Driving across the state...4WD? (Seattle, Spokane: to rent, live, law)

[Mark416]

Hi all,
I'll be making a road trip next week starting in Spokane and heading west to Leavenworth for a day, then continuing west to Forks, driving down the coast to Cannon Beach, and then back east to Mt Hood and concluding back in Spokane. I've never driven through snow before so I'm wondering if I'll need to rent a 4WD and get some chains or if I'll be okay without them. Also would it be better to take Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie Pass to get from Leavenworth to Forks? I see that the Stevens Pass route would require a ride on the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry. Is that a smooth experience or do I need to plan to wait in a long line? Thanks in advance!

[jlud]

Maybe look at WSDOT app....it gives pass information, restrictions, and requirements. You can typically get by just fine without AWD or chains unless in middle of storm but check app and weather to be sure. I drove across a week back and clear as can be on 90 but I see heavy snow and ice and current restrictions. The app includes cameras as well to show road conditions.

I’ll let someone else chime in on that ferry but I avoid those just because if not familiar with some of them the lines can get crazy at times with all the local streets full of people waiting and I can’t even figure out where to get in line sometimes lol. I like the easy terminals with plenty of room and parking where I drive into my reservation lane.

[Hemlock140]

Chains were required this morning over the pass on I90, with heavy snow and strong wind. Right now Snoqualmie pass has no restrictions, bare and wet. Stevens Pass has Traction Tires Advised, Oversize Vehicles Prohibited with compact snow and ice on the roadway. State law prevents the use of studded snow tires after March 31, but we do get snow in April. You should be prepared, either rent a 4WD or carry chains, but hope not to need them. Stevens Pass will save you some time over Snoqualmie since you are going farther north to Forks. This time of year, and with Covid, the ferries have not been very busy, but depending on your arrival time you could still have to wait up to 50 minutes if it just left. Right now Snoqualmie pass has no restrictions, bare and wet. Stevens Pass has Traction Tires Advised, Oversize Vehicles Prohibited with compact snow and ice on the roadway.

Save this link for traffic/road conditions:

https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/default.aspx


Save this link and you can check wait time while on the way there.

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ves...ail.aspx#term8

[Diana Holbrook]

Ordinarily I'd say it would be unusual for you to hit serious snow from here on out on the passes, but we're having a late storm right now. Probably* the last one for the summer.



*knock on wood

[pnwguy2]

The only winter weather you may experience from now till October would be a short section from Easton to about five miles west of the pass. April can bring snow but normally only above about 2500 feet. You should be good.

[flyingsaucermom]

I really think you will be fine, especially if you have any flexibility in your schedule. Saturday was lovely and I drove from Seattle to Spokane for a game. Pass was a breeze. Was planning to spend the night and return the next afternoon but another parent warned me of significant snow on the pass scheduled for Sunday so we did a round trip in 16 hours. So glad I heeded the advice! Yesterday was straight out of January’s playbook.

But we really are at the end of that kind of mess. And just like yesterday anything we get now is going to be short lived.