Kahneeta in March? Chains? (Portland, Warm Springs: rental, to buy, car)

[oldtintype]

We won a certificate to Kahneeta that expires at the end of March so I've made a reservation for that time period. I've never driven the route between Portland/Kahneeta--how likely will I need chains? Obviously it depends on the weather but I imagine I'll need to at least carry them? What's the drive like? I've driven to Mt Hood but not beyond.

[Nell Plotts]

The drive is easy, rarely do you need chains. You could buy chains at Les Schwab and return them after the trip if you don't need them.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

March is hit or miss. You could have clear roads or you could have sheets of ice.

The road is well maintained, plowed and gritted. Once you get over the pass, the road is very likely to be dry and clear.

Use your cruise control. You hit Central Oregon and the road is straight and level and you can see forever. It's very tempting to speed and not unknown for a policeman to be sitting around waiting for you.

I always expect sun in March, but no guarantees.

If you have any interest in history, the Museum at Warm Springs is worth a visit. It doesn't take long. The Warm Springs people have gathered all the remnants of their culture and there is not much left that wasn't destroyed by the invaders.

[wanderbygrace]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

The drive is easy, rarely do you need chains. You could buy chains at Les Schwab and return them after the trip if you don't need them.

FYI that Les Schwab policy is to accept chains only after studded tire season ends in Oregon, not after this particular trip.

[oldtintype]

I guess I'll play it by ear and see what the weather is like. Hope it's good, because I'm actually renting a car and don't want to buy chains for it.

[hamellr]

I believe it's mandatory that you carry chains with you though over Mt. Hood.

[scottinpdx]

Also before you leave you can check out tripcheck.com for road conditions.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

If you are renting, be sure that the car can use chains. There are some models of car that you can not put chains on.

[oldtintype]

I'm getting a generic compact so usually a Hyundai or Ford Focus--that kind of thing.

[Metlakatla]

Some rental companies don't allow the use of chains on their vehicles, and others actually supply them. I'd suggest checking with your company.