Want to get from Coast to I 5 in late April-early May. I assume there could still be a chance of a snow storm. Which road would you suggest- - Hiway 22, 20 or something else? Drove 126 a few years ago and would rather not repeat that unless you think that's the best one to take. It seemed especially narrow. Would rather not go farther north than Lincoln City as I will be heading southeast to Colorado.

So where on the coast will you be starting out from?

I'm guessing that by late April-early May you are unlikely to have to worry about snowy roads through the coast range and that you just play it by ear.

If not snow, what other constraints do you have? Do you want the most scenic or the most direct (that's not OR 126?). I think OR 34 is pretty scenic, probably better than US 20.

Thanks Andrew. Best for me would be leaving from anywhere from Lincoln City area south as far as Reedsport. No other constraints-- like scenery--direct not that important. Thanks for reminding me I can make a decision using the play-it-by-ear method.

Linda

If I were leaving from Lincoln City I'd take OR 18 east to OR 22 through Salem to I-5 - that would be the most direct, probably with the least windy roads and fewest mountains to cross. I can't ever recall snow on the roads driving through the coast range that late in the year, though I'm sure it has happened...

In case you're still here, Linda..... The best scenery between the coast and I-5 is easily hwy 38 from Reedsport. Just a few miles out of Reedsport is the Dean Creek Elk Preserve, after which the road follows the Umpqua River.

I so agree, beachbum. We took this drive two days ago and it was spectacular with the fall colors and half-bare trees giving river views not available in summer. HTTY

Thanks again to everyone who responds on this forum. I am always checking-in here, sometimes just for fun and ideas on places to go and things to do as well as when I have an actual question.

I also agree that 22 is the most direct, if not particularly scenic route to I-5.

But after you get to I-5 which route are you using to go to Colorado?

A few years ago on May 1 I ran into snow on Cabbage Hill.

The eastern OR mountains are higher than the Coast Range.