Okay...
reviewing old postings, top picks seem to be: 20 or 42 or 38. This most likely will be taken from the coast to I-5, btw. (heading east)

Any updates or problems w/certain roads this year, in particular? (road projects?)
Ones we should be sure to avoid?

If you're most scenic option isn't one of these...or is north or south of option listed here, *please* share, just the same.

We're still playing w/ideas, and may even radically adjust early thinking. ;-)

So, please do share your fave route,
and what you esp. like about it, if you could. Thanks again!

Mine always has been, and remains, SR 38. I think it also offers one of the faster connections, too, but I've never actually timed it.

As for construction, I drove it a couple of times last summer and there was some construction, but nothing that cramped my schedule. I think roadworks are just things you live with; however the state transportation department's website is generally pretty good at highlighting where major works might create lengthy delays.

I like hwy 38 the best too. Scenery along the Umpqua River is beautiful, particularly in the fall. The elk reserve/viewing area a few miles up river from Reedsport is a bonus.

Another vote for SR 38, which was a delightful surprise to us when we were "forced" to use it rather than one of the others we had driven often.

I'll jump on the 38 bandwagon, but suggest that you go to www.accutraffic.com to learn about construction delays.

Thanks so very much!

Second favorite? (in case we end up driving two directions this time around...not sure yet if we will or won't)

Considering flying into Eugene or Portland (have to check prices)
and then, would have time to drive both directions...
vs. only going one way due to driving all the way from NorCal.

I don't think 20 is all that amazing but it's not bad. Actually I like Highway 22 from Salem to (near) Grand Rhonde - pretty nice in parts. The connecting Highway 18 out to Lincoln City isn't bad either. But that's an option, and the scenery from Newport north to Lincoln City along the coast is quite good.

In Oregon, road conditions on SR 38, or any other highway, can be learned by calling "511." The same is true in Washington and many other states.

Thanks, you guys! And thanks for the number to call. Appreciate it.