Pacific Coast Highway RV Trip: Driving PCH from San Diego to Seattle

The Route: Highway 1 + US-101 North

The classic Pacific Coast Highway RV trip combines two highways: California Highway 1 (the iconic two-lane coastal road through Big Sur) and US-101, which takes over where Highway 1 isn't passable for large rigs and continues north through the Oregon and Washington coasts to Seattle. Total distance from San Diego to Seattle: approximately 1,350 miles of driving distance, typically planned over 10–18 days depending on how much time you have and how many side trips you take.

Highway 1 through Big Sur is not for large rigs. The narrow two-lane road with tight curves and limited turnouts is best for rigs under 25 feet. Longer motorhomes and trailers should route on US-101 through this section and visit Big Sur viewpoints as a day drive if possible. Check CalTrans for current road conditions — Big Sur is prone to closures from slides.

Key Stops: San Diego to San Francisco

San Diego to LA (2–3 days): Carlsbad/Oceanside, Malibu beaches, Santa Barbara (Carpinteria State Beach is excellent and right on the coast), and Pismo Beach with its famous sand dunes that allow OHV driving. Morro Bay is a must-stop: a massive volcanic rock in the harbor, excellent seafood, and full-hookup RV parks near the waterfront.

Central Coast (1–2 days): Cambria and the approach to Highway 1 through San Simeon. Hearst Castle is worth a visit. Elephant seal rookeries at Piedras Blancas are free and extraordinary — thousands of seals at certain times of year. Continue through Carmel-by-the-Sea to Monterey.

Monterey to San Francisco (1–2 days): The 17-Mile Drive is worth the entry fee for the views. Santa Cruz has a classic boardwalk amusement park. Half Moon Bay is the last coastal stop before San Francisco.

Key Stops: San Francisco to Portland

The Lost Coast (1–2 days): North of San Francisco, the Avenue of the Giants through the old-growth redwoods near Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of the most memorable drives in the country. Humboldt Redwoods has excellent campgrounds including Burlington and Albee Creek surrounded by 200-foot trees.

Crescent City and Del Norte: Prairie Creek Redwoods and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks add more old-growth access. Crescent City is the last California city before Oregon.

Oregon Coast (2–3 days): Crater Lake is a detour east worth the miles. On the coast: Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock), Tillamook Cheese Factory, Cape Perpetua viewpoints, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near Florence. Campgrounds are plentiful and less crowded than California.

Key Stops: Portland to Seattle

The Columbia River Gorge is worth exploring from Portland before heading north — Multnomah Falls, Vista House, and the Historic Columbia River Highway. From Portland north: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (Johnston Ridge Observatory has stunning views of the crater), then the Olympic Peninsula if time permits. The Olympic Peninsula loop adds 2–3 days but delivers rainforest, Pacific beaches, and the Hoh River that is unlike anything else in the Lower 48. Kalaloch Campground on the coast is one of the most scenic federal campgrounds anywhere.

Campground Strategy

California state park campgrounds book through ReserveCalifornia.com and fill 6 months in advance for summer dates. Book early or plan to arrive in shoulder season (September–October or April–May). Oregon and Washington state parks use ReserveAmerica and typically have more last-minute availability. Free BLM and forest service camping increases north of San Francisco — the Oregon and Washington coasts have more public land options than California.

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