What's the best driving route from Portland OR to San Francisco in November?

Question

We may need to drive from Oregon to San Francisco and back around Thanksgiving and are a little concerned about possible snow or icy conditions on I-5 in northern CA that time of year. We are also considering taking an alternative route, down I-5 to Grants Pass, OR and cutting over to Hwy101 via Route 199 (Redwood Highway).

I'm looking for opinions from folks who've actually made this type of trip in November or who live in the area and know how it gets. Does SR199 suck to drive? Does I-5 get bad through that area? What would you recommend (besides flying or Amtrak, lol)? Thanks.

Answer 1

You should be fine taking I5 the whole way, as long as you go through Grant's Pass during the day. I drove through once at night, and it was a bit icy from there South. The Siskou summit just depends, but usually the heavily traveled roads stay clear because of frequent travel.

The 199 is a good bet if you are worried about the massive climb and descent of the Siskous. You add a few hours, and 101 is easy going until Hearldsburg/Santa Rosa. 199 has always been wet (not Icy) when I driven through during the winter months.

Answer 2

I-5, south of Ashland, does get snow and ice on the Siskiyou summet. The route you mentioned will avoid all but the worst winter storm. Only problem is the added time involved from where you cut over to 101 south to San Francisco. As you travel south from Eureka, 101 goes to two lanes. At night you need to watch, seriously, for deer and rock slides. There's a lot of both.

Back on I-5 you have a major north south freeway. The highway department will plow this and keep it clear in everything but a serious blizzard. I've traveled it extensively in the winter and have never had to chain up. Go slow, and hit it during daylight hours and I think you'll do ok.

Answer 3

You have good shot, 199 is pretty easy to drive though forrest and some old gold mining town,and a creek people do rafting and in eureka, you can see victoria houses, and then drive though 101 redwood empire area, you can evan drive though the middle of the tree.

Don't forget to see Lassen national park( little yellowstone)

Answer 4

You just might need them if you travel I-5 over the Syskyous. Be prepared. Otherwise it is not bad and can be done in one day as long as the weather is not too bad.

Answer 5

Best is 105

Answer 6

Stick with I-5, it is your best bet.

Answer 7

the freeway duh lol