101 Petaluma to Reedsport

[rabraz]

Looking at pulling a 40' fiver up Hwy 101 from Petaluma Ca to Reedsport Or. next spring. Are there any hazards (low clearance or??) to be concerned with? Anyone out there with a large rig make this trip in the recent past?
Thanks and Happy Trails!

[ependydad]

Over a period of weeks, I just drove from Lincoln City, OR to Pacifica, CA and took 101 most of the way (actually south of Petaluma is where we left 101). I’m driving a 42’ fifth wheel with a crew cab/long bed dually.

There are no hazards or low clearance issues.

There’s a fair amount of construction in northern CA near Klamath River and Crescent City.

[ependydad]

Do you want to know that I found non-impact frame damage on the camper through there? It likely occurred over time (guess) but became catastrophic between Redcrest, CA and Cloverdale, CA

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by rabraz

Looking at pulling a 40' fiver up Hwy 101 from Petaluma Ca to Reedsport Or. next spring. Are there any hazards (low clearance or??) to be concerned with? Anyone out there with a large rig make this trip in the recent past?
Thanks and Happy Trails!

I think you're mixing 101 with Highway 1.

101 is the main N-S highway through coastal California and semis and logging trucks drive it constantly. Other than construction, shouldn't be any hazards.

Highway 1 north of Fort Bragg and between San Simeon and Carmel are not recommended for large RVs.

[formerFR]

we drove the Big 1 from CarmelByTheSea thru BigSur and off Cambria over to Paso Robles to the VINES RV Resort(the hot tub was nice!).... and our 'big rig' is 35' plus 4bike rack and tow vehicle behind....

the 'cliffs' of the drive were wonderful, exciting to drive next to, and we had no issues...
but maybe I'm just a confident driver : /

[Chuckinca]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I think you're mixing 101 with Highway 1.

101 is the main N-S highway through coastal California and semis and logging trucks drive it constantly. Other than construction, shouldn't be any hazards.

Highway 1 north of Fort Bragg and between San Simeon and Carmel are not recommended for large RVs.

Carmel and San Simeon (looking north to south) are over 300 miles south of Fort Bragg, CA. The OP is going north from Petaluma, CA which is about 160 miles north of Carmel.

.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Chuckinca

Carmel and San Simeon (looking north to south) are over 300 miles south of Fort Bragg, CA. The OP is going north from Petaluma, CA which is about 160 miles north of Carmel.

.

I was simply mentioning the two sections of Highway 1, that are not recommended for large RVs

I'm quite familiar with where the OP is, as I grew up in the area and lived there for over 25 years.

[Telstar]

I've pulled our 36' Cardinal with our F-350 long bed from Orange County to the Olympic Peninsula on 101 several times, it's an easy pull. Just don't try cutting over to Hwy 1 at Petaluma as you will find some very very tight curves. If you decide you want to get a taste of Hwy 1 use Hwy 20 from Willits to Fort Bragg and stay a few days at Pomo RV Park. From there you can travel up and down Hwy 1 with your truck. We have stayed at Pomo several times, nice place.

[rabraz]

Thanks for all the input. I had originally considered Hwy1 North all the way from San Diego but I had other folks tell me that was not such a good idea. Hwy 101 would be better towing and we could drive Hwy 1 as day excursions. As we plan to start this adventure in late April, I still have time for more precise planning and book the better parks. BTW, I too am pretty confident in my towing capabilities.
Again, appreciate everyone's thoughts on this. It will help to firm up the plan.
Happy Trails

[ependydad]

Do check the fire maps for wildfire activity as you get started and go. We drove through some heavy smoke and heard that 101 was closed a few days before we went though. But that was mid-late August.

[bikendan]

Be sure to make reservations. Any campgrounds on the coast book up months ahead time.

[Telstar]

We drove up the 5 , 3 weeks ago hit bad area of smoke, especially where we stayed for two nights at Mount Shasta. Came back the 101 last week, didn't go through any fire area. Add the app 'US Fires' to your phone, it covers every state.

[Dp26]

Just came back from Reedsport, have to bring salmon or the gals would not have let me in...

Agree on making reservations asap. The places you can get last minute are not great.