I could use some advice from all of you Snowbirds out there. My husband and I are going to San Diego and Seattle from Texas for the holidays. The plan is to go to San Diego via I-10, and I-8, then head up the coast to the Columbia River and up I-5 for Washington. The problem is coming home. We've only had the RV since September, it's a 28' Bounder Class A and I really don't wan't to take it over any dicey mountain passes. I also don't want to return the way I came. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with I-93? I'm thinking of taking I-84 east/southeast to Boise and then taking I-93 down to Vegas before hooking up with I-10 to get home. Has anyone driven this route before? In January? I'm new to the forum and could really use your advice.
Thanks,
TED
bjoyce said
08:23 PM Nov 2, 2006
I would not take anything north of I-40 east over the mountains in January. April through September would be fine. Once you go east over the Cascades (Washington to Northern CA) or Sierras (Central CA) the weather gets more extreme in the winter. You have to be south far enough to have milder weather and that is Arizona.
I-5 in southern Oregon is also a mountain pass and the same restrictions apply.
We are from the Seattle area and winter is not the time to go there.
Joan On The Road said
11:16 PM Nov 3, 2006
Personally I wouldn't drive Idaho, Montana areas in the winter in the MH. Unless you have lots of flexibility in your schedule and can watch the weather really close. However, we've driven the 93 through Idaho and Montana to Missoula. The worst part is near the Idaho, MT border where you hit some tough mountain passes. It is a lovely drive. In the summer you need to be aware of major construction.
I'd get a copy of the Mountain Directory available online or at Camping World. It lists mountain passes and grades so you can be aware of what you are getting into and make your choice.
Whatever you do....best of luck and enjoy!
tellio61 said
08:31 AM Nov 5, 2006
Thanks for the advice.
My husband and I are from Seattle as well and I wouldn't recommend that anyone head up there anytime except July through October. Unfortunately, that's where the family still is and Christmas is in December (do you think the Northern transplants can lobby to get the date changed?) Anyway, looks like I-5 it is. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
tellio61 said
08:36 AM Nov 5, 2006
Joan,
Thanks for the information on the mountain passes guide, I was looking for something that would help me locate that information. I'm glad to here that the drive is a nice one, I'm interested in driving it and possibly higway 50 as well. I guess it will have to be some other time than around the holidays though. We do have enough time to watch the weather and plan our trip home accordingly so I guess we'll wait for an opening and scoot over Mt. Shasta on I-5. This year is shaping up to be an El Nino year so maybe I'll get lucky.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer my post.
Hi,
I could use some advice from all of you Snowbirds out there. My husband and I are going to San Diego and Seattle from Texas for the holidays. The plan is to go to San Diego via I-10, and I-8, then head up the coast to the Columbia River and up I-5 for Washington. The problem is coming home. We've only had the RV since September, it's a 28' Bounder Class A and I really don't wan't to take it over any dicey mountain passes. I also don't want to return the way I came. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with I-93? I'm thinking of taking I-84 east/southeast to Boise and then taking I-93 down to Vegas before hooking up with I-10 to get home. Has anyone driven this route before? In January? I'm new to the forum and could really use your advice.
Thanks,
TED
I would not take anything north of I-40 east over the mountains in January. April through September would be fine. Once you go east over the Cascades (Washington to Northern CA) or Sierras (Central CA) the weather gets more extreme in the winter. You have to be south far enough to have milder weather and that is Arizona.
I-5 in southern Oregon is also a mountain pass and the same restrictions apply.
We are from the Seattle area and winter is not the time to go there.
Personally I wouldn't drive Idaho, Montana areas in the winter in the MH. Unless you have lots of flexibility in your schedule and can watch the weather really close. However, we've driven the 93 through Idaho and Montana to Missoula. The worst part is near the Idaho, MT border where you hit some tough mountain passes. It is a lovely drive. In the summer you need to be aware of major construction.
I'd get a copy of the Mountain Directory available online or at Camping World. It lists mountain passes and grades so you can be aware of what you are getting into and make your choice.
Whatever you do....best of luck and enjoy!
Thanks for the advice.
My husband and I are from Seattle as well and I wouldn't recommend that anyone head up there anytime except July through October. Unfortunately, that's where the family still is and Christmas is in December (do you think the Northern transplants can lobby to get the date changed?) Anyway, looks like I-5 it is. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
Joan,
Thanks for the information on the mountain passes guide, I was looking for something that would help me locate that information. I'm glad to here that the drive is a nice one, I'm interested in driving it and possibly higway 50 as well. I guess it will have to be some other time than around the holidays though. We do have enough time to watch the weather and plan our trip home accordingly so I guess we'll wait for an opening and scoot over Mt. Shasta on I-5. This year is shaping up to be an El Nino year so maybe I'll get lucky.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer my post.
Tamara