donn0128 wrote:
I think 58 and I5 would be a better choice. From south of Eugene where 58 hits I5 your only about an hour south to Roseburg.
I respectively disagree. Why go 75 miles south to turn and go NW to I-5? If the OP wants to head to I-5 then south it would be to his advantage just to stay on OR 126 into Eugene/Springfield then south. This is only 20 miles or less to the OR 58/I-5 junction, doesn't have the long downgrade of the Willamette Pass and the road is just as good but does have several small towns to slow for.
To the OP I feel it is about a toss up either way you go. But then I'll drive out of my way to avoid a freeway, but unfortunately US 97 is just about one.