Yosemite Help

[maxbottomtime]

We were just in Custer SP a couple weeks ago and it's very dog friendly. All the hikes we took there were several people who had their dogs along.

Thanks - we didn't actually hike Custer (just drove through safari style looking at wildlife), but took the dog up catherdral spires. Beautiful scenery.

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[Hickesy]

Oregon coast resident here. It's beautiful driving, not too bad even in the height of summer, amazing hikes, great beer and food. Worth driving a little further for

 

[AzScorpion]

The Oregon coast is nice, but might be a longer drive than you want to do. The Redwood coast might be better? Southern Oregon could be an option also. Ashland is a nice town. You could also check out Crater Lake NP (again back to the dog question). I live in Central Oregon. If you do end up wanting to come to this state, please hit me up.

Oregon coast resident here. It's beautiful driving, not too bad even in the height of summer, amazing hikes, great beer and food. Worth driving a little further for

Thanks, I'll have to plot a route up the coast. Is there any specific area either of you would recommend staying in? I've never been there so is there a central place where you could stay and go off from there to see different sights say within an hours drive? TIA

 

[IdahoRanger]

Thanks, I'll have to plot a route up the coast. Is there any specific area either of you would recommend staying in? I've never been there so is there a central place where you could stay and go off from there to see different sights say within an hours drive? TIA

Have a SIL in Florence which is pretty central to several coastal cities. The Oregonians should have some great advice.

 

[Hickesy]

Thanks, I'll have to plot a route up the coast. Is there any specific area either of you would recommend staying in? I've never been there so is there a central place where you could stay and go off from there to see different sights say within an hours drive? TIA

Astoria is great, small town lots of history, Goonies etc. You can explore from there and lots of accommodation options from decent low budget motels such as The Atomic to more expensive and beautiful places like The Cannery . Loads of great food places and some amazing breweries. Or if you wanted a place right on the coast, Cannon Beach is great but very popular, personally I prefer Manzanita which is quieter, though less food options. Once you're on the coast there are so many wonderful hikes.

 

[AzScorpion]

Astoria is great, small town lots of history, Goonies etc. You can explore from there and lots of accommodation options from decent low budget motels such as The Atomic to more expensive and beautiful places like The Cannery . Loads of great food places and some amazing breweries. Or if you wanted a place right on the coast, Cannon Beach is great but very popular, personally I prefer Manzanita which is quieter, though less food options. Once you're on the coast there are so many wonderful hikes.

Thanks Phil, I appreciate the help!

 

[Radioman]

? I guess we could always go to Payson? ?

Be cooler...

 

[EJH]

Astoria is great, small town lots of history, Goonies etc. You can explore from there and lots of accommodation options from decent low budget motels such as The Atomic to more expensive and beautiful places like The Cannery . Loads of great food places and some amazing breweries. Or if you wanted a place right on the coast, Cannon Beach is great but very popular, personally I prefer Manzanita which is quieter, though less food options. Once you're on the coast there are so many wonderful hikes.

Good places but pretty far north (and can be more crowded due to proximity to Portland). I'd be looking at the central OR coast. Florence mentioned above is a good base. The sand dunes around there are fun. I was just there last week:

As for accommodation in northern CA and OR, we tend to camp about 3/4 of the time. My hotel recommendations are limited, but I will give a shout out to these:

Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir CA. If you are traveling up I-5 and this location works out, it is a pretty unique place to stay.

Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland. You can day trip to Crater Lake from here.

 

[dirtystevedirt]

If you are set on Yosemite I would suggest later in the year. Somewhere late September or even Oct. You will find it is very desolate of the crazy summer time tourists. If you are in decent shape I would venture to upper Yosemite falls. The views are incredible and also have a pucker factor. The more tame hike is the mist trail to vernal falls. They used to have yurts in the valley close to curry village that are economical. Someone already suggested moaning caverns. Their " middle of the earth" tour is epic! Also close by is Calaveras Big Tree state park. Awesome giant redwoods

 

[AzScorpion]

If you are wet on Yosemite I would suggest later in the year. Somewhere last September or even Oct. You will find it is very desolate of the crazy summer time tourists. If you are in decent shape I would venture to upper Yosemite falls. The views are incredible and also have a pucker factor. The more tame hike is the mist trail to vernal falls. They used to have yurts in the valley close to curry village that are economical. Someone already suggested moaning caverns. Their " middle of the earth" tour is epic! Also close by is Calaveras Big Tree state park. Awesome giant redwoods

Thanks for the info. I wouldn't mind going later in the year but Annie has to use up so many of her vacation/PTO days up by mid July (she can't bank more than 280 hours) or she loses them. Also one main reason we go in June is to get out of the heat here.

 

[Scott_Anderson_]

Thanks Scott. I've always heard a lot about Lake Tahoe but never really looked into it. I saw it that it was only 3.5 hours away from Yosemite on Google Maps which got me thinking of there.

Which area would be best? I see you can go to either the CA or NV side to the north or the south of the lake.

I've heard the Oregon coast was really nice so that might be an option to kill some time too. I'd rather not drive all over like the past 2 years, it gets tiring especially since Annie won't drive my truck in unfamiliar areas.

