Driving from San Francisco to Olympia Washington

Hi--We%26#39;re planning trip in June to see friends in Olympia and open for any suggestions, must do%26#39;s or points of interest. Traveling with our dog and can allow about 4 days each way. Any recommendations for local wineries or pet-friendly hotels would be great. We%26#39;re debating Hwy 5 vs 101. I love scenic coastal routes, but can get a little carsick if its really winding. Any help is appreciated!

..jhock

Driving from San Francisco to Olympia Washington

Since you have allowed 4 days each way, I%26#39;d suggest that you come up the California coast on Hwy 101 as far as Crescent City. That will take you through the redwoods and along the Northern CA coast. Then take Hwy 199 to Grants Pass. It%26#39;s is an easy one day drive up I-5 from there to Olympia.

On the return trip, drive south on I-5 as far as Longview/Kelso, then cross the Columbia River to Rainier and go west on Hwy 30 to Astoria and down the Oregon Coast on Hwy 101.-- OR, continue south on I-5 to Portland and take Hwy 18 to the coast. That will take you through some of the Oregon wine country.

The drive along the Oregon coast is much better done north to south as there are many turnouts to stop and view the ocean.

I wouldn%26#39;t consider Hwy 101 really winding. It%26#39;s mostly a 2-lane road, but wide and many straight stretches and small towns. I don%26#39;t think you would get carsick unless perhaps you are riding in the back seat.

Continue south on 101 to Reedsport, then take Hwy 38/138 to Roseburg and hustle back down I-5 to San Francisco.

Driving from San Francisco to Olympia Washington

Many thanks Kitters! I%26#39;ll map this out --it sounds like an interesting itin.

That sounds like a good itinerary.

Hwy 101 has only a few spots that are winding, and they are of short duration. There is one south of Cannon Beach that is about 2-3 miles long, and another between Yachats and Florence that is maybe 4-5 miles long. You%26#39;ll be driving fairly slowly here anyway (30-35 mph), so you should be fine :-)

After Cannon Beach head north on 101 to Astoria Where Lewis and Clark wintered, oldest fur trading port - then cross the bridge over the Columbia River - continue on thru Long Beach - Aberdeen and then follow map to Olympia. Astoria is about 2.5 hours from Olympia.

face blush