Forum Discussion

dennysbabe's avatar
dennysbabe
Explorer
May 22, 2013

Traveling Oregon NE to Couer d'Alene

Is anyone familiar with these roads between Bend, Oregon and Couer d'Alene Idaho in regards to any major difficulties pulling a 36' fifth wheel over them?
Ochoco Hwy (Hwy 26);
John Day Hwy (Hwy 19); and
Long Creek Hwy (Hwy 402)

We love backroads but don't want to get caught in the middle of nowhere with a low bridge or road curves that don't allow our size rig. Also wondering about any major climbs or descents that we should be aware of. We have an exhaust brake but prefer knowing ahead what we're getting into.

We'll also be taking Hwy 395 and Interstates 84, 82, and 90 after Hwy 402.

From Idaho we're going to Glacier NP and up into British Columbia to Jasper and Banff NP then SW to Vancouver and the State of Washington but still trying to select roads for that part of our route. We'll be leaving July 1st so any input provided would be appreciated.

This is only our second long trip with our rig since we retired. The first one was mostly in Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming. We're trying to see as much of the western states as we can, while we can!
Thanks!

13 Replies

  • I'll add the painted hills to our itinerary. They look beautiful. We have similiar-looking hills where we live. Do you recall any steep grades? I'm thinking we should get a book or software that provides grades and low clearances on highway but don't know which to get. Right now just relying on the forum and anything else I can find out on the internet. :)
  • I'm not familiar with the Idaho stretch, but both 26 and 19 in Oregon are good roads, mostly two lane. You shouldn't have any trouble with your fiver.

    Do try to make time to stop at the Painted Hills, a few miles off 26 near the town of Mitchell. Though a native Oregonian, I saw them myself last year for the first time, and it's an unbelievably beautiful sight!

  • From Bend 97 north to I84 to I82 to 395 to I90 is the fastest and shortest way. All good roads