Kelso to Cannon Beach

All went well and we are here in Cannon Beach for 15 nights. Then Newport and Bandon. Love it here.

We know the route from here back home to Tucson as we have done it many times. But we have lots to do and see before we get home in October.

Thanks again for the input.

If your starting point is on the south side of Kelso, GMaps will route you on 432. But if the starting point is around the center of town, it is shorter to cross the river and take 411 south. 411 is also labeled 3rd street, and streetview shows a wide 2 lane, with light residential and business.

432 on the other hand is divided, more of a truck bypass road - reflected in the name Terminal Way. After their intersection, 432 continues on 3rd, with the truck traffic from Terminal Way. Closer to 433 it is labeled Industrial Way.

A further detail, GM, if using Terminal Way, suggests staying on that to Oregon Way, and then south. Not much difference in distance, but it looks like Oregon way is wider and lighter traffic.

Basically we are dealing with alternatives in an older port town. The time and distance differences are not large.

The first time I drove through this area, in the 80s in a rental car, I took WA4 along the north side of the river, viewed a covered bridge or two, and camped at the WA state park at the mouth of the Columbia (just behind sand dunes). The next day I crossed the high Astoria bridge, and headed south along the coast. After camping a night in the coast mountains, I turned east to Salem and eventually Bend.

On another I have crossed the Longview bridge (from US30), and just followed the signs to I5 (and then WA503 to the south St Helens area).

There is a reason for this Forum - far better than Google!

Will go to X36 and the 432 and 433 to the 30 to the 101.

Rough or not, I think 30 is the only real choice.

Thanks for all the info.

Be safe.

Lauren,
The way I went - South on I-5 to exit 36 (on 36 stay to the left) to hwy 433. 433 for a few miles then turn left onto 432 (Oregon way) over the bridge then right to on ramp to Austoria.

Another vote for 30 - 101, was through there last week with signature rig. Do wish Astoria had a bypass, but route is well marked and traffic circle is not near as bad as imagination makes it.

You should be fine. There are lots of log trucks on those roads, the hills on highway 30 have passing lanes. There is a rough spot right before Astoria, just take your time it's not bad enough that you will hurt anything.

We go I-5. Exit 36B into Longview, cross the Columbia and go 30 to 101.

411 is ok but more through town.. lots of stop and go.

Cross the longview bridge and take 30 west 101 south. Acceptable route, but the last time I was on 30 it was pretty rough in spots