Driving to Portland in the winter (live, car, best)

[tpstf8]

I'll be driving from the Mid-West (St. Louis) to Portland sometime towards the end of December, and I was wondering if any one had any suggestions of a route to take. I know the timing is not ideal, but circumstances have forced me to plan my travels for this time of year. Does anyone have any experience driving across the mountainous West during the winter months? Any suggestins would be appreicated. And no, I do not have 4WD. Thanks

[stiffnecked]

You know they do plow these roads don't you? If you have a front wheel drive vehicle with good or new tires you'll do fine......

[Tesaje]

Probably slipping up to I80 from Denver or before would be your best bet. The CO rockies are beautiful but the weather and roads can range from fine to deadly and storms can come really fast. I80 can get chancy if there's a blizzard. If one is brewing, find a place to hole up until it blows over or you may find yourself on the road waiting it out. The WY section W of Cheyenne can get really windy and with snow, it can be a complete white-out, but it is the best route in winter. Then from Salt Lake, take I84 all the way to Portland. Make sure you have good tires and a set of chains. They could stop you and make you put on chains in some of the passes. Be sure you have warm clothes and a good blanket or winter sleeping bag just in case.

The biggest risks for snow are the plains, to SLC. Lesser chance after SLC because of the arid Great Basin. Watch out for icy roads when driving along the Columbia Gorge if a cold storm happens.

[tiffela74]

do NOT take "shortcuts" We've lost too many people that have tried to cut time off their trips and taken backroads they had no buisness being on. Its a tragedy easily avoided. Stay on the main roads please.

[Tesaje]

Awwww, some of the best trips I've taken have been just such adventures. But you do need to know your limits and what to do on the small roads that just might run out of pavement up in the mountains.

I don't recommend it for anyone who is asking what route to take. Stick to the freeways when you can.

[tpstf8]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the suggestions and advice. I think I'll be able to keep may adventurous spirit in check and stick to the freeways. Thanks for the concern.

[nancy thereader]

do NOT take "shortcuts" We've lost too many people that have tried to cut time off their trips and taken backroads they had no buisness being on. Its a tragedy easily avoided. Stay on the main roads please.

Yes, remember that tragic story about the lovely family last year? They took a "short cut" and got lost in a snowstorm and the poor Dad left his family in the car & went off to find his way out & died in a snowdrift. It is hard for those of us who live where there are so many people to remember that there are really isolated places in our country.