looking for some input on highway 20 in california from I5 at willits heading west to 101, we will be heading up the coast into oregon later this month,and was thinking of taking this route,we have a 30 foot class A and will be towing a car. thanks for your input. dieselron.
Hmmm. I'm confused. I-5 isn't anywhere near the town of Willits, CA. Willits is already on 101. Highway 20 does cross I-5 near the town of Williams, and from Williams to 101 on Highway 20 is the preferred way to get between I-5 and 101. Then at 101, you go north about 25 miles to the town of Willits. Highway 20 west from Willits IS doable in a motor home, but be aware that much of it is switchbacks and such. Pretty drive, but don't plan to be in a rush. And you definitely do NOT want to take Highway #1 north from the coast -- it's a horrible road, and just rejoins 101 at Leggett anyway. (Someone is sure to tell you that they've taken their coach/5th wheel/trailer whatever up Highway 1 from Fort Bragg and didn't have any trouble at all -- and those are the people that you absolutely DREAD being behind at ANY time.)
So which leg of this route are you asking about -- west of Interstate 5 to 101, or west of 101 to the coast? We live on Highway 20, near the town of Upper Lake, so we know the area pretty well.
Cathy
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sorry, i messed up on my original post,we will be taking highway 20 off of highway I5 and heading west to 101.seams like the best route to go .thanks for your reply
West from I-5, there are 3 pretty good climbs, be careful on the down grades! When you start going around the lake, watch the yellow line as the road can get kinda narrow and oncoming traffic can be uh... hazardous. Speed limits vary WILDLY around the lake, too.
That being said, it is a MUCH better than the northern alternatives.
Oh, yeah, lots of pedestrians depending on the time of year. Many folks cross before looking.
We towed our (former 36' 5-er through there many times going to Klamath River).
Most times we would overnight in the Long's Drug Store parking lot and wake up to 4 police cars watching us. I guess we were the most excitement in Willits.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and defiantly shouting "Wow, what a ride!".
'96 3500 Auto (2/4drop)
'02 3500 6 Speed.
It is an easy ride, the road is good and there is nothing that is going to throw you a curve. Benbow RV Resort in Garberville is a good place to stop over. I go over that road all the time east and west. In OR look up Winchester Bay Resort, county run and it is a very nice place at Salmon Harbor waterfront sites.
Just did this less than a month ago. Smooth sailing the whole way. A couple of short reasonable upgrades, but no problem at all. We are towing a 32' 5er. Very nice as you get to Clear Lake (scenic). Plenty of places to get fuel, food, or just pull over for a while.
Have done this route several times over the years in both directions and would recommend it over the other choices (5 to 299, 5 to 505 to 80 to 37 to 101, etc.).
Try Redwood River Resort about 5 miles north of Leggett for a place to stay. Lots of Redwoods, nice owners, good facilities (full hookups, pool, WiFi, etc.
Frank, Martha & Ryan
2007 Ford F-250 SD Crew Cab
2006 Cougar 289EFS
firecapt1 wrote: Just did this less than a month ago. Smooth sailing the whole way. A couple of short reasonable upgrades, but no problem at all. We are towing a 32' 5er. Very nice as you get to Clear Lake (scenic). Plenty of places to get fuel, food, or just pull over for a while.
Have done this route several times over the years in both directions and would recommend it over the other choices (5 to 299, 5 to 505 to 80 to 37 to 101, etc.).
Try Redwood River Resort about 5 miles north of Leggett for a place to stay. Lots of Redwoods, nice owners, good facilities (full hookups, pool, WiFi, etc.
299 out of Redding could be subject to closure at the current time due to fires.
Dieselron wrote: looking for some input on highway 20 in california from I5 at willits heading west to 101, we will be heading up the coast into oregon later this month,and was thinking of taking this route,we have a 30 foot class A and will be towing a car. thanks for your input. dieselron.
Check with the CHP for current road conditions. There has been some parts of Hwy. that have been restricted to one lane.
Watch for Highway 53 as you drop down a hill after a fairly long climb. Easy climb and multiple lanes.
Turn South onto 53. You will go about 8 miles. Look for the sign to Highway 29 which leads to Kelseyville. This is a nice road and will become freeway in a few miles. Eventually you are back to two lane for a short distance and will come to a stop sign. You are back to Highway 20 again. This leg is about 30 miles. Turn left and enjoy the beautiful drive right to 101
This route will bypass the two lane twisting and winding on the North side of Clear lake. If you want a good view of the lake go ahead and stay on 20 all the way to 101 instead of the bypass described above.
And I am indeed someone that took a 30 footer with a Toad up route 1. It is a scenic route with some tight turns but I use turnouts when possible. The Willits road from 101 to Ft Bragg is very twisty but in excellent condition with plenty of turn outs. Use low gears and take your time. It will take you most of an hour to traverse the 33 miles.
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