Hwy 199, Redwoods Highway/OR to CA

[glodeke]

Hello!
I would like input on traveling from Grants Pass, OR to Crescent City, CA on the Redwoods Hwy (Hwy 199) in January.

Is snow a concern?
I hear that it's a truck route - so many trucks that you would avoid it?
How much time does the drive take pulling 5th wheel?
Is the scenery worth the slower pace?

We have a long-bed truck and 30ft. 5th wheel.

Thanks for the help 🙂

[Earl_E]

Used to do it every summer for many years with a large group. Scary if you aren't used to curves, otherwise just fine. There is hardly ever snow. Yes, it is a truck route, so that really tells you it is doable with about any rig. Just take your time and stay in the middle of the lane and you will enjoy some spectacular scenery.

[MrSafetyToo]

I recently drove Hwy 199 in my 40' diesel Alfa motorhome from Crescent City to Grant's pass. It is a scary road. I had some very close calls along this route with oncoming traffic and with guard rails. I am interested to find out how you fared in your trip and what your impressions were.

[glodeke]

Thanks everyone!
We're sold - taking the Redwoods Highway, then north on Hwy.101 to Coos Bay, OR. Can't wait to start out!

[paulj]

The high point passes through a tunnel near the state line. Much of the California portion follows a river, with the normal curves. May be like the low level portions of US2 (both sides) over the Cascades.

I5 is the major truck route in this area. 199 could be used to bypass snow conditions on I5, though I suspect 38 or 42 further north would be better escape routes to the coast.

The Oregon Tripcheck website is nearly as good as WSDOT for checking pass conditions. 🙂 Check the reports the next you hear of a storm crossing southern Oregon. You can also 'drive' it with Google streetmaps.

[cpaulsen]

Takes about 1 1/2 hours or so. Trucks use it all the time but no worse than any other road. Nice scenery! Have only run into some light snow on Hayes Hill and by the tunnel.....but that is usually during a very cold storm that hits Southern Oregon. I have pulled it many times with my longbed/crewcab tuck and 30 foot 5ver and with the same truck and a 36 foot 5ver.