Been headed south every Jan for over 10 years. Watch the weather, see a window and use it. A hour is a long run over most passes so wait for the snow to be cleared and run for it. I carry a couple sets of chains and never have mounted them. I5 is most likely not your to do route but a stop at Seven Feathers on 5 watch for weather and go. 10:00 start will put you in the sweet spot for timing. Oct. is still short of winter but deer season seems to bring an early snow that is not long lasting so if you time line allows a day or two either way direct south should not be a problem either. I'm in Olympia.
LEN