West Coast - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Mayor · RV-Dreams Community Member

West Coast

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Traveled it many times since we are from Washington state and have family in California. If you stay West of the Cascades you will encounter a risk of wet and dreary weather those months in Washington, Oregon and northern California. I-5 over the mountains of southern Oregon and into northern California can get snow in late November, but then will clear up. East of the Cascades will be drier but colder and you can encounter ice and snow a bit easier. Most people take US101 down the Oregon coast during that time of year since it stays at lower elevations and milder temperatures. It can be beautiful, or it can be dreary. Once to Redding, California and further south the weather is normally better. We have done all three major routes in winter, US101, I-5 and US97 through eastern Oregon. You just have to be ready to wait bad weather out a couple days.

Edit: Along I-5 and US101 about all of the campgrounds are year round. East of the Cascades many are year round, but some close or go to reduced operations.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 24th of October 2011 08:00:29 PM

-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 24th of October 2011 08:03:21 PM

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

The weather in Southern California in Oct & Nov is usually mild. With partially cloudy days, light wind and temperatures in the 60 - 70 range. However, in Oct you can get 80- 90 degree days with sunshine.

In Novemeber there is more of a chance of rain but usually light rain or drizzle, sometimes for 3 to 4 days. Most likely you will have overcast mornings, then the clouds will break up and sun for a few hours before the clouds return.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

It's near impossible to get into California without going through mountains and risking snow/ice conditions. But in general, Oct-Nov is not a bad time of year to make the attempt. But conditions can change in minutes in the mountains so keep an eye on approaching storm systems. One thing we do is plan to cross the passes in the afternoons so the sun has a chance to thaw roads and lessen the risk of freezing conditions.