Knowlegable Oregonians

[Zev0]

I am planning to drive from Phoenix up to Ocean Park WA around the first of December. I will be driving an approx 16ft Budget Truck. I have have no problems getting through CA but have a little concern going through Oregon at that time on the year. I plan on driving up Interstate 5. I guess my major concern would be Grants Pass at that time of the year. Anyone know the area and the weather there? Just not wanting to encounter tons of snow.

 

[stude13]

hi; be sure to get some chains and maybe fit one on a tire in nice dry weather so its easier if you need it. last year many of the passes were closed for short periods.

 

[TwoWalks]

hi; be sure to get some chains and maybe fit one on a tire in nice dry weather so its easier if you need it. last year many of the passes were closed for short periods.

I agree. I am from the Medford/Grants Pass area. In December you could hit snow on the siskyous and on the grade north of Grants Pass. Be Prepared.

 

[Alaskavan]

So, are you movimg up there? You'll love it. Great place to ride, and there's some pretty cool people there.

 

[Pablo]

Grants Pass really isn't a pass (Trust me I used to live there)

The real problem if conditions are wrong will be the Siskiyou summit at ~4300 feet, which is some miles before Grants Pass. After that it should not be so bad - sure there are some hills before and in Roseburg, but heck it could snow in Portland as well.

If I was to be betting, I would think you would be OK Dec 1. But just be super prepared, with chains and everything. Then you will never need them!

Good luck.

 

[JE]

Zevo.If you need a place to take a break I live two Minutes off the I-5 freeway in Woodburn oregon.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Zevo, I don't live there anymore, but I've driven I5 through the PNW in every sort of weather. As others have said, the Siskiyou Summit is the most likely place to encounter problems, but the Klamath River gorge can be pretty hairy in icing conditions. Worst problem I ever dealt with on I5 in southern Oregon was at Happy Valley. Coming south the freeway angles down the face of a steep ridge, makes a near 90 degree left turn to cross the stream in the bottom, then climbs the opposite ridge in a very steep slope. I got stuck at the bottom of that for just over a day in January of 1976.