Day 64 - (09/20) Cloverdale, CA

This was a day filled with so many superlatives all we can say is WOW!  The weather was perfect, the route was as varied and difficult as any to-date.


We left Fortuna at 10am and headed south on US-101.

Fog hangs low in the valley as we leave Fortuna.

The leisurely drive turned into a white-knuckle affair when we got onto Highway 1 (CA-1) at Leggett.  The route took us along the southern edge of the Lost Coast (the region too costly for state highway and county road builders to establish routes through the area).  Highway 1 certainly demonstrated why.  It climbed, descended, swerved and switch-backed very sharply.  It was a tough go.  Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic.

Highway 1 between Leggett and Rockport

Much of the twisting and turning ended when we descended to the ocean and got on the Shoreline Highway at Rockport.

Shoreline Highway - looking north

Shoreline Highway was much wider and straighter than the start
(knuckle color became nearly normal at this point)

Shoreline Highway - between Rockport and Westport

Shoreline Highway - near Westport

We continued on Highway 1 through Fort Bragg, Mendocino and Albion.  Many advised us not to take Highway 1 between Mendocino and Bodega Bay with the trailer ... and certainly not going north-south.  We took CA-128 just south of Albion and headed inland toward Cloverdale.


CA-128 is a scenic route that rivals many we've been on in recent days.  It had some serious white-knuckle sections.  It passes through redwood groves that present scenes equaling those on Avenue of the Giants or in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park.  Take it slow if you travel this route because many sharp turns and switch-backs aren't announced with warning signs.  

CA-128 heading toward Cloverdale

We selected a KOA Campground in Cloverdale to end the day.  It's miles from Cloverdale, high on a hillside surrounded by vineyards.  It offers lots of services, has a lovely setting, is highly rated and is the most expensive place we've stayed.  It's OK, but lacks staff presence that could make it great.

Site #4 at Cloverdale KOA

Residence and vineyard overlooking the campground

We saw a lot today as we traveled across low lands, over rugged hills, along ocean beaches and cliffs, through redwood forests and past countless vineyards.  We're grateful for the experience.

Map Tracks

Start:  Riverwalk RV Park - Fortuna, California

South on US-101 to Leggett

South on CA-1 from Leggett to CA-128 (south of Albion)

East on CA-128 to Cloverdale, California

End: 199 miles @ Cloverdale KOA - Cloverdale, California