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Larry McDonald
Morro Rock at Morro Bay.
Story and Photos by Larry MacDonald
As full-time RVers, we typically spend our winters snowbirding in Arizona to escape the cool and dreary weather in British Columbia. On a recent trip home from the Grand Canyon State, we decided to drive west toward Los Angeles and experience the famed U.S. Route 101.
This is one of the most significant continuous highways in the U.S. and extends through California, Oregon, and Washington. Many full-service RV parks are easily accessible and with several scenic attractions, the route provided the perfect, relaxing trip for our journey back to BC.
California
Morro Bay and Morro Rock
After settling in at Morro Dunes RV Park, we hiked a short path up Black Hill to admire spectacular Morro Rock, a prominent outcrop of volcanic rock marking the harbour entrance. Close to the RV park is Morro Bay Golf Course, known as ‘The Poor Man’s Pebble Beach’ due to its very reasonable green fees and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from many of its 18 holes. Just south of the course is a boardwalk where you can see salt flats, dunes, and numerous species of seabirds.
Water-based activities here include whale watching, fishing, dinner cruises, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. We spent a few hours on a whale-watching charter, taking photos of gray whales, sea lions, dolphins, and sea otters. After a chilly morning on the water, we warmed up with lattes and decadent baked goods at the popular - and dog-friendly - Top Dog Coffee Bar on Main St.
North of town at Del Mar Park are pickleball and tennis courts. Further north is the village of Cambria with lawn-bowling courts that welcome visitors.
Larry McDonald
You’re always promised a scenic view from Domenico’s Restaurant on the Wharf in Monterey.
Monterey
Natural wonders abound in this waterfront community that can be seen from boardwalks and piers. We stayed at The Monterey County Fair & Event Center RV Park and received a VIP card for a complimentary appetizer with dinner at Domenico’s Restaurant on the Wharf. Located on the popular Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the restaurant overlooks the water and we watched the boats, birds and sea otters. Various boat charters are available for fishing, sailing, and whale watching.
Not to be missed is 17-Mile Drive, a toll road featuring numerous attractions and several golf courses, including the posh Pebble Beach Golf Links. While travelling through this area, we admired the picturesque beauty of the coastline on one side and sun-bleached cypress trees and luxurious homes on the other.
Cannery Row in the mid-1900s was a waterfront street lined with thriving sardine canneries; it has since evolved into a picturesque district of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and shops.
A popular attraction is the Monterey Bay Aquarium with its sea life such as six species of sharks, penguins, sea otters, pulsating jellies, and exotic colourful fish. Behind-the-scenes tours and feeding times for the various animals were the highlights of our visit.
Larry McDonald
The rocky shores of Bodega Head.
Bodega Bay
This charming seaside community and nearby Bodega was where Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds was filmed in the early 1960s. Following a scenic drive west from Hwy 101 on Petaluma Valley Ford Rd. along vast rolling green hills with grazing cattle, we arrived at Bodega Bay RV Park. Family-owned, the park has several amenities along with a putting green, bocce ball court, horseshoes, ladder toss, corn hole, and washer toss.
On our drive to Bodega Head overseeing the harbour entrance, we enjoyed lunch at Spud Point Crab Co. Their clam chowder is one of the best addictions along the coast.
Larry McDonald
The rolling hillside on Petaluma Valley Ford Road near Bodega Bay.
The Redwoods
Approximately three hours north of Bodega Bay, we decided to stay at Giant Redwoods RV and Cabin Destination in Myers Flat. During our visit, we explored the Avenue of the Giants. Although not suitable for large rigs, it is a scenic 50 km (31 mi) two-lane route that winds past giant Redwoods along the Eel River. The visitor centre has interactive exhibits, a museum, and bookstore.
One of our favourites was the Founders Tree, dedicated to several prominent men who formed the Save-the-Redwoods League in 1917 to preserve these magnificent trees. Since then, the League has donated $57 million to protect more than 68,796 ha (170,000 ac) of primeval forests in California, including the Redwoods.
Larry McDonald
Founders Tree on Avenue of the Giants.
Oregon
Gold Beach
After arriving in Oregon, which doesn’t have a sales tax, we fuelled up and shopped for groceries in Brookings. Approximately 48 km (30 mi) north is Gold Beach and Turtle Rock RV Resort. Some of the sites featured hot tubs and with its relaxing atmosphere, we enjoyed some of the California wine we purchased. A short walk from the resort is Turtle Rock, Kissing Rock, and a beautiful sand beach.
A nice dining option is the Tortuga Mexican Bar and Grill at the entrance of the resort. Across the street is the Arch Rock Brewing Company. Tours are available with tastings of their handcrafted brews.
Newport
Located on Yaquina Bay, this is one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing ports and a major landmark is the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Port of Newport Marina RV Park is on the south side of the bridge. Some of the local attractions are within walking distance of the park including displays of coastal marine life and the Rogue Ales and Spirits that offers tours, serves dozens of its award-winning creations.
On the bridge's north side is Historic Bayfront with shops interspersed with commercial fisheries. A window seat at Clearwater Restaurant overlooks a small rocky island that inhabits dozens of sea lions. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is about a five-minute drive from the restaurant and is open to the public.
Larry McDonald
A herd of elk at the entrance to Seaside, OR.
Seaside
After arriving at Thousand Trails Seaside Campground, we discovered why ‘Seaside is for Fun.’ Broadway St. has arcades with bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, laser tag, and a carousel while the Inverted Experience photo studio offers whimsical photos taken against fun backdrops.
All along Broadway St. are shops, restaurants, and a craft beer brewery - in an old city jail. Other attractions include a paved 2.4 km (1.5 mi) oceanfront path, a Seaside Aquarium, and prominent landmarks commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition to Seaside from the Mississippi River in 1806.
Golfers will enjoy the nearby Scottish-style Gearhart Golf Links. Established in 1892, it’s one of the oldest courses west of the Mississippi.
After breakfast during our visit, we drove down Beach Dr. to The Cove, a popular area with excellent views of the ocean. About a 10-minute drive from The Cove is the Tillamook Head Trail, an uphill hike that leads to a lookout where you can observe the Tillamook Lighthouse, 3.2 km (2 mi) offshore.
Washington
Ocean City
A short drive on Route 109 leads to Ocean City RV Resort. After settling in at our site, we walked on a path through dense thickets of shore pine to the beach. A nice attraction is Ocean City Marketplace that has beautifully hand-carved wooden plaques, folk art, and numerous statues.
To the south is the city of Ocean Shores with ‘family fun’ facilities, a golf course, brewery, and gift shops. The Coastal Interpretive Center has exhibits about the coastal environment and remnants of shipwrecks that occurred on the nearby rocky shores.
Port Angeles
On the final leg of our U.S. Route 101 trip, we continued north to Elwha Dam RV Park near Port Angeles. Electric bikes can be rented at the park to explore the trails on the Olympic Peninsula, including a paved waterfront path where you can look out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.
Downtown Port Angeles has several attractions such as the Underground Heritage Tour, Feiro Marine Life Center, wineries, whale-watching tours, and numerous shops and galleries. We went to Downriggers on the Water restaurant for dinner. We dined on the second floor where you can look out over the harbour.
Our fun-filled adventure through three states and eight communities concluded with our final passage on the Coho Ferry to our home in Victoria, BC. Since we only scratched the surface of these communities, we’re already considering U.S. Route 101 to visit again on our next trip south.