We are RV newbees, recently retired, planning a trip South from Vancouver to Tucson in our "new" 36 ft Class A. We are concerned about driving conditions at this time of year. I realize nobody has a crystal ball but I would appreciate any advice. Would an alternative route such as 101 along the coast be an option?
Thanks, Bob and Dawne
Yes you can run into snow on I 5 in Oregon over the siskiyous, (spelling??). You can watch the weather and road condition reports and if you have extra time, you can wait out the storm and pick your time to continue. I personally don't drive my MH when chains are required, but even if chains are not required, you are required to at least carry them with you in Oregon. Does the highway paatrol check to see if you have chains? I don't know that answer. Yes Hwy 101 through Oregon and California is a viable option, although it will be a slower drive, but lots of camp spots along the way. If you take 101, I like to cross over on Hwy 20 at Ukiah, CA to Williams and catch I 5 again. Should not be any snow on Hwy 101, but maybe a lot of rain that time of year.
if the southern oregon passes and shasta are so icy, that they won't dry off by afternoon. the coast route would be a good choice.
less chance of a rock hitting your vehicle as well (lots of sand/rock on the pass that time of year).
taking the drain turnoff south of eugene or turn west at roseburg would get you to the coast without snow issues.
somewhere in the texas 'lost pines'
'08' Dodge mega limo-cab, 409, kelderman rear air ride, max brake controller.
'02' 34' Holiday Rambler TT, the Gypsy Wagon.
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bgillies wrote: We are RV newbees, recently retired, planning a trip South from Vancouver to Tucson in our "new" 36 ft Class A. We are concerned about driving conditions at this time of year. I realize nobody has a crystal ball but I would appreciate any advice. Would an alternative route such as 101 along the coast be an option?
Thanks, Bob and Dawne
you are fine to go I5 through seattle and I90 to yakima and then 84 to pendelton and then through to Twin Falls Id and 93 south to vegas and then south to tuscon.weather should be fine.Most U Might see is lite wet flurrys ( i doubt it but possible)
nothing to worry about at all mid October
othertonka wrote: Yes you can run into snow on I 5 in Oregon over the siskiyous, (spelling??). You can watch the weather and road condition reports and if you have extra time, you can wait out the storm and pick your time to continue. I personally don't drive my MH when chains are required, but even if chains are not required, you are required to at least carry them with you in Oregon. Does the highway paatrol check to see if you have chains? I don't know that answer. Yes Hwy 101 through Oregon and California is a viable option, although it will be a slower drive, but lots of camp spots along the way. If you take 101, I like to cross over on Hwy 20 at Ukiah, CA to Williams and catch I 5 again. Should not be any snow on Hwy 101, but maybe a lot of rain that time of year.
Note:
thats not the way I would go to tucson from vancouver
although the chances of snow that way are slim to none as far as being dangerous or a hinderince
Hwy 101 is a really nice drive if you are not in a big hurry. We have taken this route south from Victoria B.C. the last two winters and have enjoyed it very much.
We take the Drain exit, just south of Eugene, and try to spend a night in Reedsport (one of our favorites), lots of nice campsites on this route. Like othertonka, we like to come back to I-5 at Williams, taking Hwy 20 through Clear Lake. Nice relaxing drive, not much in the way of traffic that time of year, but it can be windy and wet, so take your time.
We will be going that route again this year if there is any call for snow in the Siskiyous.
Cheers,
Grant
bgillies wrote: We are RV newbees, recently retired, planning a trip South from Vancouver to Tucson in our "new" 36 ft Class A. We are concerned about driving conditions at this time of year. I realize nobody has a crystal ball but I would appreciate any advice. Would an alternative route such as 101 along the coast be an option?
Thanks, Bob and Dawne
Just go the way i said.Nice drive, weather will be fine stay in jackpot NV at the cactus petes RV and casino.Its also the shortest way to go.101 is extremly whindy and Narrow and wet and slow etc etc
Been doing that run for the last 9 years in December leaving from southern Oregon. We have never had to go via 101, although some of my friends have. The 101 from southern Oregon into northern California is subject to landslides, road subsidence, falling trees, flooding etc. These occur when it rains a lot (Oregon winter it always rains a lot). We have went south via I 5 and only once got caught in snow conditions on the road just at the Oregon border and near Mount Shasta. We however have almost always encounted rain. Timing is critical with the weather so my recommendation is do a planned I 5 route considering projected storm fronts, cold weather or moderate. We usually go from Shasta over to Susanville California and then down through Nevada to Arizona. Much nicer road, weather, and traffic. Almost always a day or two delaying or hurrying along will fit you in with projected weather hazards. Have fun. See you in Az
Really depends on the weather when you travel. Mt Shasta can have snow and require chains. The Grapevine into Los Angeles often storms over and you will require chains or escorts. If your not in a rush it is not a problem and the road gets cleared in a day or two and the CHP escorts you and many others over the passes. The 101 is always an option, if there is not a major storm over the coast. Again, if your not in a hurry you can make your decision on the fly. I'm not an expert on the Northern routes, but once you reach central California you can cross over to the 101 at Nacieamento and continue on the coast. Or you can rest a few days around Bakersfield until the mountains clear.
Then again, the weather in December can be fantasic and you can travel a clear and sunny road the whole way. We often celebrate a "t-shirt" Holiday Season.
Again, if your not in a hurry there are many options and it should be a lovely trip. If your on a tight schedule...bummer.
Happy Trails
If you decide to take Hwy 101, which I would, I wouldn't take Hwy 20 to cross over to I-5, simply because I hate I-5 and try to stay off of it whenever possible. I would suggest the following route:
Hwy 101 South to Petaluma to
Hwy 116 East to
Lakeville Hwy South to
Hwy 37 East (near Marine World) to
I-80 South (near Vallejo) to
I-780 South (near Benicia) East to
I-680 South (San Jose) to
Hwy 101 South (Paso Robles) to
Hwy 46 South East (Lost Hills) to
I-5 South
Once you get close to LA you'll have a number of route choices available to you to get over to I-10 to get to Tucson. I have a favorite route that gets me off of I-5 near Lebec (I like to fuel at PFJ, Frazier Park), but it would be a little involved to post here unless you decide you want to go that way.
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