Driving conditions between Portland and Bend, in March (Warm Springs: rental, how much)

[Sunderpig2]

First of all, I apologize if this question has come up before. I did try scanning through past messages.

I was curious what driving might be like between Portland and Bend in the mid-March time frame. I.e. any possible hazardous conditions / areas. This would be for someone who is not familiar with driving in snow, and especially driving in snow over large elevation changes in the road.

Also, what might be a good rental vehicle type for this of drive, which might include some sightseeing around Bend (maybe into the hills or mountains?)

Thanks.

[hamellr]

You're still a little iffy at that point. A freak storm may close some of the more Southern passes, but 26 via Mt. Hood will be open no matter what. You're supposed to still carry tire chains until April, so you'll want to find out what the rental company may have.

Either way, the roads will be plowed and sanded. It'll be pavement with spots of ice at most, unless you go to one of the more Southern passes. They may or may not be closed depending on how much snow we get in the next two months.

[Deezus]

In the last few years, March has been a big snow month--in fact probably the biggest on Hood for the last couple years. That said, the thing about Highway 26 is that it climbs to about 4000 ft for a short distance near Government Camp and then drops down towards Warm Springs. If it's snowing the worst is probably for the 10 miles around the shoulder of Hood. But 26 is ussually pretty well plowed and sanded when there is snow on the road---they want to keep the tourist traffic going up to Hood. I usually prefer 26 over Santiam Pass which seems to stay up higher for a longer stretch, and seems a little slower unless it's a weekend rush to the ski areas on Hood.

Once you get on the eastside it's usually fine and dry on the way to Bend. All the same I'd check for conditions a few days in advance. I've had AWD (Subaru) for most of my time in Oregon so I've never had much problem driving over the Cascades. Just carry chains and be careful, especially if you don't have 4WD or AWD.

[Bendite]

You will not be able to get into some of the mountain areas around Bend that time of year, with or without Awd or FWD, so you should be fine just with FWD and carrying chains for the pass in case they are required. I do just fine all year in my Accord.

[Deezus]

Originally Posted by Bendite

You will not be able to get into some of the mountain areas around Bend that time of year, with or without Awd or FWD, so you should be fine just with FWD and carrying chains for the pass in case they are required. I do just fine all year in my Accord.

Are you talking about around the Cascade Lakes loop or Forest Service roads out in the Cascades towards the trailheads? Yeah, I thought the OP was more concerned with just getting to Bend--if they want to go out in the hills, I guess they could drive up towards Bachelor--don't know what else would really be doable around March, unless you're looking for a place to x-country ski or snowshoe.

[Sunderpig2]

Thanks for the information. This really helps and is appreciated.

Yes, the main concern is just travel between the two towns, on the major roads. Any additional venturing out a short distance from the main road (say 5 miles or less, to maybe see something interesting scenic-wise, especially around Bend) would be great, but more optional. It would be good to see things within about 10 miles around Bend, if possible.

No skiing or anything like that. Just interested in the scenery, though I guess there may be less options due to that time of the year, and the weather.

[Sunderpig2]

Using Google Maps, there isn't much difference between US-26/US-97 and I-5/OR-22/US-20 distance-wise. Same estimated time both ways, 162 miles versus 176 miles. Now I know that's just an automated calculator, with rough estimations and no accounting for scenery, amentities, etc. But the distance difference isn't significant to rule out the second route.

Would the second route maybe be a better strictly based on weather (less snow)? Or are there many other reasons that would make 26 so much better (scenery, traffic, less large cities, etc.) And maybe 26 might be more likely to be drier versus the Willamette Valley?

[hamellr]

For my money, the 26 route feels faster significantly. It's got passing lanes along a large portion of it.

OR-22 and US-20 are single lane roads for a good portion, so it's easy to get caught behind a truck or RV slowing you down under the speed limit significantly.

[Sunderpig2]

Thanks hamellr. That's exactly the type of information that I was looking for.

[delta07]

I definitely agree with hamellr. I've done both routes in the winter and the summer, and Hwy. 26 is always a bit faster. I think both routes are scenic, but I also find 26 to be a bit better in terms of winter driving.