mahjong99

We are planning to drive from San Francisco to Seattle in the last week of december/early january. I guess its not the best time of year to drive this route and sight see along the way. We have about 3 or 4 days to make this trip. Any recommendation on routes that takes us along somewhat warmer routes?
Thanks!

Kathie

As you only have 3 or 4 days, your best bet is to take 1-5. Temperatures won't be the biggest issue, rain will be. If you opt to drive along the coast rather than I-5 in Washington, you may find roads closed by landslides.

janisj

I-5 is your only real option for that quick a trip and there won't be much if any time for sightseeing.

But DO watch the weather. before you take off because if there is a winter storm there could be a LOT of snow in the Cascades/Siskiyous and chains could be required (not generally allowed if you have a rental car)

If there is snow then you are better off taking 101 -- but that could be very wet and is a slower drive.

Would you consider flying instead? Because you really won't know the weather until a few days before you travel - could be dry and fine . . . or not.

Gardyloo

I make this drive quite often and I never take I-5 through California. My route - https://goo.gl/maps/isp8df6XsP72 - takes around 3 hours, wheels turning, longer than the I-5 route, and that three hours is far more scenic and interesting, and in mid-winter, far less hair-raising. It's not just snow in the Siskiyous, it's freezing fog in the northern central Valley in California, and black ice on some of the low passes in southern Oregon. Remember daylight is very short, too - driving in potentially icy conditions in the dark can be really scary. Yes, it can be rainy on the coast, but chances are if it's raining on the coast it's snowing in the mountains. This appears to be an early and fairly snowy winter; why press your luck?

Three day alternative (two overnights)

Day 1 - SF to Eureka/Arcata via Avenue of the Giants (marvelous redwoods on a route that parallels US 101.)

Day 2 - Eureka/Arcata to Eugene via US 101, Oregon 38 and I-5. More redwoods, then the scenic Oregon coast. OR 38 is the quickest and most scenic route through the Coast Range between the Pacific and the I-5 corridor.

Day 3 - Eugene to Seattle on I-5. A not-very-scenic 5 1/2 hours.

Four day - https://goo.gl/maps/CHjABwGfWsm

Day 1 - Same as above.

Day 2 - Eureka/Arcata to Bandon OR via US101. Longer visits in the redwoods and coastal scenery.

Day 3 - Bandon to Troutdale OR via US 101, OR 38, I-5 and I-84. Spend the night at McMenamin's Edgefield, affordable, comfortable and funky. http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield

Day 4 - Take the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway east to Multnomah Falls, spectacular in the winter, then back on I-84 to I-205, north to the merge with I-5 and on to Seattle.

Bobmrg

I'm with gardyloo. I would rather drive the coast than the freeway in the winter and have done so in two nights and three days (arriving in the Bay area in the early afternoon of the third day).

janisj

Do realize that either the coast or inland routes won't leave you any time for real sightseeing. Both Gardyloo/Bobmrg are locals who drive it to get from point to point. The sightseeing is extra since they've been there/done that (me too)

What do you want out of this trip? Is it mainly to get from SF to Seattle - then fly. But if you want a road trip/mileage run w/ a bit of sightseeing thrown in - drive.

elbegewa

A lot depends on your comfort driving long distances, and your comfort driving in wet snow or ice.

For me, I would have no problem driving San Francisco to Seattle in winter in 2 days of solid driving ... I've done it a number of times (have lived in SF, Yreka, Portland, and Seattle at various times in my life.) BUT ... I am comfortable driving in rain and snow, have a properly equipped car, and most years make an annual 2 day each way Christmas drive from Seattle to Alberta through the snow of the interior mountain ranges (just to get there, not to sightsee).

But, unless you are comfortable driving long distances and in snow, I wouldn't do it. Mind you, chances are you would not encounter snow or ice on I-5 ... but ... it's certainly more than just a possibility ... it does happen. And once in awhile I-5 through the Siskyou Mtns does get closed for a day (mostly because of needless accidents by people who try to drive it who don't have winter tires and who aren't familiar with driving in snow or ice.

Gardyloo's suggestion is a quite doable route and I would second that suggestion. It would even give you time for a bit of sightseeing. But even with that, you'd have to watch the weather and adjust, possibly at the last minute.

As of today, various amounts of snow are forecast for this Thurs Dec. 8 throughout the I-5 corridor from south of Eugene to Seattle (maybe a trace, maybe a few inches, the forecast is changing every few hours). As I type this on Monday we are having mixed rain and snow in the north half of Seattle.

If you are not confident driving in bad weather, and if you can't adjust the timing of your trip at the last minute, seriously consider flying or taking the coast Starlight train.

tomfuller

I'll second the Coast Starlight as far as Eugene Oregon. The scheduled arrival in Eugene is 12:30PM. Rent a car to go north from Eugene on I-5.
Most of the Cascades got over 6" of snow yesterday.

mahjong99

Thanks for all the responses and driving routes. I am watching the weather. Now I have a bit more clarity on my schedule. Main reason I have to move my SUV and a few house hold things. I thought save the cost of shipping the car and 4 airline tickets instead use the time to stop in a few places along the way. I am hoping to do 30th Dec - 2nd Jan. Hopefully, the weather is not as bad as it was in early december this year.