driving Crater Lake to Reno NV

[mtnlvr]

Originally Posted by High Desert

Be aware that coming into California, on 395, you will have to go through an Ag check station. Depending on who's there, and what kind of day they are having, they will either wave you through, or go through your Frig / RV to see what "forbidden" fruits you are bringing in to California. Funny things is, what they often take, is the same thing sold to all the stores by produce companies. Never understood the rational there (unless it is home grown foods).

I wouldn’t worry about getting inspected. For the past ten years I have lived on both sides of the state line. Not once have I ever been “inspected.” I pass through here probably 10-20 times a year or so.

[Tahoe John]

That narrow area south of the casino at Topaz has speed limits if not 25 MPH, maybe 30 or 35 MPH around that mountain area? I will not drive it until May to go to Crowley Lake.

One more thing about CA's Ag stops: Bring no firewood or it will be taken. When I travel from Reno to Portola they can nail me for perfectly good firewood to burn at Frenchman's or Davis lakes.

[dougschne]

I've been looking at this route and it looks amazing. I really appreciate all the replies. So I'm assuming that I should clean out the fridge before going into CA?

[Tahoe John]

Depends. As they said, Ag station folks are peculiar. There are not very many bargains below Carson City on the way to Bishop.

[tahoe1840]

Ag Station Inspection depends largely on what time of year you're traveling. If its harvest time they might want to take a look but the inspector will simply ask where you're coming from and weather or not you have any fruits or vegetables. If you disposed of them prior to travel tell them that. They will typically say, "have a nice day". They're goal is to catch the big shipments.
Firewood is a definite "NO NO". If they see it, they'll take it. I drive through an Ag station almost everyday and rarely have I seen the inspectors going through a coach/RV. Big trucks, almost always. If your pulling a boat you'll also get a short lecture on Aquatic Invasive Species.

[mtnlvr]

Originally Posted by dougschne

I've been looking at this route and it looks amazing. I really appreciate all the replies. So I'm assuming that I should clean out the fridge before going into CA?

Having lived in the Mammoth/ Crowley Lake area for years; it is commonplace for all the locals to drive up to Carson City on a regular basis to hit Costco, Trader Joe’s, etc....I took my rv there monthly for my shopping. Everytime I just get waved thru. I’ve never been asked about firewood either.

Hwy 395 just south of Topaz never concerns me. The sections I like least on the way to Crowley Lake are; Walker Cyn.;I hit a deer and very winding, and can be icy, I try to avoid it after dark. Conway Summit; just north of Mono Lake and Lee Vining; a very steep long grade- down shifting necessary. And last; the June Lake to Mammoth Lake section of 395; the most slick and icy, chain controls when storms hit. Fortunately, so far this year the weather has been very mild and no snow. Just check your weather before driving Hwy 395 and enjoy the beautiful route, it’s a designated scenic hwy.