Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-15-2017, 11:43 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
kootenayken's Avatar
 
1976 Argosy 22
cranbrook , British Columbia
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 72
Images: 3
I5 Seattle to Sacramento in Feb/18

First time heading to Arizona for a winter break. This is our first trip down Interstate 5, hoping to do 300 to 400 miles a day. Is this too much given the amount of daylight? Any advise on what to expect when traveling during this time of year and if any one has recommendations on where to stay on the way would be appreciated.
kootenayken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 01:50 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Gold Country , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 334
We just did that trip over Thanksgiving and have stayed at a few places on that stretch. There are a lot of options, many have easy on/off to the freeway. It might be helpful to throw out where you will most likely be those evenings.

I think the mileage is doable if the wheather cooperates. The only area we’ve had issues is near Yreka, CA, but there are other passes along the route that may be an issue if it’s cold enough.
NorCal Matt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 02:40 PM   #3
Registered User
 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Fairfield , California
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 905
As NorCal Matt says the hard part of I5 is from Ashland OR to Yreka CA. That is the Syskiyou pass that can be closed due to weather. If it does there are several RV Parks in the Ashland area, Emigrant Lake one is a nice one, you can stay at while it clears. You will have to be fast! to find an open spot.
After that I5 is a breeze, but it is only two lanes so people will be whipping past you.
At Stockton you should look at switching to Highway 99, that is 3 lanes and more truck & trailer friendly.
Mattirs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 04:03 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
2007 27' Classic FB
Ridgefield , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 580
Images: 11
Stopping places. Near Woodland Washington is Columbia River RV resort. Seven Feathers Casino RV in Canyonville OR easy on and off. Good place for fuel as well. Many places in Ashland Oregon to pick from.

When approaching Portland Oregon consider using I205 around the city. It may add 10 minutes but its much easier. The only time I use I5 through Portland when towing is if its early morning on a Saturday or Sunday.

As has been said it is hard to make good time from Cottage Grove to about Shasta. Steep grades and some windy road. Keep an eye on the weather before crossing the Siskayous, you can alway divert to the coast if it looks a little dicey.

Enjoy your trip!
__________________
John
Woosch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 05:05 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem , Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
Seven Feathers Resort at Canyonville Or is the one of the best places stop. Clean, great prices and best prices on fuel. You can't go wrong there. That is unless you spend too much time at the Casino next door. Dave
NoResults is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 05:45 PM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
kootenayken's Avatar
 
1976 Argosy 22
cranbrook , British Columbia
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 72
Images: 3
As suggested our origianl plans were to get to Salem (276 miles) on the first day, Redding (377 miles) on the second day and Modesto (250 miles) on the third. We have to make a stop in Corona for some work on the trailer before heading to Sedona. First three days to ambitious?
kootenayken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 07:45 PM   #7
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
Quote:
Originally Posted by kootenayken View Post
As suggested our origianl plans were to get to Salem (276 miles) on the first day, Redding (377 miles) on the second day and Modesto (250 miles) on the third. We have to make a stop in Corona for some work on the trailer before heading to Sedona. First three days to ambitious?
Only if the pass closes you down. Otherwise, it's just steady travel.

You might start early and push day one a bit more (300-350 miles). Then day two can start later and end sooner. That allows any ice that forms overnight to thaw before you start and gets you parked on the South side before the sun sets. As long as the mountains are not blocked, you should do well. The Redding to Modesto leg can stretch a lot. We do the Bay Area to the California border in one day as a normal route plan.

Might be worth looking at the elevation of the way points on 101. It is a work around if I5 is problematic and you can not wait for the weather to clear.

Take your chains and Travel safe. Pat
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2017, 07:51 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
Hittenstiehl's Avatar
 
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
Images: 9
As a younger person I used to do San Fran (Presidio) to Seattle (Ft Lewis) in a hard solid 12 hours. Whew that's what youth is for but some times you gotta do the hard drive to get there.

One of our favorite stops was Grants Pass Oregon right next to the river.

You've been told just watch for snow in the pass. Beautuful drive.
__________________

Hittenstiehl
Hittenstiehl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 12:53 AM   #9
Living Riveted since 2013
 
Rocinante's Avatar

 
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by kootenayken View Post
As suggested our origianl plans were to get to Salem (276 miles) on the first day, Redding (377 miles) on the second day and Modesto (250 miles) on the third. We have to make a stop in Corona for some work on the trailer before heading to Sedona. First three days to ambitious?
Assuming you've already winterized your RV, I would leave it that way until you are far enough south to be confident that you won't be hit with a hard freeze. You'd be camping in a tin tent, but you'll be dry and warm enough. Test your propane furnace before leaving to be sure it's working, and ensure your propane tanks are full.

