Best Route Exiting Oregon

[LLCRVING]

We are in Eugene trying to get to Indiana. I know it's a late start, but various issues have kept us from leaving until now. I haven't driven an RV in 15 years and am more than a little nervous. We have a 2003 34' Firenza. Problem is trying to get out of Oregon without hitting many steep ascents/descents and mountain pass bad weather. Were going to take the 70 but am thinking now the southern routes are looking more inviting (10/40).

Anyone have experience on these smaller highways out of Oregon? I've heard horror stories and then have had those who have never driven an rv tell me it's a piece of cake. Would much rather trust ya'll!

[wwsmith111]

There isn't a way out from Eugene without going over some mountain grades. Your best bet is to do a detail weather analysis and then decide which way to go. I've been to Eugene several times this year and went different ways depending on the weather. I think I would avoid going over to Bend and through the woods and stay on the big roads.

[LLCRVING]

Think you're right. Longer journey, but less stress and bad weather (I hope)! Thanks for your input.

[Bassdogs]

I'm assuming that you've had a chance to see the sights in the area and are just interested in heading back to the midwest. In that case I would bite the bullet and go up to Portland and pick up 84 east to 80 east. The regular highways running in an East / West direction have no choice but to cross thru heavily wooded and mountainous areas. Have driven many of them in an RV and a car and have seen more than 1 rv who didn't payattention and got themselves into some pretty difficult narrow terrain but that was always earlier in the year. Add weather to the altitude and you can easily find yourself in trouble. Go Portland and then east.

[Panhead]

No matter what route you take, they all can get pounded by a winter storm this time of year. Just take your time and if you stay on the major highways they usually get more attention for maint and snow clearing. If you should find black ice on your journey its time to park and wait it out, that is some nasty stuff and can add decades to your life in just a few hours. Living in Eugene you should know what I'm talking about.

Steve

[Seann45]

If you can stick to the interstates till you are out of snow country.. they keep them much cleaner than county roads. On any steep uphills remember you are not in a race to the top.. just stay in the right lane and turn on your 4 way flashers.

[muelldawg]

East out of Portland is the best route, as BassDog says.
We lived in Olympia, WA 30 years and I assure you that is the way through the Cascades.

[wwsmith111]

Check the weather!!! Going East out of Portland can be a nightmare going over Cabbage. Sometimes going South to CA is better. I would then cut through the woods past Shasta over to Reno on US-395 to I-80. It all depends on the weather.

[LLCRVING]

Circumstances beyond our control have made us reconsider going any route but south. What I am wondering, though, is if anyone has any experience with the 99 (out of Red Bluff) or 58 (out of Bakersfield). Looks like they are a decent timesaver but wanted to hear from you guys before confirming a schedule.

Thanks, all, for your input. I appreciate ya'll!

Luci

[Panhead]

99 south is good road but 5 would be quicker. 58 East out of Bakersfield is a major east/west route that is a good ride. You will climb the Tehachapi Mts but it is an easy pull. I drove that highway for years and much prefer it to driving through LA when going south to San Diego from home. You don't have to worry about snow on 58 because if the road becomes iffy the CHP closes it rather than allow travel with chains. With the current storms east of AZ I think you are going to have weather no matter which way you go. Good luck on your journey and be safe out there.


Steve