On our TA we wanted to see just a bit of the coast so we flew into Portland, rented a car one way from Portland to Newport, Stayed a night in Beverly Beach SP, and returned the car in New Port to start the ride. That worked out well for us.

BTW: I just finished my pacific coast tour and Yes the Avenue of the Giants was amazing. The section of Redwoods above Elk Prairie was pretty cool too. Only a few miles, but a great downhill ride to camp through the redwoods. I think that was Newton B. Drury Parkway after Klamath, if I remember correctly.