Best route to Boulder Co. from Tacoma Wa.

The worst driving conditions I ever experienced in my life were On I-84 in eastern Oregon. Just crazy ice everywhere. The entire gorge from just a bit east of Portland all the way to Idaho can be terrible that time of year. So, if you choose that way watch the weather forecast closely and be prepared to sit and wait.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
I would like to see even 1 inspector on any road we are discussing when there is no snow on the ground, no snow predicted and it's 35+ degrees outside. I went across one of the highest passes in the US outside of Denver having out run a snow storm approaching from the East. I left Glenwood Springs, CO in a blizzard which had just hit. I figured I could travel faster than the storm and sure enough, by the time I got to Vail there was not a flake on the ground and I made a nice easy (but slow) passage without a single chain anywhere to be found on any vehicle. Oh yeah, you don't use chains on dry asphalt!

I can't speak for the PNW, but in Colorado, only commercial vehicles are required to have chains.

There are a few cases where you might be stopped. It's not likely. I drove it Portland to Denver and back for years 2xaweek commercially and have seen Motorhomes checked in "good weather". I give no idea why they where stopped . My co driver was a ex Oregon state cop. . Oregon blue mountain pass is one of those places. The fine is 300.00 .. + it's been a few years. Big yellow signs say chains must be carried over 10,000 lbs or towing. It says nothing about if the weather is bad . It is the rule and anyone is we agree able to do what they want .
I choose to buy a set of chains ( 90 bucks ) they are in a bag in the bottom of a storage bay. I've hung enough "iron" in my day and will never touch them again ,nor will I find myself paying out a fine for being caught in a bad situation like being pulled over for a turn signal out and asked to see my chains . Everyone must do what they feel is right for them.

I would like to see even 1 inspector on any road we are discussing when there is no snow on the ground, no snow predicted and it's 35+ degrees outside. I went across one of the highest passes in the US outside of Denver having out run a snow storm approaching from the East. I left Glenwood Springs, CO in a blizzard which had just hit. I figured I could travel faster than the storm and sure enough, by the time I got to Vail there was not a flake on the ground and I made a nice easy (but slow) passage without a single chain anywhere to be found on any vehicle. Oh yeah, you don't use chains on dry asphalt!

donn0128 wrote:

Snowman9000 wrote:
So do they have chain inspection check points, or what? On a clear winter day, I mean.

At some passes, yes. You will be asked about chains and or traction tires. Without them you can be turned around. If you do get past a check point and get stuck requiring a tow you also would be subject to a hefty fine for ignoring the signs.

Don, don't they also give you some paper you can write on, but, I believe it costs some cash, about a tank full of fuel, if I remember right. Do they still do that?

Snowman9000 wrote:
So do they have chain inspection check points, or what? On a clear winter day, I mean.

At some passes, yes. You will be asked about chains and or traction tires. Without them you can be turned around. If you do get past a check point and get stuck requiring a tow you also would be subject to a hefty fine for ignoring the signs.

So do they have chain inspection check points, or what? On a clear winter day, I mean.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
First, do not carry chains and do not go anywhere chains would be required. I don't give a ship about what law says I have to have on board. I am not moving over any road that requires them! Patience Grasshopper! The road will be clear in the next day or so. With that in mind and good weather in front of you, you can take any route you please. Obviously, you want to stay on the Interstate highways as they are maintained 24/7/365 if humanly possible.
If it were me (and it's not) "and the weather looked great" I would take the shortest Interstate only Google Maps route available with would be I-5 S to Portland and I-84 E yada, yada, I-80 to I-25 and home.

I agree with Bill and the route he selected.The road crews are very good about keeping the Hwys. open. The only time you can't drive thru is when the weather is really nasty and you don't want to be driving then anyway.

I would avoid I80 through Wyoming. Even when the weather is not snowing, you will get blowing snow across the road. I would either do I90 to I25 and down or I84 to I15, down US 6, and across I70.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
First, do not carry chains and do not go anywhere chains would be required. I don't give a ship about what law says I have to have on board. I am not moving over any road that requires them! Patience Grasshopper! The road will be clear in the next day or so. With that in mind and good weather in front of you, you can take any route you please. Obviously, you want to stay on the Interstate highways as they are maintained 24/7/365 if humanly possible.
If it were me (and it's not) "and the weather looked great" I would take the shortest Interstate only Google Maps route available with would be I-5 S to Portland and I-84 E yada, yada, I-80 to I-25 and home.

That route would not work for you if you refuse to carry chains. During snow/freezing months chains MUST be carried or they can turn you around no matter what the weather happens to be doing at the moment.

Having said that, we do not carry chains and so far have not been stuck though a few years ago we had to go all the way west to LA then up the coast road to mid Oregon. South and East bound in the fall we prefer the 84 through Oregon but have not done it in years because of freezing/snow forecasts.