Longview Washington... to central cal... Columbia gorge?

If you have done the coast, take another road just to see the other side of the world. 97 is beautiful as is 395 which we took last June. 395 goes thru John Day and you really need to stop there to check out the Chinese Museum and the Fossil beds, (both have parking for a 40'er.) 97 by-passes Crater Lake and if you haven't seen it, its worth the short detour. There may be issues with high elevations and snow depending when your going.