We're driving from Seattle to San Fran in mid December. We only have 2 days to get there; on the way back we have a lot of time. So we're looking for the quickest route south, as well as trying to avoid any snow and ice if possible.
Any advice ?

It's unlikely (but not impossible) that you'll hit freezing weather between Seattle and the south end of the Willamette Valley, while the Siskiyous are more of a crap shoot.

My preferred route (usually drive it once or twice a year, including winter) is I-5 south to Oregon SR 38 (Drain - Reedsport) then over to the coast, stopping at Bandon for the night, or Gold Beach if you get an early enough start from Seattle. The next day you can make SF is 7 or 8 hours. No chance of snow on 101. One of the cool things is that you'll see a gazillion elk off the south side of SR 38 just before you enter the gorgeous canyon (Umpqua River) that leads into Reedsport.

Or, you can just watch the forecast and head for southern Oregon, planning on Grants Pass or Medford for the night. Then if the weather/road conditions are okay, hop over the Siskiyous and you're good to go; if not, you can use US 199 to Crescent City from Grants Pass, on which there's usually much less chance of sticking snow.

I personally like US 101 in the winter - stormy/rainy, yes, but the Redwoods are seriously cool in the mist.

When I-5 is clear, as it can be some days in December, we drive to Ashland for the night and then on to San Francisco.

But, I like Gardyloo's routing, which is similar to a south-north trip we took last week.

I am not sure about making it from Bandon to San Francisco is 7 or 8 hours. As I recall, the distance is over 450 miles and the first stretch is two lanes.

Were I making this trip in December, I would stop some place in Oregon to stay in a room with a great view of the ocean and I would spend the second night in Garberville where there is an above-average Best Western which serves a good wine reception and breakfast.

Next door to the BW is an unexpectedly good restaurant--Cecil's.

If you stay in Bandon, consider having dinner at Alloro, which is a delightful little place.

7 or 8 hrs is easier from Gold Beach than from Bandon, that's for sure.

Either way, you'll be on freeway (mostly) on 101 once past Eureka, so it's pretty quick from there south.

"we're looking for the quickest route south, as well as trying to avoid any snow and ice"

Quickest is I-5 - but you can't necessarily avoid ice and snow.

101 takes much longer - but ice/snow is MUCH less likely. However, heavy rain is always a possibility along the north coast.

I take 2 days to mean 2 days/1 night. If so, >>I would spend the second night in Garberville

Meant to add - had to miss my uncle's funeral in Roseburg last Dec because I-5 was closed the day I needed to drive north . . . .

My recollection is that you may need chains somewhere around Grants Pass if the trip occurs during serious winter weather. Is this correct, or am I imagining?

With 101, you will have very curvy roads. It can be a beautiful trip, but possibly tough on the driver.

Portions of Highway 101 would be terrible to drive in the rain in December.

I'd suggest that you keep an eye on the weather.

If the weather lets you take SR38 to 101 as gardyloo has outlined, then suggest that you overnight further south, like at Brookings or Crescent City, and get there before nightfall. along the coast, it'll be rain but not so much snow.

If you can't drive along the coast, then stay inland and take janisj's route all along I-5. You'll probably meet with snow at the Oregon-California border. Overnight in Redding. Continue the next day on I-5 to I-405 to I-80, which should take you into San Francisco over the Bay Bridge (peak traffic hours start around 3pm, so best to arrive at the bridge before then). The inland route is faster, except for the possible snow (I've been caught up there for 8 hours in a driving snowstorm). The mountains will start at AShland, Oregon and you won't really be out of them until Redding, California.

Keep your eye out for the weather.

Actually, travellingdad, you would take I-5 to 505 (not 405) to reach I-80 which is right at the north end of Vacaville. And than I-80 into SF. And be careful on the SF Bay Bridge (that goes from Oakland to SF), there is a new "S" curve now so be sure to watch for the signs and slow down on that part of the bridge. Safe travels and wishes for decent weather.

Take 5 to Grants Pass, check the weather and pass cams,
and if it is a storm, take 199 over to Crescent City.
The pass and road between Ashland and Redding is kept open
if at all possible and is faster by several hours.
http://www.oregonlive.com/traffic/I_...mmit/index.ssf

For Oregon road conditions, call 511 or 1 (800) 977 6368. Or, if you are outside Oregon, call 1 (503) 588 2941.

For California road conditions, call 511 or 1 (800) 427 7623. Or, if you are outside California, call 1 (916) 445 7623.

HTTY