I’ve always been partial to the Nevada side. The California side in South Lake Tahoe is where the majority of casinos and concerts are and more tourists. But you can find lots of casinos on the NV side too, if you are into gambling. It’s just not as crowded as California side of the lake. NV side is more scenic too, IMO.

 

[Radioman]

We don't want to be on the go all the time but like to checkout National Parks, State parks, scenic drives and any other cool sights in those areas. Annie can only hike so much without having a day (or two) off so that's something we can fill in doing too, besides shopping. ?‍ Help! lol

A bit wordy but...
Before going to Lake Tahoe area, you may want to explore the eastern side of the Sierras which I find very enjoyable. Some suggestions are:
Joshua Tree National Park
Many miles of driving and hiking trails within the park

Death Valley
Many places to see in Death Valley but it gets hot in June.

Places off of Hwy 395 traveling north
Alabama Hills National Scenic Area
East of Lone Pine which is on Hwy 395. Many western movies made in these hills.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (Very old trees)
Take the Silver Canyon Road east of Bishop and turn north (left) at the top on White Pine Road to view Bristlecone Pine groves Turn around taking White Pine Road south to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center. There are walking trails in some of the groves but be aware of the altitude of around 10,000 feet. Return to Hwy 395 via Hwy 168 to Big Pine.

Devils Postpile National Monument
East of Mammoth Lakes. Also, a nice gravel road to Deadman Pass from Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop drive is very pretty.

Obsidian Dome
A very short drive off Hwy 395 north of Mammoth Lakes.

June Lakes Area
Between Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake on Hwy 395, take Hwy 159. A fairly short loop passing three pretty lakes.

Virginia Lakes Area
A little north of Mono Lake is the Virginia Lake Road taking you to the lakes and great hiking area.

Yosemite
Access either from the very scenic Tioga Road off Hwy 395 near Mono Lake or Hwys 120 and Hwy 140 from the west side of the Sierras. Tioga Road may not be open in June depending on the winter’s snowfall.

Bodie Ghost Town
Access via Hwy 270 which is between Bridgeport and Mono Lake . Hwy 270 turns to a gravel road before Bodie. Alternately, take Hwy 167 from Hwy 395 to Cottonwood Canyon Road which is a gravel road to Bodie from the south. Last time I visited Bodie I came in on Cottonwood Road and exited via Hwy 270.

Sonora Pass
Hwy 108 east of Hwy 395 is a very picturesque road over the spine of the Sierra Nevada and would connect to Hwy 120 into Yosemite.

 

[rang19ca]

Kent, above has some good suggestions. Yosemite is a crowded mess in June. The last time we went was Sept. after Labor Day.

 

[Radioman]

Kent, above has some good suggestions. Yosemite is a crowded mess in June. The last time we went was Sept. after Labor Day.

I agree. Too many people, no parking, crowded in the summer months. Even though I live north of there, the last time I went to Yosemite I came in from Oakhurst. Tire chains were required and there weren't many people in the valley.

 

[AzScorpion]

A bit wordy but...
Before going to Lake Tahoe area, you may want to explore the eastern side of the Sierras which I find very enjoyable. Some suggestions are:
Joshua Tree National Park
Many miles of driving and hiking trails within the park

Death Valley
Many places to see in Death Valley but it gets hot in June.

Places off of Hwy 395 traveling north
Alabama Hills National Scenic Area
East of Lone Pine which is on Hwy 395. Many western movies made in these hills.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (Very old trees)
Take the Silver Canyon Road east of Bishop and turn north (left) at the top on White Pine Road to view Bristlecone Pine groves Turn around taking White Pine Road south to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center. There are walking trails in some of the groves but be aware of the altitude of around 10,000 feet. Return to Hwy 395 via Hwy 168 to Big Pine.

Devils Postpile National Monument
East of Mammoth Lakes. Also, a nice gravel road to Deadman Pass from Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop drive is very pretty.

Obsidian Dome
A very short drive off Hwy 395 north of Mammoth Lakes.

June Lakes Area
Between Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake on Hwy 395, take Hwy 159. A fairly short loop passing three pretty lakes.

Virginia Lakes Area
A little north of Mono Lake is the Virginia Lake Road taking you to the lakes and great hiking area.

Yosemite
Access either from the very scenic Tioga Road off Hwy 395 near Mono Lake or Hwys 120 and Hwy 140 from the west side of the Sierras. Tioga Road may not be open in June depending on the winter’s snowfall.

Bodie Ghost Town
Access via Hwy 270 which is between Bridgeport and Mono Lake . Hwy 270 turns to a gravel road before Bodie. Alternately, take Hwy 167 from Hwy 395 to Cottonwood Canyon Road which is a gravel road to Bodie from the south. Last time I visited Bodie I came in on Cottonwood Road and exited via Hwy 270.

Sonora Pass
Hwy 108 east of Hwy 395 is a very picturesque road over the spine of the Sierra Nevada and would connect to Hwy 120 into Yosemite.

Thanks Brother! It sounds like there's a ton to do in that area which would be nice to not have to bounce around so much next year.

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