From Eureka, CA to Astoria, OR - how?

Hi,
I'm planning on cycling the Oregon coast in early July, beginning in Astoria, Oregon (where my car will be) and ending either in Arcata or Eureka, California.

I'm trying to figure out how to get from Eureka/Arcata to Astoria. I called Greyhound and the bus leaves at 10am and gets in at 8:30 pm THE NEXT DAY, complete with 3 lovely transfers.

I'd rather hitchhike then spend 19 hours on a bus. (But I won't do that as I'm travelling solo).

I looked into possibly renting a car (one-way) but can't find any car dealerships in Eureka. (Redding appears to be the closest).

Has anyone else faced this conundrum? Or does anyone have any suggestions on how I (and my bike - I can get it boxed at a LBS) can get back to Astoria, Oregon from either Eureka or Arcata?

Thanks!

Have you tried Amtrak?

Yup. No better (in fact worse) than Greyhound.

I have found car rental companies that do one-ways to Portland. I just have to now get from Portland to Astoria (which is doable on Amtrak).

This is feeling a lot like planes, trains and automobiles.

As many many people cycle the Oregon coast, there has to be a better way to get back to the start point.