Traveling to my new home (Portland, Eugene: relocating, job, moving to)

[mikemorrow]

In around a month I will be moving to Coos Bay from Iowa. I know about the southern route (80 to SF and up) and the northern route(84 to Portland and down). Can anybody tell me any thing about going hwy 20 to Bend then hitting 242 to Eugene. I have an older car and dont want to test its little engine to much. Hwy 20 looks to be ok, but I wonder about the ride from Bend to Eugene.

[Nell Plotts]

You will be going over a mountain pass between these communities but you will be traversing worse before you arrive in Oregon. Only you know if that would put undue stress on your vehicle.

[haggardhouseelf]

I agree with Nell... and will only add that we have a neighbor who is 80 years old who drives an old Buick. She drives from Eugene to Boise Idaho several times a year by herself - even during winter! - and she said she has never had any problems. She takes the hwy 20 route. She stops in Bend half-way and has a nice lunch.

Happy Driving! And Welcome to Oregon!

[mikemorrow]

That's great news
I was worried that it was going to be one of those 100 mile drives that would take 5 hrs.

[Nell Plotts]

Google maps has a cool tool where you can drag the blue line route they suggest around and see the time and mileage change.

There are some routes where you may want to take 5 hours to travel 100 miles just to explore what you are seeing - if you go up the coast from SFO visit a winery, take a walk on the beach, see the Redwoods.

[seashelly]

Originally Posted by mikemorrow

That's great news
I was worried that it was going to be one of those 100 mile drives that would take 5 hrs.

LOL, actually....on a Sunday afternoon during tourist season, bumper-to-bumper, it can definately seem like 5 hours. Enjoy your adventure over. Have a safe trip and see you over on this side.

[J&Lst]

Hi Mike,
Where in Iowa are you from? I'm in Iowa and am also considering relocating to the Oregon coast. Fun winter we had, huh? I'm considering Coos Bay too among other places.

[mikemorrow]

Originally Posted by J&Lst

Hi Mike,
Where in Iowa are you from? I'm in Iowa and am also considering relocating to the Oregon coast. Fun winter we had, huh? I'm considering Coos Bay too among other places.

Belle Plaine. I want to be on the coast. Though Coos Bay is not my #1 destination, it is the largest city and the best shot at getting a job. The town I would like to settle in is Winchesterbay, 23 miles to the north. Ya, the winter was just great! I bet you can't wait for the hot sticky summer to hit. Have you been out to Oregon?

[J&Lst]

I'm from Cedar Rapids. Been to Oregon a few times. Always stayed in Yachats. I was thinking of Coos Bay for the same reasons you were (biggest town on the coast), but wasn't sure I'd like living there. I'm also looking at Bandon. It's close to CB so one could work there and live in Bandon.

[mikemorrow]

Originally Posted by J&Lst

I'm from Cedar Rapids. Been to Oregon a few times. Always stayed in Yachats. I was thinking of Coos Bay for the same reasons you were (biggest town on the coast), but wasn't sure I'd like living there. I'm also looking at Bandon. It's close to CB so one could work there and live in Bandon.

Small world, Washington HS 76.
I figure that my main goal is just to get there. Finding the perfect place for me my take a year or two. CB is sure to be better than BP or 90% of Ia.