Best route thru Oregon to Coos Bay

[bish]

Greetings from the Midwest,

We would like an opinion from the locals regarding the route for the final leg of our travels to the Rally.

From I-84 in Idaho we plan to take US-20. Then, is it best to stay on 20/126 or is it ok to take Rt-242 to 126?

Either way we then plan to take 126 to I-5 South to OR-38 West to US-101 South to Coos Bay.

We would appreciate any advice on our route.

Thanks!

[Carl n Susan]

Do *NOT* even consider 242. East bound (not your direction) you are well past the turnoff before the huge sign saying "No RVs". This road is on the truckers atlas as one to avoid. Ask me how I know.

126 is a scenic drive alongside the McKenzie River. Very nice.

At Eugene, you can continue on 126 to 101 just above Florence. A nice road and avoids I5. But Hwy 38 from i5 to 101 at Reedsport is one of Oregon's designated scenic routes. Check out the Elk preserve on the left as you get close to Reedsport.

[jfaberna]

My route has me going I-84 to Portland and I-5 south to OR-38 then US-101.

That seems to be the fastest and more of a truck route.

Any advice regarding that?

We'll start this leg of the trip in Walla Walla and need to overnight somewhere along that root. Probably east of Portland. Any recommendations??

[Carl n Susan]

I-5 from Portland to Hwy- 38 turnoff is just a freeway. The Oregon coast from Portland to Coos is spectacular particularly going south bound as the view points are all on the right. Easy in and easy out. If you can afford the time, take Hwy-101. Hwy-26, Hwy-18/22, and Hwy-20 all cut over to the coast. The further north you get there, the better.

Be aware that Hwy-101 is 2 lanes, and not fast as the summer traffic is pretty heavy. Reservations are absolutely necessary if you want to stay along the way. But I have towed the RV from Reedsport (20 miles north of Coos) to Portland with time to set up before cocktail hour.

If this is your first and maybe only trip to Oregon, I would recommend the coastal route despite the extra time required.

[jfaberna]

I'll do the scenic drive when I'm not towing. I can't drive a 2 lane road towing and enjoy the scenery. When I was in Portland on business, several times I've driven US 26 out to Seaside for dinner. I've also camped in Cannon Beach in my old Class C back in the '90's.

[jsb5717]

Originally Posted by carl n susan

Do *NOT* even consider 242. East bound (not your direction) you are well past the turnoff before the huge sign saying "No RVs". This road is on the truckers atlas as one to avoid. Ask me how I know.

126 is a scenic drive alongside the McKenzie River. Very nice.

At Eugene, you can continue on 126 to 101 just above Florence. A nice road and avoids I5. But Hwy 38 from i5 to 101 at Reedsport is one of Oregon's designated scenic routes. Check out the Elk preserve on the left as you get close to Reedsport.

Carl's advice is sound. Freeways are faster...and more boring. 126 and 101 are both slower but well worth the delay if you have the time. There are a few good routes from I-5 to 101. All of them will slow down a bit from time to time with 2-lane traffic and sharper turns. All of it is beautiful, though. The further north you cut over the more of our coast you can enjoy.

[Professor Steve]

Hello,
Regarding the final approach from those coming from the south, there are two options - going through town - Coos Bay, or turning left just south of Coos Bay using Shinglehouse Road. We took Shinglehouse road last year - not sure I would do it again. Very narrow, hilly approach through tight neighborhoods. We did OK but will not do it again. Wondering if our wagon master or others want to weigh in on this.

[Carl n Susan]

I thought knew the major (or minor) routes around the Coos Bay area. I don't live there but have visited and passed through a lot. I had to find Shinglehouse Rd on the map. Whoa! If it is the one that takes off by the wrecking yards and dump at Millington, I am impressed. I never knew it was there but it doesn't matter, I have no reason to drive it.

The safe route from the south is through downtown Coos on Hwy-101 and then over to Cape Arago Hwy.