Check the weather forecasts before you leave, focusing especially on towns between Canyonville, OR, and Redding, CA. Be prepared to stop and wait out any snowstorm that may hit - preferably before you get into it. You may want to carry chains for your tow vehicle. (We did, because at times sections of I-5 through this area can *require* that you carry chains, depending on conditions.) However, don't drive in conditions that merit the actual use of chains unless there is literally no other choice.

The first day you could extend to Eugene, OR. Very nice city park campground there at Armitage Park. (Oh, and do NOT try to fill your gas tank at the Costco near Armitage park. Their parking lot is a freaking disaster if you're towing a trailer. Stay away, stay away, buy your fuel elsewhere.)

Second day from Eugene to Redding is also do-able as long as there's no snowy / icy weather from Canyonville, OR, to Redding, CA. That entire section is mountainous. The road is fine, but you'll be traveling at elevations and at greater risk for snow and ice. There are plenty of traffic cams you can look at from the web before setting out. In Redding, consider stopping at Mountain Gate RV Park. It's quite nice.

Here's a route from Armitage Park to Mountain Gate, but do *not* let Google trick you into taking any route other than I-5. That road will be clearest for travel through the mountain passes.

Oh, and here's the route we just took from Tucson to the Seattle area. There's one overnight stop you can't replicate (Viaggio winery) unless you're a member of Harvest Hosts, but otherwise this route worked well for us. It was an exhausting run, day after day after day, but we made it work.

Safe travels, enjoy the sunshine!
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")


Rocinante is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:26 AM   #10
1 Rivet Member
 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Ground , Washington
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 5
I5 RV Park

Plan to stay at the Rolling Hills Casino RV Park south of Redding! All pull through spots, great food in casino and all 72 spots used to be $28 each! Call ahead for reservations!! Safe travels!!
Deserthiker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:39 AM   #11
3 Rivet Member
 
2016 27' International
Anacortes , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 103
Others have told about the long high stretch of mountain road and it can be a nightmare during winter storms, but by Feb, less so - though could still get snow and be aware of 'black ice'.

But I just wanted to add a thought. We found a great liquor store at the first I5 exit in CA, about a mile south of OR. It's called something like Star Liquor, and prices are the best ones we have come across in CA - much cheaper than WA due to the high taxes.

Someone before commented on staying on the river at Grants Pass, and I think that is the Valley of the Rogue S.P about 4 miles past Grants Pass. We stayed there about 4 years ago and liked it. We stayed there last spring and were shocked how much it has changed for the worse. Maintenance wasn't the best and it appears the park is used by more or less homeless campers more than before. It is convenient, but we were saddened in its decline.

Happy travels!
Pat Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:41 AM   #12
Silver Star
 
rucos's Avatar
 
1970 23' Safari
Victoria , British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 352
we do #! Columbia River Rv in Portland ..... #2 Seven Feathers ...#3Rolling Hills .... #4 and My favourite stop south of Sacramento is "Harris Ranch" ... they have an amazing restaurant with probably some of the best beef Ive ever tasted ... you can park in the lot for free ... we end up loading the freezer with beef and also have a great dinner ..... so the free night is a smart move on their part...LOL .... next day Palm Springs
Seven Feathers can load up as they are know to be the spot they close the highway if the weather goes bad. Drive safe
rucos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:44 AM   #13
3 Rivet Member
 
Riverdrifter's Avatar
 
2012 30' International
Ferndale , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 101
Quote:
Originally Posted by kootenayken View Post
As suggested our origianl plans were to get to Salem (276 miles) on the first day, Redding (377 miles) on the second day and Modesto (250 miles) on the third. We have to make a stop in Corona for some work on the trailer before heading to Sedona. First three days to ambitious?
We live in Bellingham and usually get to 7 Feathers RV resort in central Oregon the first night and Sacramento 2nd night. That may be pushing it for you but it has worked well for us. I agree with 99 south of Sacramento. We too have had work done in Corona. Bad traffic around there and most RV parks are a ways away. Consider on the way back going through Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Boise and then up to Seattle. Much easier driving, less traffic and not much farther.
Riverdrifter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:55 AM   #14
Living Riveted since 2013
 
Rocinante's Avatar

 
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverdrifter View Post
...Consider on the way back going through Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Boise and then up to Seattle. Much easier driving, less traffic and not much farther.


Absolutely right about the return trip! In warmer weather there are far better and shorter routes back to WA. [emoji106]
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")


Rocinante is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 10:06 AM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
2017 30' Classic
Winston Salem , North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 45
It may not fit your itinerary, but I am the park host at Chinook Winds RV Park on the Rogue River. Exit 48 in Southern OR. $35 a night for power and water. Dump site on the property, showers and restrooms. Ditto on Siskiyou Pass. Highest elevation on I-5 from San Diego to Canada.
wswhiting is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 10:09 AM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Lebanon , Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 250
When we are in travel mode and put in long hours, we stop overnight at rest stops and truck stops, Cracker Barrel and Walmarts. Usually because when we stop for the night it is very late and many RV parks are filled. Also we just don't want to pull off the highway many miles looking for the elusive RV park.

