We're travelling to Seattle with side trips to Orcas Island, Victoria, the Olympic Peninsula, Mt. Ranier, and possibly the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens. Can anyone comment on the usefulness or necessity of having a car with 4-wheel drive in those parts? We'll be there mid-September. Thanks!

I would not go to that part of the country without 4WD because,it seems, I always want to get to places 2WD won't go. Also I got caught in a snowstorm at 6,ooo ft. on Sept. 4th one year. A word of caution - - don't go across into Oregon because about that time of year they require you to carry chains in your vehicle and if you don't have them when your vehicle is searched you will certainly get a ticket. Oregon allows your vehicle and your person to be searched without a search warrant.

Unless you are planning to do back woods or off road trecking, you don't need a 4wheel. I have lived here all my live and just recently acquired this sort of vehicle, but not for local use. Mountain passess can have snow in mid Sept, tho that is a bit early. San Juan islands are all paved roads, or good surface roads. Can't think why you would need one. Price of gas is high here, so it depends on what use you had in mind. Strictly touring, I don't think so.

May I post a little safety note? You should always be careful of where you drive and you are wise to check local driving conditions before you go. Some people think 4 wheel drives can go anyplace at any speed. Here in NH it's quite common to see 4x4 with out of state plates slid off the hwy. My son has been an avid 4 wheeler and it wasn't unusual for him and his friends to find someone stuck who thought a puddle couldn't be TOO deep. One time on a very hot day they found someone severely dehydrated who had tried to dig themselves out. Please have a SAFE trip!

Hey, Bill -
Oregon really MAKES you carry chains (late in the year) in your car? Are you kidding? How 'bout if your just visiting Portland? I have never heard of such a thing.

Hey David
She mentioned the Cascades. I'm sure chains are not required in Portland. However, from the Cascades east they are sure required. If you don't believe me just ask the State police or any police departments in that area. I have seen tickets written for no chains there. Baker City used to be the capital for "no chain" tickets.

Jessica,

I too was considering a 4x4 for the Cascades area in August. I called the Mt. Baker/N. Cascades Rangers office. These are the people that have ALL the answers. They told me it ISN'T necessary for the area in August. I do not know about September, for when it usually starts to snow again I am unaware. You can call them at (360)856-5700

Dave