Portland OR to NY
 

Hello,

I am a 29 year old guy driving from Portland, OR to NY and I just have some questions about making the drive safely considering I'm African American, and I know I will be driving through parts of the country where people like me aren't too common. I've gotten tips from others to stay on main highways and make sure to drive responsibly (not that I'm a crazy driver anyway) but I was wondering if anyone else has any tips regarding the best route (I-84 through Eastern Oregon and Southern Idaho)? Or should I find a way around that area? As I've heard some pretty gnarly stuff about Eastern Oregon especially (though, it's entirely possible it's completely possible this was blown out of proportion). Also, regarding stops for gas and things like that, are there places that are better than others? I'd certainly appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Is this your own car or a rental? Does it have New York plates? Depending on how soon this trip is, I would be concerned about driving in winter weather.
Depending on the range of your car, leaving Portland or Hood River with a full tank, you should fill at the Pilot in Ontario before crossing into Idaho. In Oregon, an attendant will fill your car. You don't usually have to get out of your car unless you want to clean the windshield.
Filling in Ontario, should get you to Ogden Utah. Fill again in Rock Springs Wyoming.
If this is a rental car, I would seriously consider taking taking the Amtrak Empire Builder to Chicago and the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to New York (City?).

Tomfuller- any excellent blogs elsewhere or posts here about cross country train travel that you would recommend? I got the bug and I've been trying to decide which route to take:)

Nystateofmind- there are actually a surprising number of African Americans and Afircan immigrants in southern Idaho. I think the Eastern Oregon thing is blown out of proportion as well. I'm not saying racism does not exist, it's just not as obvious out here as I've seen in some cities back east, and it tends to be more directed towards migrant workers at any rate (or sometimes Native Americans in N. ID.) And even that's more along the lines if you're drinking in the local dive, too- where some people will pick fights over anything- I've never seen instances at gas stations or in the popular tourist destinations. It's the idiots- not the majority, is what I'm trying to say.

The only advice I'd give you is the same advice I'd give a woman traveling alone. Be smart at night, stay aware of your surrounding. Maybe spend a little extra money to stay at the nicer hotels with the better security instead of the interstate motels. Stop at well lit gas stations or rest stops. Don't stop for hitchhikers or panhandlers. Basic common sense.

Check out the premier issue of "The National" https://www.amtrak.com/the-national-onboard-magazine
The president and CEO of Amtrak Joe Boardman retired last month. I don't know much about the new boss.
I am a member of a forum called Amtrak Unlimited which does have an area for questions from first time riders.
The scenery on the Empire Builder is best in Western Montana west of Cut Bank and also south of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River.
On the California Zephyr, the scenery is great from Green River Utah all the way to Denver.

Tomfuller - Thanks so much for the helpful response! I'll be driving my own car, and it actually has California plates (Portland was pretty much a few week layover for me because I wanted to check it out before I left the West Coast). And I'm planning on leaving this week actually, so hopefully, I don't run into anything too bad on the drive, though I know the weather takes a turn a bit earlier in some parts as opposed to what I'm used to in California and the east coast.

marvelousmouse - Thanks for the great advice! That was the impression I got regarding southern Idaho as well. And the stops I've planned for sleeping arrangements are all in cities/highly populated areas (Salt Lake City, Omaha, etc.) and I've planned it out so that I'm arriving in the cities at least an hour before dusk, so even with delays, hopefully night driving is limited.

Thanks for the great tips!

Have a safe trip! If expense is an issue, you'll actually get better bang for your buck hotel wise in the smaller towns. And I generally feel safer there than in the cities as well.

Thanks, Tomfuller. I've seen the National but not that forum! I'll check it out:)

Heck, if I were driving from Oregon to New York, I think I would drop everything and just <b>take U.S. 20 all the way</b>.

It's <b>the longest road in America</b>, and it crosses right through the core of New York State, after beginning at the Pacific Ocean at Newport, Oregon.

While I can appreciate <I>concerns</i> relating to how well you may be <I>accepted</i> in some communities, I don't suppose most of us can <I>really</i> assuage those concerns.

I just think that somebody who is deliberate, and on a path <I>going somewhere</i> isn't likely to be bothered as the overwhelming general rule. I <I>suppose</i> the motel nights might be best spent in <I>larger</i> towns vs. smaller towns, but sometimes you just can't find something ideal.

It sounds like a fun trip!