Best route from Seattle to Bend, OR
Dh is thinking going over 26 over Mt. Hood to 97. Going to LaPine State Park. Thanks.
Forum Discussion
hotjag1 wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
What part of Seattle? I90 east out of Seattle connecting to I84 to US97 south avoids a lot of traffic thru part of Seattle/Tacoma corridor.
I agree with this route. I-90 to I-84 at Ellensburg to US 97 just south of Yakima. Much less traffic and easier driving than going I-5 south through Tacoma to Portland.
X2. Ellensburg to Yakima to Toppenish and then down US-97.. In my opinion do anything to avoid the slog on I-5 down through Seattle-Tacoma-Vancouver-Portland. Granted, US-97 is 2 lanes south of Toppenish, but it's a straight shot, and it's fast and efficient. Any added miles will be compensated for by reduction in frazzled nerves due to I-5 traffic and its excessive slowdowns in parking lot jams.- The downside to coming down through Yakima is its a long two lane highway, but going through Tacoma/Oly/Portland almost makes it worth it. If you do come down I-5 I might be inclined to stay on I-5 to 205 and keep going to Salem and cut off and take Hwy 22 to 20 to Bend. Less time on a 2 lane highway. But it's really a toss up, its a long drive no matter how you cut it. I prefer less traffic personally and I live in the desert and enjoy it.
- Depends how much time you want to take. Going east of Seattle to Ellensburg then south will add quite a few miles.
Traffic through Seattle, Tacoma/Fife and Portland can be brutal during rush hour, so planning your departure time is wise.
If it were me, and I had extra time, I would go through Elensburg and south on 97.
Just my 2 cents!! donn0128 wrote:
What part of Seattle? I90 east out of Seattle connecting to I84 to US97 south avoids a lot of traffic thru part of Seattle/Tacoma corridor.
I agree with this route. I-90 to I-84 at Ellensburg to US 97 just south of Yakima. Much less traffic and easier driving than going I-5 south through Tacoma to Portland.- That's the route I usually take
- What part of Seattle? I90 east out of Seattle connecting to I84 to US97 south avoide a lot of traffic thru part of Seattle/Tacoma corridor. I5 to I205 to I84 to 26 may be shorter, but traffic will cost a lot of time.
- That's the route Google Maps recommends.
