Commuting from Tillamook into Hillsboro/Beaverton areas (Portland, Oceanside: buy, construction)

[ZhugeLiang]

I'd like to get some feedback on the commute to and from these areas. Due to getting an advantageous housing arrangement, my next move looks to be to Tillamook where I would commute to "civilization."

I'm quite aware of the length and with some legwork Google-style, I came across TCTD-Tillamook County Transportation District. How reliable is it? If I could avoid doing long drives, I'd prefer it, especially when the weather starts getting nasty so this appears on paper to be a desirable solution to getting from points A-B.

[manzanite]

I work for a company in the Beaverton area and split my week between living in North Tillamook County working from home, and living in Portland and working at the office. So I end up going out to the the Coast and back once a week. If you will be living in Tillamook proper, you will most like use Highway 6 to commute. To be safe, give yourself 2 hours to get from downtown Tillamook to downtown Beaverton via Highway 6. If all goes right it's less than 90min but it seem like there's always a slow logging truck, RV, or construction somewhere along the way.

The Tillamook bus is a great way to go. You can relax, read, work, enjoy the scenery instead of having to deal with driving. Plus, you'd be hard pressed to drive one way for less than $7.50 in gas. Buy your $15.00 roundtrip ticket from the driver when you get on the bus and be sure to have correct change. Then sit back and enjoy the ride to 185th/Tanasbourne where you can pick up local TriMet buses or on to Sunset Transit Center where you can get buses/MAX.

The Tillamook bus is pretty reliable. It usually leaves/arrives within 15 minutes of the schedule times, often arriving early. I use it in the winter when I don't want to deal with driving through the Coast Range. Unless the highways are closed, the bus is normally running. Even when Highway 6 is closed, they will often just detour to Highway 26. If there is snow or a detour, then you need to allow extra time for the trip, but you should still get there.

The first bus arrives in Beaverton around 10AM and the last bus leaves for Tillamook around 3PM. My work hours are pretty flexible so this works for me, if you have a more traditional 9-5 job it might not work so well.

Oh, and if you would like to get off the bus route other than at the scheduled stops, they can often accomodate you if you call the dispatch office at least a day in advance.

Good Luck, maybe I'll see you on the bus someday!

[fearnofish]

The winter commute over the 6 would be hell. Live closer to work.

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by fearnofish

The winter commute over the 6 would be hell. Live closer to work.

Couldn't say it any better. Even if the housing in Tillamook was being 'given' away it still wouldn't be worth a daily commute into Beaverton.

H

[Smiled]

Yeah. Hwy. 6 gets icy every winter. I wouldn't do it.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by fearnofish

The winter commute over the 6 would be hell. Live closer to work.

+1. Hwy 6 in the winter is one of the most dangerous highways in the state.

[knittie]

Yes. As a young couple, we lived in Oceanside, OR (right by Tillamook) for six years. Hwy 6 is VERY DANGEROUS. My hubby did that commute several times a week to Portland Adventist Hospital. He says after all these years of travelling and working around the country, that that particular stretch between Hillsboro/Beaverton and Tillamook is the WORST as far as danger - by far - that we have ever driven. Icy (very) during winter, no lighting hardly at all, dropoffs off into ocean cliffs, etc. Many times we remember the State patrols on radio telling everyone the road was clear and fine - and it WAS NOT. Tillamook and North County have had cheap housing for many years. Commuting for residents to Beaverton/Hillsboro never has really caught on for a darn good reason.