Topic: Central Californian riders, need travel advice

[Duanob]

So the wife, the dog and I are taking a 4 wheeled road trip to central california this next week. We plan on going to King's Canyon/Sequoia, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. Those places I have pretty much planned out but what I would like is some advice on the in between the parks areas. Can anybody steer me towards some cool things-to-do, nice scenic roads or drives, water falls, must see veiws, etc? I'm sure some of you guys have some cool and secret places in that area to see. Thanks in advance.

[mark]

Hwy. 49 is a nice drive. Old Hangtown, Coloma and the Gold Rush park(blacksmith shop was open last time through!).

aww... heck with all that scenery stuff - here's where the fun is: http://pacificpinball.org/exposition oops. next month not next week.

 

[Duke McDukiedook]

AAAhhhh!!! PIIIIIINBALLLLLLL!!!!!

[TwoTired]

Off the top of my head..

You might check out the town of Columbia.  Pan for gold, ride the stage coach, blacksmith shop, check out life of the period.

Check out Modoc county lava beds.  Perhaps you'll be interested in Captain Jack's Stronghold.  For me, it held the same fascination as Custer's Little big Horn.

Shasta Area, Lassen National park, Beautiful country around lake Almanor and the town of Chester.
Yosemite and Sequoia are national parks for a reason.  Both are stunning.  The Giant Sequoias are surreal.  I had my marriage ceremony at puzzle tree corners in Sequoia National Park.

Highway 5 is the fastest way to traverse the length of California.  Also the most boring with sparse interest.

All in one week? 

[Duanob]

Hey, so far thanks. This is a good start. Our plan is to jet down I-5 to where ever we get to by saturday night and I get tired of driving. Fresno would be great but that might be bit hopeful. Maybe Coloma or Columbia are both doable.

I hear ya on I-5 being boring. Not sure what the worst part is. Seattle to portland, Portland to Eugene, or Redding to Sacremento. But get there fast and spend some quality time in central CA is my goal.

[Duke McDukiedook]

You do realize that you will have to stop for the obligatory piture by the Weed, CA town sign with you pointing at said sign right?

They issue tickets if you don't stop and pose for a picture, seriously.

[noahspop]

Murphy's Creek is nice. What ever you do try and stay in the foothills, unless you're heading to the coast. Once you hit 99 it gets kinda depressing with all the cookie cutter shopping centers.

Have fun.

[Duanob]

You do realize that you will have to stop for the obligatory piture by the Weed, CA town sign with you pointing at said sign right?

They issue tickets if you don't stop and pose for a picture, seriously.

I accomplished both and did quite well thank you!

I've been to weed and shasta both awesome places. We'll be passing through and might stop for a late lunch break if we get started early enough.

thanks for the tip on 99. But hey if it's dark by the time we get there, no problemo!

[BeSeeingYou]

89 south out of Tahoe on the way to Yosemite is nice.

[Duanob]

thanks srust, I think I've been on 89 before, I've been through marklyville before and camped at grover hot springs. I remember thinking that if I ever came back to that area I would bring my flyrod, so I'm bringing my flyrod. Can't wait.

[TwoTired]

Maybe go to Bodie ghost town?

Or Mono lake?

[Rgconner]

If you hit mono lake, probably via Tiago pass, stop at the Mobil station and have lunch at the Whoa Nelly Deli.

I recommend something, but it is all good.

Ok, for the record, I have a hard time passing up the huckleberry bbq ribs if they are on the menu.

If you take the 50 out of Tahoe, stop in apple hill, make sure you hit Jack Russell Brewing.

Also, if you can find Mad Maps, they have great rides listed in them, with stops and attractions.

The central California one covers Fresno to Shasta, run about $10 and are waterproof/tearproof.

I have used mine as a windblock under the jacket a few times. =)

Keep a close eye on them, I have had one stolen while I used the bathroom at a diner.

[Seabass]

If you end up in south Lake Tahoe check out The tahoe brewery ,good food and brews.Or Riba grill if you want something fancier.The tram at heavenly is also fun and scenic.

[Duanob]

Breweries: Now you guys are talking! Tioga Pass and Mono Lake sound pretty awesome. I saw them on the map but wasn't sure but we will hit them up. And I guess we'll be there for lunch!

Anytime ya'll are heading north to Washington hit me up for some cool local places or rides. We'll be heading out at 0600 tomorrow. I can't wait.

[Duanob]

Update: trip was fantastic! Some of it I really wished I had my bike (Tioga Pass, Anything above 7000 elevation). Some of it I'm happy I didn't (HWY 99 from Sac to Fresno, 110 degree heat, bugs by the thousands, boring road, tail gating Cally drivers). I saw some unhappy Harley riders, no windscreens, gotta look cool ya know! The AC was running over-time going through Central Valley.

Highlights:

Grant's Pass, views of Mt Shasta, Sequoia trees, John Muir's Rock in King's Canyon, Yosemite Valley from three different views, Tioga Pass and Saddlebag Lake, Mono Lake, Bodie, fly fishing for trout on the Markleeville creek (awesome evening bite). Lee Vining was a cool town perched above the shores of Mono Lake. National Forest campgrounds wide open and uncrowded and beautiful. Listening to the book on tape, "The Hunger Games".

Some negatives, no dogs allowed in National Parks, Harley riders allowed in National parks. National park campgrounds over-crowded and packed in tight. Squealing brake issues with my truck. I-5 from Seattle to south of Eugene, OR and between Redding, CA and Fresno (HWY 99) is like the third grade...long and BORING! But I'll forget about these soon enough.

[noahspop]

I told you the 99 would be boring. Glad the overall trip was good.