But if you want to stay in RV parks every night, perhaps you may want to at least call ahead for a reservation that morning, or stop about 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in order to get a spot. This is probably not necessary up north, but as you progress south it becomes "the season" for RV parks to be filled.

The SoCal area, as well as So AZ and So NM are probably going to be filled to capacity during the winter months. But we usually manage to find a site by stopping in the early afternoon.

The Lancaster, CA Fairgrounds was a lifesaver for us. Elec and clean showers and rest rooms for a reasonable price. Everything else was booked solid.
Rzrbrn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 10:17 AM   #17
4 Rivet Member
 
Nomad518's Avatar
 
2001 25' Safari
Ridgefield , Washington
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 321
Another option for an overnight stay just north of Vancouver, WA is Tri-Mountain RV Park at the Ridgefield exit. It's just off I-5 and much nicer than the RV park in Woodland. The Ridgefield exit is about 7 miles past Woodland (if that). Ditto the recommendations for Seven Feathers in Canyonville. That's one of the nicest RV parks we've ever seen. South of Redding about 30 minutes is Red Bluff and you'll find Durango RV Resort there. Also, very nice and easy on/off freeway access.

South of Sacramento along Hwy 99 near Manteca is French Camp RV park. they have a par 3 golf course. And, there's Lakes RV & Golf Resort on the east side of Chowchilla along Hwy 99 (about 45 minutes north of Fresno).
Nomad518 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 10:26 AM   #18
Rivet Master
 
CruizinDux's Avatar
 
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Washington , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,589
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deserthiker View Post
Plan to stay at the Rolling Hills Casino RV Park south of Redding! All pull through spots, great food in casino and all 72 spots used to be $28 each! Call ahead for reservations!! Safe travels!!
Lots of truck traffic but is easy access off I5. Ele/H20 hookups. We generally don't even unhitch. I agree w/PKI...push Day 1 to maybe EUG. Deerwood RV park is right off I5 @ Hwy 58 with easy access N/S. There is also a newer one in Coburg. & 7 feathers is 90 miles S and very nice.

SB we generally target Redding at a minimum and R/Hills if we got an early start...maybe another 70 miles past Redding. There are a lot of parks starting at the Hwy 299 exit.

If we're heading for Paso we stay on I5 and target Sommerville Almond Tree TV park. It's just off I5 in the Coalinga area. We stop at Harris Ranczh for dinner. This positions is well to jump over to Paso via 41/46 or I40/I15 if heading to AZ.

Lastly check out https://tripcheck.com/ . It's the ODOT website and has great camera's with coverage down to about Dunsmuir. A heads up...I've had clear pavement over Siskiyou Pass and snow and heavy winds starting at Weed thru Dunsmuir (the last time down as far as Bridgehead/Lake Shasta)...essentially Black Butte pass which is almost as high as Siskiyou.

There is a good RV park on th N side of Yreka if you need to lay up N or S.

Carry Chains for both TV and TT. Read and understand Oregon's chain requirements. (https://tripcheck.com/Pages/Chain-Law)

Happy Trails and safe journey.

Bob
CruizinDux is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 11:27 AM   #19
2 Rivet Member
 
2018 27' International
Seattle , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 72
Travel buddy?

We're going from Seattle to Palm Springs, but maybe leaving a day or two earlier - the 16th or 17th. We're due in PS on the 20th. It would be great to have a travel buddy, especially since this will be our first long haul. Let me know if that's a possibility for you!
FarFetched is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 04:55 PM   #20
4 Rivet Member
 
NWRVR's Avatar
 
2015 30' Classic
Sherwood , Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 479
Blog Entries: 2
If you stay at the Seven Feathers Casino RV Park in Canyonville, Oegon, try the restaurant at the casino. The last few times we were there it was excellent. They use local lamb, beef, chicken, pork and vegetables when in season.
__________________
2015 Classic 30A, Blue OX Sway Pro, 2016 F350 4x4 Ultimate Lariat crew cab SRW, LWB, 6.7 PSD, 20" wheels, Ingot Silver Metallic, DiamondBack tonneau cover, TrailFX wheel-to-wheel step bars.
Sold: 2014 25FB International Serenity
NWRVR is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2024-T3 aluminum, Sacramento walter1 Ribs, Skins & Rivets 6 02-08-2007 08:50 PM
Folsom- Sacramento Ca Area Boondocker Off Topic Forum 14 08-24-2006 02:40 PM
Best place for service in Sacramento California area newtoAS Commercial Listings 5 05-22-2006 05:05 PM
Sacramento to Salem Oregon cynthia On The Road... 12 09-16-2005 08:42 AM
Any experience with RV'S OF SACRAMENTO guy99 Commercial Listings 0 07-05-2005 11:07 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:59 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.