Driving Boise to Portland...Saturday Dec 22 (Pendleton, Baker City: live in, safe, best)

[doyn]

So out of financial need, we need to drive up from SLC to Seattle for Christmas. In order to avoid the passes in Washington, we decided to go from Boise to Portland and then north to Seattle.

I was curious if anyone has any suggestion or know whats going on along that highway right now. I have my cable chains already, though I need to practice getting them on, but I have them. Hopefully I won't have to use them. Mainly I have been hearing about Cabbage Hill into Pendleton, but it seems up and down with what I have heard outside of a 6% grade.

Anyone have anything to offer?

[DBNN]

Sorry, I can't help you out much more than this....http://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap...ns&curRegion=3.
I hope someone can offer you more help. Wishing you a safe fun trip!

[karlsch]

I live in Baker City which is along your route and sometimes drive to the Seattle area to visit my sister. The bad news is that it can get very slippery on I-84, as you can see here:
http://www.bakercityherald.com/news/...?story_no=5711

The good news is that the weather should be much better on Saturday. About a 40% chance of snow showers, which isn't too bad. Right now the road is clear.

Before you leave, check the link the previous poster provided.

Also, check Washington information for the troublesome pass here:
http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/

If the weather isn't bad in Washington, don't bother to go to Portland, especially if the conditions are bad in the Columbia river gorge.

If I remember, I'll post updated information tomorrow afternoon.

[doyn]

Thanks for this already. If anyone else has anything to offer I would appreciate it.

[karlsch]

There are snow advisories for I-84 in Oregon for Saturday, especially in the afternoon and evening. My guess is that it will be passable with careful driving.

Heavy snow in Washington passes Saturday. I wouldn't try it.

Rain only in Columbia River gorge.

Your original idea to go to Seattle via Portland is probably the best plan.