X-country drive help

[mnhermit]

I'm going to be driving across country in late Dec. or early Jan. In the past I've always taken the northern route (I94/I90 through N. Dak/MT), however due to probable weather I'd like to take a route that didn't have so many mountain passes. My understanding is that I80 is a flatter route in that it uses South Pass in Wyoming to get across the Rockies - is this the case?

I'd then take the interstate from Salt Lake City to Portland.

I'm really just trying to remove the need to buy chains for this trip, if I have to I have to, but I'm hoping not to. The difference is about 800 mi. and another day and a half, but I can live with that if I by-pass passes.

Any suggestions/knowledge about this route would be appreciated. Thanks.

[millring]

I would sail the northwest passage.

[Deleted]

Hermit: 80 is most definately flatter than 90, and the passes will not be nearly as high, for the most part. On the other hand, it's flat, windy, and just as cold, so you may well see some drifts, and have limited visability if it gets nasty.

The real deal, as you know, is there's just no damn guarantees driving that time of year, regardless of the particular route. Most years, really, there's no need for chains on I-90. It's been more years than I can remember that I've pondered chains, even on the really scary passes, like homesteak. And, I do a lot of driving. But, having said that, I may have jinxed my own advice, so don't construe this as a guarantee. But, they do a great job clearing I-90, at least in MT and WA.

I guess, were I you, I'd probably lean toward I-90, just because it may be slightly more direct to Portland, and you'll endure less of Wyoming. Or, maybe it's just because i know the route better than I-80. Either way, good luck, and if you do opt for I-90, it'd be cool to meet when you pass through the horrible, unsightly backwater of Missoula.

[millring]

Did I already use my "northwest passage" line?

[RickW]

Unfortunately, John, it's still a bit icy there this time of year. But then I guess that would make it possible to drive it. Chains would be a good idea.

[mnhermit]

Thanks dharma! I'm pretty familiar with the I90/I94 route and usually enjoy it, since I normally take it during good weather. But I do notice all the chain up areas along the way, and with my record of driving in snow/blizzard conditions...I should probably try to avoid as much as possible stormy weather. But I think you've convinced me that the key will be the three day forecast, rather than the route.

In the past I've been going through Missoula (which I find one of the prettier cities in Montana) between 5 and 8 in the morning, depending on how I've managed to sleep. I may be taking a little longer on this trip since I probably wont use cruise control after dark, which will mean I'll have to stop more frequently. I'll try to post when I leave, maybe we could meet for bref'fus somewhere.

As passes go, I find I really don't like Lookout, but it is 4 lane and usually ok, except that it drops into Idaho rather abruptly and it's pretty nasty there. It's been years since I've been over Snoqualamie and I'm not looking forward to that or the drive through Seattle, but...it's the time of the year and there's only one way across the mountains that's reliably clear. Oh well.

It's going to be an adventure.

[Doug]

If you drop down and come across on I-10 you won't need chains.

[sidheguitarmichael]

What dharma said. The thing about the passes on I90 is that everyone expects snow, so they keep up with the maintenance. The devil you know, and all that.

Plus, if you pass through Missoula between 5-8, that puts you in Spokane between 8 and 11, and some kind forumite might be persuaded to take you to a quick brunch...

[dradtke]

Breakfast, brunch...you're gonna gain five pounds just on the drive out -- and that doesn't count the bag of cheezies on the front seat.

[mnhermit]

Hey sidhe' you've driven that before haven't you. :-) Sounds like I have a couple of rest breaks lined up, if I take the Northern Route (as opposed to the NW passage, which according to all the greenies is watery and killing polar bears which seems like a fairly risky option even with chains)