Forum Discussion

McGoo's avatar
McGoo
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013

Hwy 38 to Drain OR?

I’m not fond of the short cut (138) from hwy 38 across to 99. Going thru the tunnel with little room for me (40’ motor home) and a possible big rig or logging truck is a little tight. The road is also narrow and winding. I know it is farther to continue on 38 to 99, but is it better and no tunnels?
  • fire2812 wrote:
    Sutherlin to Elkton on 138 then on to reedsport on 38 is the best bet. Live here and drive a 40. nice road kinda windy from sutherlin to elkton but not to bad. from elkton on its a nice drive


    Whar happens when you meet a logging truck in the Elk Creek tunnel?

    Vertical clearance 12'3". My MH is taller than 12'3"?
  • Sutherlin to Elkton on 138 then on to reedsport on 38 is the best bet. Live here and drive a 40. nice road kinda windy from sutherlin to elkton but not to bad. from elkton on its a nice drive
  • paulj wrote:
    So you are coming from the south on 99 or I5, and want to go to the coast. And debating whether to take OR138 NW to OR38 and then west, or continue north to OR38 and take that the whole way (through Drain)?

    I haven't driven either, but have looked at them with GM and streetview. I don't see much difference in width (ie. shoulders) and curves. I don't see any tunnels on OR138, but there is a significant one on OR38, at Elk Creek Tunnel Forest State Park (.2m with a slight curve). Signs warn of road narrowing and possible bikes in tunnel.


    I have been thru the tunnel twice and nothing coming toward me so I drove down the middle. Don't know what would happen if I met a logging truck.
  • So you are coming from the south on 99 or I5, and want to go to the coast. And debating whether to take OR138 NW to OR38 and then west, or continue north to OR38 and take that the whole way (through Drain)?

    I haven't driven either, but have looked at them with GM and streetview. I don't see much difference in width (ie. shoulders) and curves. I don't see any tunnels on OR138, but there is a significant one on OR38, at Elk Creek Tunnel Forest State Park (.2m with a slight curve). Signs warn of road narrowing and possible bikes in tunnel.
  • Since your on 99 and if your heading south stop and say hi. Were at Sarah Helmick state park.