Auburn WA to Lewiston ID

2 geocachers wrote:

paulj wrote:
How about I82 to Richland, and WA124 to US12 (by passing Walla Walla)?

We always take WA124 going between the Tri-Cities and Lewiston with our regular cars. We will be picking up our new TT in Pasco next month and that is the way we will come back. Stay on I82 through Pasco and then follow the signs to Walla Walla. When you get on Hwy 12, you will go over the bridge for the Snake River. Just after that is the turn off for WA124. You will have a couple of roundabouts. After you get through the small town and over the RR tracks, the speed limit goes to 65 mph until you get to Waitsburg and connect with hwy 12 again. In Waitsburg at the first stop sign you will make a right and then a quick left which connects you to Hwy 12 at the second stop sign. The only real grade is Alpowa just before coming into Clarkston WA. Hwy 12 takes you thru Clarkston and across the Blue Bridge into Lewiston ID. Where abouts in Lewiston are you headed - family or campground? We can help you bypass the downtown if you need more info.

We will be staying at a friends place.

paulj wrote:
How about I82 to Richland, and WA124 to US12 (by passing Walla Walla)?

We always take WA124 going between the Tri-Cities and Lewiston with our regular cars. We will be picking up our new TT in Pasco next month and that is the way we will come back. Stay on I82 through Pasco and then follow the signs to Walla Walla. When you get on Hwy 12, you will go over the bridge for the Snake River. Just after that is the turn off for WA124. You will have a couple of roundabouts. After you get through the small town and over the RR tracks, the speed limit goes to 65 mph until you get to Waitsburg and connect with hwy 12 again. In Waitsburg at the first stop sign you will make a right and then a quick left which connects you to Hwy 12 at the second stop sign. The only real grade is Alpowa just before coming into Clarkston WA. Hwy 12 takes you thru Clarkston and across the Blue Bridge into Lewiston ID. Where abouts in Lewiston are you headed - family or campground? We can help you bypass the downtown if you need more info.

I read someplace the the old NS US95, or it predecessor, ran north from McCall, and dropped into the upper Salmon on Bergdorf and French Creek Rds. When I explored the area in May several years ago, it was too snowy and I only got as far north as the Bergdorf Hot Springs.

http://www.secesh.net/FrenchCreek.htm

crabbin cabin wrote:
Take US 12 all the way!!

X2..
They used to call the old Lewiston grade "Burma Road II " My parents lived in Pullman in the 60's and 70's and I drove it a number of times. What was a really fun day was driving from Boise to Pullman and doing the White Bird Hill and the Lewiston grade in the same day.

Take US 12 all the way!!

I don't care for I-82 between Ellensburg and Yakima. Those up and down grades don't appeal to me. That is another reason to run the canyon.

paulj wrote:
How about I82 to Richland, and WA124 to US12 (by passing Walla Walla)?

Agree with that one. Good roads all the way and much shorter than going to/by Walla Walla via US 12

I would change your route. I-90 to Ellensburg, then take the Yakima River Canyon road, WA 821, Exit 109. This a beautiful drive down the Canyon following the Yakima River. there is a couple very nice BLM campgrounds.
You would connect to I-82 near Yakima. Follow I-82 to the Tri Cities area. Pick up WA 124 east to Waitburg then US 12 into Lewiston Area.
A little longer and more time but much better scenery.

enblethen wrote:
When are you traveling?
Currently there isn't much. Lots of Canadian Geese in the fields.
Some farmers are actually doing some outside work.
You will not be along the orchards where they are cleaning and trimming trees.
Watch the down grade on I-90 from Rye Grass rest area down to WA 26 exist.
Watch the down grade on US 195 just before Lewiston. This one can sneak up on some. Watch and follow signs for proper speed.

I will driving through this area in Mid May.

Islandman wrote:
Have driven both routes and prefer the US 12 route to Lewiston, you get to see some of the Snake River and the barges and watefowl along it. Lewiston Hill isn't so bad anymore compared to the old days (pre 1980's) but it's still to be reckoned with, especially if you don't like long downhill grades.

I use to drive tankers from California to Portland on 5 and driven 97 to Yakama so I know how to drive a large vehicle down steep grades. Thanks so much letting me know about the grades.