An alternative I took last year to get to the park from the south avoids downtown Coos. But it has some narrow winding road with just a small taste of residential area. That route is left on Beaver Hill Rd (not too far past the Bullards Bar State Park) which dead ends into Seven Devils Rd. Turn right and follow the road into the Town of Charleston where the road becomes Cape Arago Hwy. Follow it over the bridge and the park is a mile or two on your left.

This may not be your cup of tea if slow, narrow, winding roads bother you.

[cmjone9]

FYI, If any one coming up from the South and happens to be stopping at 7 feathers off of I-5 on Monday 6/17 Cal and I will be stopping there that night before we had in to Coos bay on Tuesday.. Look us up. We will have the Cream Colored Montana and the Silver Ford (Ha Ha).. If your going to be there let us know perhaps we can get together for dinner and drive the last leg of the trip together.. Cal and Leanne Jones

[wed]

I would like to know if anyone has found good campground from the east?
Like out I-80 and 84 then to 20 etc.
Thanks in advance
Ed

[Carl n Susan]

I would like to know if anyone has found good campground from the east?
Like out I-80 and 84 then to 20 etc.
Thanks in advance
Ed

I have stayed at a couple of places along that route. I would do any of them again particularly for an overnight.

High Adventure RV Park
1211 E 2350 S,
Hagerman, ID 83332 (just off Hwy-84)
(208) 837-9005
A small PA RV park outside of Twin Falls. Great sites, few amenities, lots to do in the area if you have time. We spent 5 nights in order to see the sights.

Burns RV Park
1273 Seneca Dr
Burns, Oregon 97720 (on Hwy-20)
Phone: (541) 573-7640
A good overnight park that matched our mileage limit for that day.

We don't normally stay west of Burns and the coast. I know there is a terrific ($$$$) park in Bend that gets great reviews. But it is pricey!

Crown Villa RV Resort
60801 Brosterhous Rd
Bend, Oregon 97702
Phone: (541) 388-1131

Another park I have heard good things about is the County Park in Eugene. I think Robbie Simons used to camp host there.

Armitage Park
90064 Coburg Rd
Eugene, Oregon 97408 (just off of I-5

The Oregon State Parks are all tremendous. They are very popular and hard to get a site in. Just south of Portland on I-5 is a State Park near Newburg we have stayed at previously.

Champoeg State Heritage Area
7679 Champoeg Rd NW
Newberg, Oregon 97137
Phone: (503) 678-1251

I hope this helps.

[scottz]

For us after leaving Boise:

Hwy 26 to the Unity area where we will overnight in the Malheur NF.

Continue on Hwy 26 & 126 through John Day, just past Sisters where we will overnight again.

Continue to Coos Bay via Hwy 26 & 101. If we have time, we may go a little north and take Hwy 20 & 101 to Coos Bay.

Both nights we will camp in the forest, no reservations required (this is the west!). Possibly a state park CG; we will wing it.

You want to avoid Hwy 242 or any other road that says "closed in winter"; usually not good for towing.

For those that are going the north route on I-84, consider the Oregon Trail museum in Baker, Or. Nice place to spend a little time and take a break.

[grampachet]

For those coming from the east the Madras Oregon air museum is a great free stay for those who belong to harvest Host

[cmjone9]

Off of I 84 west bound is a State Camp ground Called Memaloose 12 miles west of city called The Dalles. 3 miles west of Exit 76 At Memaloose Rest Area - Leanne and I camp host there every year for a couple of Months. However that being said.. Its a nice stop over if your tired of driving for the day. A beautiful view of the Columbia river Gorge. Even if they are Full for the night they have some spots (DRY) they can put you in for one night just so you can get of the road to sleep and those are only $10 that's only of they are full. **Side note You will here some Muffled train noise and traffic noise from the Highway** They are no other Camp ground past this point on I-84 west bound that can accommodate these big boys. State Park Viento is to small and Ainsworth was to damaged from the Eagle Creek fires a few years ago and has still not recovered. Rooster rock is Day use only Park. After that you get into Portland area.

