Redding to Eugene
It started raining about 4:00 a.m., so our day began with the rain plinking on the roof. The sky was completely overcast, and the clouds hung low into the small valley that held the campground.
The scenery changed dramatically today. We are done driving up the Central Valley of California. Almost immediately after leaving Redding, we began climbing up toward Lake Shasta (or what's left of it). Everything was lush and green, and only got better as we continued north. When we had climbed out of the Lake Shasta basin, we continued climbing up a beautiful mountain valley. The rancher still had his State of Jefferson sign painted on a barn--even after the attempt to secede from California failed again.
After driving through Yreka, we began our climb into Oregon. This was the first of many ridges we climbed only to drop down the other side. We crossed six or seven more ridges between Medford and Eugene. It made the drive interesting but also slowed us down. The drive between Roseburg (which is our home base when we explore the Umpqua River) and Eugene was especially scenic. Because of the mountains and valleys, most of the economy seemed to be based on cattle ranching. As we neared Eugene, we entered a lush green valley that extends all the way to Portland. The farmers started including signs to identify what crops they were growing. White clover and tall fescue became the dominant crops. What a change from the California Central Valley!
We made much better time than I expected and reached the Premiere RV Resort in Eugene about 3:30. Like the Premiere RV Resort in Redding, it was manicured and the staff was very efficient. As we were setting up the motorhome, we were welcomed to Oregon with a sudden rain squall. I think that's called foreshadowing.
Previous Day
Return to Trip Page