Towns are fewer and farther between as you travel south along US-101, with the coastline at its prettiest beyond PORT ORFORD - known principally for its unusual dry dock , on which a crane hoists boats aloft - where forested mountains sweep smoothly down to the sea. These mountains mark the western limit of the Siskiyou National Forest , a vast slab of remote wilderness best explored by boat along the turbulent Rogue River from workaday GOLD BEACH . The town's visitor center , on the main road at 29279 S Ellensburg (tel 541/247-7526 or 1-800/525-2334, ), has details of rafting and powerboat excursions plus prices for the town's various motels and hotels. Finally, at the state's far southwestern corner, BROOKINGS has a warmer "banana belt" climate, and is best visited as a base for exploring northern California's Redwood National Park . Contact the local visitors center (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; tel 541/469-3181, ) for more details.

South to California

• South to California

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