Route Advice - California Coastal From Crescent City to Bodega Bay then to Lodi

[Scotty B]

Hi Friends:
Asking for some confirmation on this route as it is new to us. I feel pretty confident based on internet searches, but would appreciate some additional input.
We're coming over to 101 in Crescent City via HWY 199 Grants Pass. We've driven the pass before, but made a right turn to go up the Oregon Coast. Had no issues and remember it as a beautiful drive.
From there, south on 101 to Ancient Redwoods RV Park on Avenue of the Giants.
We rejoin 101 south to HWY 20 and head west to Hwy 1 to Ft. Bragg and Pomo RV Park. We're choosing to avoid the section of HWY 1 North of Ft. Bragg.
We then continue on Hwy 1 South to Pt. Reyes and Bodega Bay RV Park.
Please let me know your thoughts if you've driven this route or stayed at any of these parks - Thanks!
Here's the extra credit question - Getting to Flag City in Lodi for an overnight before heading home.
Get's hard to describe from here, but we're heading North around the Bay and south of Sacramento. It's basically HWY 1 South to where it breaks off to what looks like Valley Ford Rd, then Roblar Rd, then Stony Point Rd which rejoins HWY 101.
101 South to 116 to Lakeville Hwy to Hwy 37.
And Finally 80 East to Hwy 12 East.
Thanks and safe travels!

 

[rblebaron]

Hi Scott, I am pretty familiar with the part of your route from Ft Bragg South and alot depends on your desired speed and tolerance for the curvy parts of Route 1. It's pretty slow from Sea Ranch to Jenner especially if they are still doing the roadwork. I had a couple of lengthy delays. AND depending on the size of your rig, it can be a little narrow and twisty, but I did it in my ( small Class A ) Vista 27N towing a jeep. For speed, you're better off staying on 101 ( avoiding Ft Bragg and Mendocino ) and then cutting over to the coast just south of Jenner using Guerneville Road ( CA 116 ) however, you miss some nice North coast views. Either way, Ft Bragg/ Mendocino is worth the diversion if you haven't been there.

As far as getting to 12 from Bodega, I would take Bodega-Petaluma Road into Petaluma and then Lakeville HWY to 37 but don't get to 37 east after 2 pm as the traffic can be horrendous, especially after 3PM on weekdays. I actually just put Bodega to Lodi into RV LIFE Trip Wizard and that's the route they recommend.

I was quite happy with Bodega Bay RV Park for a 3 day stay last fall.

 

[Scotty B]

Thanks friend.

We're in no hurry and have a pretty good tolerance for both going slow and twisty bits. We'll be spending five nights in both Ft. Bragg and Bodega Bay so got to get there somehow!

Great advice on the route to Lodi. God willing we'll be in the campground there for lunch and miss most of the traffic. What do you think about avoiding the 12 and taking the 80 up to the 5? Have heard the 12 is a bit of a mess.
Safe travels!

 

[Scotty B]

We are now in Ft. Bragg. Paul Bunyan days. Really busy...had no idea it was even Labor Day weekend when we booked it!
Route 20 is a safe and doable drive, even at 37' and towing a full size Bronco. It is a challenge and long - no real breaks from the hills and twisty bits. Lots of 20 mph turns. 33 miles took us an hour. That did include a stop at the one rest area for lunch and a break. Number of turn outs and passing lanes.
POMO is nice and quiet, good location, and some very private sites.
Next leg down to Bodega Bay for the National Sea Shore - prayers up!
Peace and safe travels

 

[Scotty B]

Wow! What a mega drive on CA 1 from Ft. Bragg to Bodega Bay. 100 miles of twists and turns (many really tight turns) and ups and downs (some very steep, but none very long).
We made it safely, but it takes complete concentration and focus - it will wear you out!
Most difficult drive we've done for sure.
Many, many 20 mph, several 15 mph, and one 10 mph corner at some little town right before crossing a bridge. I did hit a curb on that one. It was a blind corner and someone surprised me coming the opposite way very fast. I lost a little concentration and turned too quickly and nicked the curb. No issues or damage.
Which brings up the point of looking at what's coming at you the opposite way where possible. We had to come to a complete stop at a 15 mph corner to let a semi through first. Glad I saw him!
Did not seem to be many passing lanes or turn outs.
Also, there are some really steep short grades down into a 15 or 20 mph corner. I used 1st gear for engine breaking for the first time ever, and we've driven some significant roads.
I am glad we made the drive, particularly since we made it safely and so did the equipment.
I would not do it again with a 37' Coach towing a Full Size Bronco. Once was enough and I am sure it will grow in stature over the years. Loved the expression on the faces of the other campers when we told them what we did followed by "You drove that in that thing?" as they pointed to the rig.
The coast is stunning and rugged. Pt. Reyes and the National Sea Shore surreal in it's beauty and wild life. Saw our first Golden Eagle in the wild from above as it fished. Amazing! And saw Tule Elk for the first time.
You can make this drive if you want, just be sure you and your equipment are prepared.
Peace and safe travels!
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