MPond wrote:
So here are the questions I'm looking for input on:
1 - Routes - I haven't travelled on most of these routes. For example, from Ogden, UT to Grand Teton - is this the best route? The maps above are clickable and will take you to Google to see the routes in more details. I'd appreciate input both ways - any shortcuts or better roads, and things that might be worth going out of our way to see.
2 - Driving through Yellowstone to get from Tetons to West Yellowstone - it's much shorter to go through Yellowstone than to go around. Any reason not to do this? I know traffic will be bad, but it's 214 miles to backtrack through Jackson to US-26 to avoid Teton Pass, vs. 107 miles to go through Yellowstone. Is the traffic going to be worse than an extra 107 miles?
3 - Advice on border crossings into Canada - never done that before
4 - When we leave Banff and head to the Oregon coast, should we come back through Spokane (as shown on the maps above) or would it be more interesting to take the Trans-Canada Highway and come down the coast? The mileage is about the same, but we'd miss the Columbia River Gorge & The Dalles if we take trans-canada HWY. Thoughts or comments?
5 - Is it realistic to see the Columbia River Gorge on a driving day, as I have planned? Or does it take more time?
6 - The DW and I are in general agreement all the way through the Oregon Coast. From there we have 2 route options back to Southern California: Inland, with stops as Crater Lake & Lassen Volcanic National Park. Coastal, with stops at Crescent City, CA (or possibly Brookings, OR) & Mendocino, CA. Any comments?
Thanks everyone.
2. Driving through Yellowstone is much easier, you also have a pass to climb if you go outside the park.
3. Border crossings to Canada are easy peasy. Look at the State Department website for things you shouldn't bring into Canada.
4. If you are trying to make up time your route is a good one to get to the Gorge, great roads but not especially pretty between Spokane and Pasco.
5. Yes, you can see the Gorge in a driving day. Here are the highlights of the Gorge in my estimation:
Take 1-84 to Biggs Junction, cross the Columbia and take WA 14 to the amazing Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge replica. Great views of the Gorge from both.
Then cross back over the river at The Dalles to return to I-84. Hood River is a much nicer town with better food and rest options than The Dalles IMHO.
You will be in a big rig, so you can't drive the Historic Highway unless you unhook the toad. It is full of waterfalls and beauty, so if you do decide to camp a night in the Gorge, then consider Memaloose or Ainsworth SP's. One night would allow you to do much more.
If you have time, cross over to the Washington side and check out Beacon Rock SP and the wonderful Bonneville Dam tour.
Return to the Oregon side and visit Multnomah Falls. You also may want to consider taking WA 14 most of the way, a good road and many sights are on that side.
6. My only comment would be that the inland route would likely be much faster once you left Lassen. BTW--in Chico is the Sierra Nevada brewpub--a great place for lunch with kids. Bidwell Park is in town too with amazing swimming holes (google salmon hole)
