Robert E. Johnson
Del City
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Joined: 08/19/2008
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Planning a trip north on Interstate 5 from near San Diego to Vancouver, BC this coming January (2009) w/ return trip late February. We'll be traveling in a 24' C-class w/ toad. This appears to be, w/ regards to weather, the least troublesome route north during this time of year. Anyone with knowledge of this route during Jan/Feb (good and/or bad), I'd appreciate any information you can provide. Thanks.
Wow! Appreciate the responses! We've been up 101 a few times, but never in winter. Assumed I-5 would be better, but maybe not. If I go 101, looks like best crossover would be at Aberdeen, WA to Olympia. Anyone have info on that stretch of road that time of year? Thanks again.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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I5 in Most of California will be fine that time of year. maybe wet and raining. Now the problems start after you leave Redding. From there on to Vancouver you can and will encounter rain, sleet, snow, freezing rain, wet roads, dry roads, rain covered roads and ice/snow covered roads. Have I covered just about all of it? Redding north you will be in the mountains and the road conditions and weather can change from mile to mile. You will need tire chains, drag chains for the toad and be prepared to spend a night or so sitting in your MH if the weather turns really ugly. If you are concerned about weather conditions US101 which runs along the coast is generally a better drive. Yes, you will get rain and wind, but the likely hood of snow is less. Driving in the mountain regions of Oregon/Washington is no fun and not for the faint of heart unless you have done it. It is also not the best time to drive a MH or any Recreational vehicle again unless you are prepared for the worst of conditions.
Donn
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Scrib
Maplewood
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Joined: 05/31/2007
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We have never had to chain-up, over Christmas/New Years - although it was real close last year (just beat a big storm by a day). You are going to have to be prepared for anything, from Redding to Roseburg. Two years ago we crested the Siskiyou summit on August 30th and it was sleeting.
good luck!
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Ram4Sam
So Cal
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I used to make a So Cal to Sacramento run 6 times a year. I5 from the bottom of the grapevine to Sacramento is a racetrack. I would use the hwy 99 for that section of the trip, a lot less stress. The big rigs and the knuckleheads are flying along that stretch on road. The 99 route is about the same miles, more scenic and your chances of getting run over are way less.
Sam
2001 Dodge QC2500 coal burner, 6spd,BD brake,other stuff!
Chipped, K&N'd, and loving it, see you at the top!
2008 Thor Jazz 2870UK 5er
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mockturtle
Northwest
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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You can get lucky, but be prepared for snow/ice from northern CA through southern OR. We've run into light snow there as late as April. If you can hole up somewhere to wait it out you might be better off. If you're under a time crunch, you should have chains.
I agree with Donn that 101 can provide a viable alternative (although it's not immune to ice) but be careful where you cut over from I-5.
Husband: Derek
Dog: Bucky
RV: 2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
TV: 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
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tomlang
Los Angeles area
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And the Grapevine section out of Los Angeles often has snow closures that time of year.
Last year we went from L.A. to north of Tahoe and took the 101 to the Bay Area (both directions) in order to avoid the weather (high winds, rain, chance of show)
I don't even want to own chains for the motorhome.
Tom and Lynne
Tom is an Electronics Engineer, Lynne a retired teacher.
old rig is a 1988 Winnebago Superchief, just back from being on tour with the Blue Turtle Seduction (band)
new (our dream rig) is a 2003 Foretravel 38' U295
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Islandman
NW Washington
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Donn stated the conditions quite well. In northwestern WA you may encounter snow and/icy conditions on your way to Vancouver, but less chance of it than you have in the Siskyou (sp?) country of southern OR. As others have stated, just be prepared to hole up for a day or two if weather turns bad, also carry tire chains as required. Think that I'd travel US 101 to increase chances of avoiding cold and snow conditions, lots of nice SP's to spend the night at.
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bdpreece
Woodburn Oregon
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Carry chains or be prepared to lay over. You may not need them but during posted times you can be ticketed for not having chains and it isn't a cheap ticket.
Brian & Loretta
Chance (Golden Retriever)
2004 National Tropi-Cal T396
2005 Suzuki XL-7 toad
We moved!! No more nasty neighbors, no more rotten parking. I am saving this picture just to remind myself how bad it was.
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frmAloha
Oregon
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Have traveled I-5 many winters and faced treacherous ice and snow on roadway only twice. Once in Weed, Ca at night and once going over the grapevine out of LA also in the evening. Just watch the weather predictions, and if a storm comes in, hole up for a while. It won't be long. Since it's the major route north and south, the roads are cleared quickly. But if the truckers stop, be sure you do, too. The coastal route avoids most of the mountains, but is often very icy, and you have to be careful where you cross back over.
the 3Dees
Dad, Daughter and Dog
All retired w/
2000 31' SurfSide Class A
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chucknmare
Tacoma, Washington
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101 gets my vote for that time of year. There are I think 7 different places going thru the Siskus (spelling is bad) that you have a possibility of needing chains. Have been both ways several times and find that what little distance you might save on I5 is not worth the pain. Last trip down I5 had to deal with lots of fog and rain. Have a safe and fun trip.
Chuck
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