We're planning a trip San Diego-Seattle and back for the holidays but are worried about the passes. We have a minivan (Odyssey) and from what I understand there are two passes (grapevine) and another in Oregon. Is this something we should worry about?

The possibility if unpassible roads is a possibility. Washington and many states now report road conditions at a 511 number. I believe California and Oregon also offer a 511 service. If they don't, here are the 800 numbers we used to use while traveling in the winter: OR 800 977-6368 and CA 800 427-7623

The Grapevine is just as you are leaving the LA basin and it would be most unusual for this to be a problem. The Oregon pass is just after you cross the stateline from California. I believe it is 4000 feet or so---not all that high. It is possible but not likely that it would be a bit frosty. But I've driven it many times in winter and never encountered anything but rain and fog there. Does your Odyssey have front WD?

I wouldn't worry about it, but if the weather doesn't look good at the time you are leaving SD, you might want to carry chains.

I have to disagree w/ enzian. The road from Yreka to Ashland is often treacherous during winter storms. Sure, it isn't super high elevation, but it gets the brunt of a LOT of storms. In fact - from Mt Shasta all the way to Medford/Grant's Pass can be REALLY difficult.

The Grapevine might be closed once or twice a winter, though usually not for long.

Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing until a few days ahead if heavy storms are in the forecast.

I would fly

Could be a little dodgy, all depends. You have to go over the Syskew pass (I think that's what they call it) and you need chains, but it isn't for very long. Still, why take the chance..it's a short flight.

Siskiyou. It is a very steep grade -- many runaway truck sand pits.

Well, I live at the bottom of that pass. You should have No Problem. The whole of the route from Redding through Ashland is maintained closely for Snow Management, and is coordinated between both States. Pick up a pair of chains to take along, and you'll feel safe, but probably never need them.

http://www.medfordfuel.com/Medford_F...d_Weather.htm?
http://www.MedfordFuel.com/Interstate_5_California.htm

Thanks for all your helpful replies! I am so impressed with this travel site. I'm leaning towards driving but will check on weather conditions and bring chains "just in case". I want to have transportation once we get to Seattle and having to buy multiple tickets and it being the holidays flights can get expensive. If the roads are a problem is there a coastal route we can take?

Yes. At Redding you can head west on Ca 299 to US 101, but even if there is snow on I-5 and it would actually close(Rare), it is cleared quickly.
I know the dread of snow from having lived in Arizona through too many winters, even though I grew up in Kansas. Don't worry, it's a rewarding drive once you get North of I 80. Stop at Granzella's in Williams, pick up some olives.
You can do the drive in 2 days.
If you make it to Dunsmuir for your first night, you could eat at Senthong's, tremedous Asian in a tiny town.

I love Asian food so thanks for the tip! I will pick up olives too, always looking for regional foods to take home. Yes, I love the beauty of snow but driving in it scares me. Even driving down from Big Bear scares me when it is snowing.