[Dusters]

If you have never been through Portland I-5, there are multiple levels of overpasses and lane changes. I find it a very stressful drive and prefer the I-205 Bypass as easier to navigate with a trailer, even though it's a few miles longer and full of commercial trucks.
Another item on the Sam's club map or Google map is down I-5 just past mile marker #162 is the Highway 38 to Reedsport. This is a commercial highway for trucks, which has a two lane highway through a tunnel at Elk Creek Tunnel Forest. One map posted a 12'4" warning for the outer curvature and overall height should be 14 feet.

[PNW Fireguy]

Coming in from the east trying to determine whether to take 20 or 26. 20 looks to have more BLM options while 26 has forestry service options but not sure many support larger rigs. Any input from those in the know appreciated.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy

Coming in from the east trying to determine whether to take 20 or 26. 20 looks to have more BLM options while 26 has forestry service options but not sure many support larger rigs. Any input from those in the know appreciated.

Sent you a PM. It has been awhile since I was in the area so I can't speak for specific boondocking sites. Hwy 20 to through Burns is mostly desert. Hwy 26 has some nice forest land; we will be stopping around Unity and Sisters.

[jfaberna]

Originally Posted by cmjone9

Off of I 84 west bound is a State Camp ground Called Memaloose 12 miles west of city called The Dalles. 3 miles west of Exit 76 At Memaloose Rest Area - Leanne and I camp host there every year for a couple of Months. However that being said.. Its a nice stop over if your tired of driving for the day. A beautiful view of the Columbia river Gorge. Even if they are Full for the night they have some spots (DRY) they can put you in for one night just so you can get of the road to sleep and those are only $10 that's only of they are full. **Side note You will here some Muffled train noise and traffic noise from the Highway** They are no other Camp ground past this point on I-84 west bound that can accommodate these big boys. State Park Viento is to small and Ainsworth was to damaged from the Eagle Creek fires a few years ago and has still not recovered. Rooster rock is Day use only Park. After that you get into Portland area.

I noticed that Memaloose SP is only 30A electrical, Is that right? Also The say check in is 4PM. That is rather late in the day? I'd like to arrive 1-2PM if possible. Since I'm targeting a Monday night, if I have a reservation can I arrive earlier??

[jsb5717]

Originally Posted by jfaberna

I noticed that Memaloose SP is only 30A electrical, Is that right? Also The say check in is 4PM. That is rather late in the day? I'd like to arrive 1-2PM if possible. Since I'm targeting a Monday night, if I have a reservation can I arrive earlier??

There are several legacy 30A only parks. Not sure about Memaloose but it's very possible. Check out is typically 1pm and most parks will let you into your site if it's vacant. It's possible that it will depend on the nature of the park host. I've been denied early access only once, many years ago, and that was at Cove Palisades. I've never stayed at Memaloose but the odds are in your favor.

[cmjone9]

Originally Posted by jfaberna

I noticed that Memaloose SP is only 30A electrical, Is that right? Also The say check in is 4PM. That is rather late in the day? I'd like to arrive 1-2PM if possible. Since I'm targeting a Monday night, if I have a reservation can I arrive earlier??

Electrical is 30A, however we have camp hosted there in Heat of the Summer and were able to run AC with no issues. 2 or 3 ACs, not so much.. Check out time at that park is 1 pm, so as long as the site is empty you can check in at any time during the day. They might not have had time to clean yet if you get there to early. If you make a reservation (can not make a same day reservation unless you call the park directly).. B loop odd number sites are full hook $31 a night.. B 31, 33, 35 Best View on the the river. A3-15 Nosiest with Traffic. Not to bad when your inside the trailer. all other A sites are water only. All B sites Even number are water only

hope that helps. Cal and Leanne