07.27.21 Island Campground to Grants Pass

Left the campsite this morning with a pretty good idea that the FR I was on would get me back to the coast without back tracking the way I had come in. Of course, I didn’t stop at the ranger station yesterday as I zoomed passed as I should have, but I figured if it didn’t go through I could always drive back. This is an adventure after all.

A bit of trepidation hit when I got to the top of the pass and had 3 ways to go, all where the pavement ended with no official signage. As luck would have it, some kind soul had made some signs out of paper plates. One sign said “This way” with a straight ahead arrow and another sign with a left arrow and “arggh” on it. I took a leap of faith that straight ahead was the way to go. Again figuring I could always turn back.

After 10 miles on a gravel road, I again hit pavement and signs that indicated I was heading where I wanted to go. All the while, thinking I was glad I got the Crosstrek with the higher clearance rather than the Imprezza. There were some doozy pot holes along the way. A couple of them were hidden in the shadows and I didn’t see them until I felt them.

Made my way back to highway 101 and in search of a shower. Had a beautiful day to drive down the coast and make as many stops as I wanted. Got into Brookings where I made a pit stop at a State Park where I knew they had showers. Only to find out they were for reserved campsites sites only. I knew I could get back over the mountains and into Grants Pass where I knew I had a better chance of getting a hotel room. Everything I had passed on my way down the coast was full.

So I made the decision to back track to near where I picked up the pavement again yesterday to hop on a different FR that would take me into Grants Pass. So I worked my way back up the coast to Gold Beach where I made the turn back up the Rogue River to FR 23 and the Bear Camp Coastal Route. Another pretty drive where at times it was a single lane. Thankfully it was later in the afternoon and not many people where going the other way.

Made it in to Grants Pass and got the much needed shower.

©07.27.21 Somewhere near the top of FR33

©07.27.21 In search of the Thomas Creek Viewpoint, which I never found

©07.27.21 In search of the Thomas Creek Viewpoint

©07.27.21 View from the top of Cape Sebastian

©07.27.21 Along the Bear Camp Coastal Route

07.27.21 Island Campground to Grants Pass

07.28.21 Grants Pass to Watkins Campground

07.26.21 Eel Creek To Island Campground

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