega Bay.

[Ddubya]

So if I understand correctly I would get on hwy 1 in Bodega northbound and I am good all the way north?



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[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

So if I understand correctly I would get on hwy 1 in Bodega northbound and I am good all the way north?



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No.
Highway 1 from Ft. Bragg to Leggett is not recommended for big RVs, unless you are really experienced.

[marsh]

20 from Fort Bragg to 101 would be my suggestion.

[5er_tom]

I have towed a 32' 5th wheel all the way down HWY 1. It is not too bad, just take your time, not that you could hurry. Be sure to take the exit to Avenue of the Giants. The huge Redwood trees are awesome.


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[marsh]

Avenue of the Giants will be on hiway 101.

[Ddubya]

Thanks.
What about hwy 1 in Oregon?


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[cpaulsen]

Hwy. 1 in Oregon?? Where at?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by 5er_tom

I have towed a 32' 5th wheel all the way down HWY 1. It is not too bad, just take your time, not that you could hurry. Be sure to take the exit to Avenue of the Giants. The huge Redwood trees are awesome.


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You're thinking of highway 101, not highway 1.

Visitors often don't understand that highway 1 sometimes joins 101 and leaves and then rejoins again, over and over up the California coast.

[Ddubya]

I will be traveling up from San Francisco to Seattle pulling a 30ft 5er and would like to see as much of the coast line as possible


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[Witch Doctor]

You shouldn't have a problem in Oregon at all. To me living in Calf. for 25 years in SF. My wife's family is from up there Two years ago went up the coast pulling my trailer, I also think the Oregon coastline is prettier. Lots and lots of pull outs. Make sure you stop at Gold Beach. I'm not sure anymore but I think it turns into 101 up there. If it were me I would start at Bodega Bay. But as been said Ft. Bragg is easier but Bodega Bay is due able. Google it to see the route from above.

[marsh]

I believe 101 is the coastal route in Oregon. Some one correct me if I'm wrong. Lots of Redwoods on 101 in northern Ca. Ferndale in Humbolt county is a nice stop..just a few miles off 101...old Victorian town with several artist shops.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

I will be traveling up from San Francisco to Seattle pulling a 30ft 5er and would like to see as much of the coast line as possible


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From the California-Oregon border to Seattle, it's very doable with your setup.
But from SF north the coastline isn't as accessible.
Much of Highway 1 is narrow, very twisty and slow.
The sections just north of the Golden Gate and north of Ft Bragg are not for the less experienced RVers.