trip out west

markandrhonda · 06-22-2018, 10:00 AM

Making trip from Louisville KY to Astoria OR.,,,any help with the best route to make the most of the trip is appreciated ,, Thank You

**norty1** · 06-22-2018, 07:40 PM

When are you leaving? Leisurely or in a hurry?

Neo1130 · 06-22-2018, 08:42 PM

I myself would take I-40 through OKC and then to Arizona to do the Grand Canyon... From there to Vegas... Vegas to Yosemite... Yosemite to Redwood Forest... Redwood to Oregon Coast via 101....

markandrhonda · 06-23-2018, 10:35 AM

leaving late September moderately hurried but not 10 hour a day driving

markandrhonda · 06-23-2018, 10:36 AM

Thanks I was looking at that route but may be a bit long

vcbice · 06-25-2018, 08:43 PM

It does depend on how much time you have and what you are interested in. There are a ton of national parks and other scenic areas out there. Just as many scenic drives. Then there are tourist type attractions in different areas. I knew people who would have hated seeing something like the Grand Canyon, but, they would drive hours to see a certain race track or auto museum. Some liked battlefields, Civil Way, Indian Wars, etc. Some would search out a 'famous' section of river or stream to cast a fly. Then there is the opportunity to follow portions of the Pony Express route, the first transcontinental rail line, the Oregon Trail, etc, etc.

And, if you look at an interstate map going directly west or slightly north west is not very easy on the interstate system. Use of the US highways and some state highways will look more direct, but, may also mean longer travel times.

When I plan a trip like yours I first determine if I want to stop anywhere along the way. Pick what places you want to see and make your route to fit those.

jimp · 06-26-2018, 05:32 AM

I suggest Mt Rushmore/Badlands/ and that general area. Just returned from a 3700 mile trip out to the SD area with lots of 2 lane road sight seeing and visiting several NP's, etc., We did not take the TT with us as we did not want to tow it that far.

GHen · 06-27-2018, 02:46 PM

At the Nd of your trip Stay away from Portland rush hours if you can. It’s a real mess and could add an hour or more to your final leg.

mtdawg · 06-28-2018, 07:42 PM

I would include a visit to Crater Lake if you have the time. It is truly an amazing place.

Jim

LuckyDuck · 06-28-2018, 08:29 PM

Depending on where, or if, you cut across California, I’d recommend a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park. One of the Nat. Park system’s best-kept secrets Gorgeous in fall.

Tunce the traveler · 06-28-2018, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyDuck

Depending on where, or if, you cut across California, I’d recommend a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park. One of the Nat. Park system’s best-kept secrets Gorgeous in fall.

X2

ttavasc · 06-28-2018, 11:03 PM

About 2 1/2 hours north of Lassen is Lava Beds National Monument. There is only 1 campground I believe and it's first come-first serve but we enjoyed a trip through there a few years ago. Crater Lake is about 2 1/2 hours north of Lava Beds as well and always worth a visit if you can make it.

LuckyDuck · 06-28-2018, 11:30 PM

And in between, you can view beautiful Mount Shasta!

thirdktm · 07-03-2018, 04:05 PM

Open your atlas and find U.S. 64 and U.S. 60........See America.........

Murff · 07-03-2018, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdktm

Open your atlas and find U.S. 64 and U.S. 60........See America.........

I agree, see America but be aware that the old U.S. highway system crossing the Rockies could have grades of more than 6%, unlike the interstates.

Murff

thirdktm · 07-03-2018, 05:56 PM

We much prefer the back roads, the small towns. Planning ahead is important, and days of fewer than 300 miles are common........But we prepare for that and love it..............
Yes, there are steep grades in the mountains of the West. And it's the mountains of the West that attract us.............Just pull into the right lane and enjoy..........

phillovelady · 07-07-2018, 01:25 PM

Just returned from Astoria, Oregon. - a great destination where the Columbia meets the Pacific. From 1-5 recommend Highway 4 in Washington, north side of Columbia, instead of Oregon 30 on south side. Both are good roads over mountains but 4 does not have as many long hills. Be sure to visit the Coast Guard Museum in Astoria - very well done. And I agree about Portland, hard driving at any time, impossible at rush hour, especially if pulling a trailer. I-84 east and west through Oregon is fast, but get off the freeway and take Scenic 30 to enjoy the Columbia Valley - beautiful. Highway 101 through California Redwoods is also a good road, but recommend parallel scenic route of 'Avenue of the Giants' to drive through amazing trees - also a good road with opportunities to return to 101 if you want. I live in So Ca. If on a fast trip, my advice is to stay north of San Francisco to experience the natural beauty of California. Of course, exceptions are Yosemite, Lassen and Sequoia National Parks.

Phil Saran · 07-07-2018, 04:22 PM

We just returned from a 4000 mile 2-1/2 week car trip to Vancouver and
Seattle WA. We did not have our 5th wheel yet so it was a car trip/hotels.

Traveling with 3 adults and a 9 yr old and a 3-1/2 yr old we tried to keep
our daily miles to under 400 max where possible.

We left Denver and went to Salt Lake City to visit family then to Boise ID
and followed 84 to the Columbia River and on to Vancouver WA. While staying in Vancouver we took a day drive to Astoria OR and a hour plus drive to Cannon Beach. Keep in mind it is a 2 hour drive from Vancouver WA to Astoria Or.

From Vancouver we went to Seattle for 3 nights to sight see and visit family and then down to Cour de lain ID for the weekend to also visit family. From there we took I-90 east to head home (road construction must of the way).

On the way home we did not have the other 3 family members and did 550+ days of driving to split the miles into 2 days.

Bearclaw68 · 07-07-2018, 04:35 PM

I would get on 90 West as soon as possible. All the way to Washington, then head south on 97 thru crater lake or all the way to the coast and come down to Astoria. Coast drive is as good as it gets.

Forelyndogs · 07-07-2018, 05:32 PM

The distances in the west are much greater than in the east. If you choose a scenic route, that is bypass some or all interstates, you can be a long way between service stations and campgrounds. Not wanting to scare you, just want you to be aware that traveling across the west is not like the east. For example, let's suppose you're driving across Kansas and you see mountains in the distance. Those are the Rockies and they are still hundreds of miles from where you first spot them in Kansas. Imagine being a pioneer in a covered wagon facing that. The engine on that covered wagon wasn't going to go 60-65 mph and the a/c sucked.

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