Routes 140 and 66 in Oregon

bee_46 wrote:
4runnerguy - Thanks for the interesting article on the Winnemucca to the Sea Highway. Gave me some ideas of what the road is like and what we might see along the way. I looked at the opal mine thinking it might be a nice place to stop, but it is a little too rich for my blood. Cheapest mining is $75 a person up to $190. Too much money for a maybe.

Yeah, I wouldn't pay to go and I'm a geologist. If we were to overnight in this area, it'd be down by the warm water pond. Always enjoy a dip in natures "hot" tubs.

A little South of Lakeview on highway 395 about at the CA/OR state line there is a nice Oregon State Park that is used by a lot of overnighters, usually don't need reservations. I think it is Goose Lake Oregon State Park. We stopped there in 2011 when we had our 20' PW. Dick

4runnerguy - Thanks for the interesting article on the Winnemucca to the Sea Highway. Gave me some ideas of what the road is like and what we might see along the way. I looked at the opal mine thinking it might be a nice place to stop, but it is a little too rich for my blood. Cheapest mining is $75 a person up to $190. Too much money for a maybe.

Earl E noted that 66 is windy. NV 140 can also be windy.

Here is a brochure on the Winnemucca to the Sea Highway.

One can make the trip in a day. However, if you want to stay overnight, there are a couple of interesting options in NV. The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (link with info) is right off the road. There is primitive Virgin Valley CG with a warm 92 degree pond to swim in! Also water, primitive showers, and pit toilets. We've driven by but never stopped, but from the description, it might be an interesting if not stark place to visit. Found this video online that shows the CG, shower house, and pond.

A little further off the road from the road and beyond Virgin Valley CG there is the Royal Peacock Opal Mine and RV Park. They do have hookups and the chance to look for opals. Again, never been there so can't comment on what you get for your $.

dicknellen - Yes, they have routed us on 95 from Winnemucca to 140. With the information provided here we have opted to take two days to make the trip and will take 140 all the way across and skip 66. It is just a little longer but may end up a little faster.

Top off gas in Winnemucca, NV then again in Lake View or K-Falls Oregon. Have never taken 140 from Winnemucca, have they routed you on 95 north to 140 west? That route is called Winnemucca to the Sea. Dick

Earl E - You are right. I did mean Winnemucca, NV. I will change that.

Thanks for the replies.

140 is the ONLY way. 66 from Klamath Falls to Ashland is very, very windy. Gas is no problem as long as you watch it. It's 380 miles of two lane road, some of it not very fast. So one day or two is up to you. It will probably be close to 8 hours. I think you mean Winnemucca, NV, don't you? Don't know about Utah. We lived in Klamath Falls for 40 years so know the roads well.

We were just discussing these roads, at least the Klamath Falls to Ashland segment. The consensus is that 140 is easier driving.

140 starting in Nevada gets into very remote territory, so watch your gas. Fill up where you can. There is a grade just of the border in Oregon where the highway drops down a Rim.