My wife and I are pulling up stakes an moving to the Spokane, WA area at the end of February. Realistically, we have a choice of two routes, one of which is up interstate 5 and picking up 97 in Oregon. The second, which on the surface appeals to me a bit more, is up 395, cutting off on 139 in Susanville, CA. Another choice would be to stay on 395 all the way to Spokane.I'm looking for comments on the difficulties of any of these routes and/or opinions as to which might be the best to take. We have three days to get there. We are leaving on February 27th or 28th and have to be present on March 2nd to sign escrow papers on our new property.We will be pulling our TT and the rest of our belongings are being moved via a moving company.Thoughts?

I would do the I-5 route... 395 can have weather issues.I-5 can as well but since it is a heavily traveled commercial truck route the roads get cleared quicker.

I hadn't thought of that. You're right - this time of year could be a real problem on 395.

In southern Oregon, US97 is flat, straight and flanked by ponderosa pine forests. North of Bend it crosses dryer lands before dropping to the Columbia.US395 is also flat and straight in the south, but in a dryer basin-and-range land (like Nevada). It will have less snow. North of Burns (yes, the one in the news) it crosses low mountains, so will have more curves, grades and snow.

Well, I can comment on the drive north from Susanville, as I've taken 139 to the Oregon border many times. First, it's unusual to get chain controls on that road even when there are chain controls on nearby passes. 139 is on the rain shadow side of the mountain. As you leave Susanville, there is a climb to the summit, and then nothing major to Oregon. If you are going through the little town of Adin at lunch time, stop by for a great burger at the "Ony." you can't miss it, it's right on the highway and about the only place to eat in Adin.

I would use 1-5 North then take 1-84 East through the Gourge and up to 1-82 East. Then to 395 North to I-90 East to Spokane. This is the fastest Route and would be the best for the time of year. Plenty places to stay along that route also. Mostly all freeway and for the most part decent road surface.

Los Angeles to Spokane | Good Sam Community

RWjSIM2003
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
I would use 1-5 North then take 1-84 East through the Gourge and up to 1-82 East. Then to 395 North to I-90 East to Spokane. This is the fastest Route and would be the best for the time of year. Plenty places to stay along that route also. Mostly all freeway and for the most part decent road surface.
Billinwoodland
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
Well, I can comment on the drive north from Susanville, as I've taken 139 to the Oregon border many times. First, it's unusual to get chain controls on that road even when there are chain controls on nearby passes. 139 is on the rain shadow side of the mountain. As you leave Susanville, there is a climb to the summit, and then nothing major to Oregon. If you are going through the little town of Adin at lunch time, stop by for a great burger at the "Ony." you can't miss it, it's right on the highway and about the only place to eat in Adin.
paulj
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2016
In southern Oregon, US97 is flat, straight and flanked by ponderosa pine forests. North of Bend it crosses dryer lands before dropping to the Columbia.

US395 is also flat and straight in the south, but in a dryer basin-and-range land (like Nevada). It will have less snow. North of Burns (yes, the one in the news) it crosses low mountains, so will have more curves, grades and snow.
rpounds
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
I hadn't thought of that. You're right - this time of year could be a real problem on 395.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
I would do the I-5 route... 395 can have weather issues.

I-5 can as well but since it is a heavily traveled commercial truck route the roads get cleared quicker.

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