Portland, OR I-5 to I-84

[Us_out_West]

We'll be passing through Portland between 11am and noon tomorrow from the North going to Hood River and wondering the best route through the metro.

Staying on I-5 to I-84 or I-5 to I-205 to I-84 then East?

[a1albert]

If you do decide to go up WA14 cross at Cascade Locks, do not go to White Salmon and cross the bridge is real narrow.

Albert

[a1albert]

I would take I-5, 205 then I84. When you exit off of 205 to I84 you can use the 2 right lanes to exit, the far right lane is exit only but then you will have to merge to the left lane. Where are you going in Hood River, upper valley or the West side? The first exit will take you to the west side and down town Hood River. don't take the second exit it will dump you off in downtown. The third exit will send up to the upper valley to Odell and Parkdale. \Where are you staying in my area?

Albert

[D_E_Bishop]

I agree with 84 too. While you are in Hood River there is the Full Sail Brewery. Nice views from there.

[obgraham]

What everyone says! Downtown Portland and I-5 is not RV friendly.

[dennis1]

205 is the only way to go. Forget I-5. When you're on I-5 stay on the right lane to merge to I205. Speed limit drops to 60mph on I205 from the 70mpg on I-5. When you get into Oregon to merge from I-205 to I-84 be careful. The merge onto I-84 put you into the fast lane or left lane so you will need to merge over to the right if you are slow.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Assuming you're coming from the North

You can avoid the Portland metro area altogether by traveling the Washington side of the gorge. (I-205 to exit 27, "Wa Hwy 14"). Very scenic, not as busy as I-84, and easy access to the Oregon side at either Cascade Locks or White Salmon (W.S. is directly across the river from Hood River).

[Us_out_West]

Thanks for the quick replies...looks like we'll be on the 205.

[paulj]

The '2' at the start of I205 means it is a belt way. Usually those are faster than the routes through the city (I5).

On Google Maps, I5/I84 is 6 miles longer than I206/I84. And with midday traffic their time estimate is 12 min longer.

If you did miss the I205 split, WA14 and WA500 are freeway quality cross overs.

There are many webcams in this area, viewable via WSDOT or Tripcheck (OR DOT), along with traffic flow maps.

Also the I205 bridge across the Columbia is newer, with an open concrete deck, and 4 lanes in each direction. I5 bridge is older (and due for replacement) with an overhead steel truss, and 3 lanes.

[donn0128]

205 for sure. From the north you miss most congestion except near the airport