Roadtrip to Oregon Coast from Las Vegas (Ashland, Klamath Falls: home, bars)

[Momzilla]

So a friend of mine and I are going to go on an adventure from Las Vegas to the Oregon coast next weekend.

1) What kind of weather can we expect for tent camping? We will be camping near Seaside.

2) How are the day and evening temps?

3) How long would you expect it to reasonable take to drive from Vegas to there - and then home from Seaside to Orange County, CA?

4) Any sites you think we should see along the way?

[darjoh]

1. This is probably the best time of year to be on the Oregon coast. If your tent camping, I would assume you are experienced, so just be prepared for anything. The nights can be quite chilly, especially in the early morning. Try to shelter yourself on the west side of your tent in case of a windy day/night.
2. Day temps are usually in the 60-70 range.
3. I would do a yahoo, or map quest search to get a good idea of drive time. Add a couple hours for breaks, and unexpected traffic.
4. Sites in Oregon? Everywhere you look is a nice site. I would drive thru Jacksonville, and Ashland. I personally have always liked those towns. Very historic. If you plan on driving along the coast, double the time map quest tells you. A lot of small towns with lots of speed limit changes. If the speed limit says 30, do 30. A lot of the small towns get revenue from out of state drivers who speed. If you see a long stretch of 55mph, you probably will be doing 45 at some point, due to the RV's. The drive from Coos bay to Tillamook could take more than 3 hours in itself due to the twist's and turns along the coast, but you would probably take longer to stop for all the picture opportunities.

In any sense, take your time, and enjoy the views.

[Momzilla]

Thanks Yes, I have done a bunch of tent camping - in all sorts of weather... and looking at the night temps I figured I would have to get all my warmer clothes out of boxes - here in Vegas there is no need for them! Ha!

It says it should take up 16 hours from Vegas... I was sort of hoping it wouldn't be so long. LOL. But in any case - I am up for the adventure! I am sure it will be fun!

[pw72]

Las Vegas north to the PNW is long, because there is no real direct route. You could head southwest on I-15 to Barstow, then cruise over to 99 at Bakersfield, then hook up with I-5 northbound. Even though you are going south to get north, I believe it is the fastest route. The other option is Hwy 95 which is mostly two-lane, winding its way out of Vegas to I-80, then to Reno, then north on 395, again two-lane, and over to Klamath Falls, and eventually hook up with I-5. That's a long trip, due to the lack of freeways. I've done both, and the latter took a couple hours longer and of course more stressful due to the two lane highways.

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by pw72

Las Vegas north to the PNW is long, because there is no real direct route. You could head southwest on I-15 to Barstow, then cruise over to 99 at Bakersfield, then hook up with I-5 northbound. Even though you are going south to get north, I believe it is the fastest route. The other option is Hwy 95 which is mostly two-lane, winding its way out of Vegas to I-80, then to Reno, then north on 395, again two-lane, and over to Klamath Falls, and eventually hook up with I-5. That's a long trip, due to the lack of freeways. I've done both, and the latter took a couple hours longer and of course more stressful due to the two lane highways.

I agree that's a longer trip, but the scenery is MUCH more interesting than I-5 through the San Joaquin Valley.

[Momzilla]

Long story, but we ended up not going as far - saw the Sierra Nevadas and a LOT of cows which was nice too. Hoping to get up there next year!