Washington Hwy. 129 - Oregon Hwy 3

[Chiefelectusn]

Is this route ok for 40' RV and tow?
Summer travel NOT winter.

[jamesu]

I stand by what I posted on this topic on January 26, 2017. Even with my truck’s comprehension brakes engaged I wouldn’t want to tow this his route between Asotin,WA & Joseph, OR. To each his own.

[blarsony]

Awesome and thanks! Knew I was hitting an old post but figured someone with experience might see it! Again, thanks for the replies.

We like to travel with only 1 rule, never take the same road twice... have a great day.

[Steve1950]

Do this route, it’ll be fine. I drove this route with pickup and 22 foot trailer. It’s only 90 miles and takes 2 hours. I don’t remember any problems. Other routes add hours.

[dedmiston]

You know you bumped a six year old thread?

[blarsony]

Has anyone traveled this road lately in a PU Camper or small trailer? we have a 2019 Ram 3500 DRW with a Arctic Fox 1150 Truck Camper and flat tow a Jeep Wrangler. Always looking for a road I have never been on before, and would love to take this one. Any insight would be great.

[paulj]

From Wallowa SP, I'd first drive to some of the Hells Canyon overlooks. For example Hat Point (gravel from Imnaha).

4260 along the Imnaha river takes you all the way to the river at Dug Bar, thought that is rougher.

Also consider FS39 to Halfway.

OR3 north is a good stretch of flat straight highway before dropping down to the Grande Ronde river. On the map, Raymond Grade down to Troy looks interesting (in a jeep).

[Chiefelectusn]

There's an epidemic of being stupid going around! I'm not going to add to it!

I will do that road in my jeep as a day trip from Wallowa.
I'll get to Wallowa via I84 and 82.
Thanks for everyone's info.

[TUCQUALA]

I drove this route north back in November, returning my son's F350 back to his house. Had taken his trailer down to factory in La Grande for warranty repairs. His truck is a crew cab long box. First time for me on this road, and it wore me out!!! I don't get motion sickness, but even going 25-30 mph and much slower on the corners, I was getting dizzy, and light headed at times!!!

Our trailer and Excursion are 53+ ft overall. I would have to travel this road a whole lot to want to take it that way!! I'm sure that I would be taking both lanes on the tight 180's!! And, I'd have to make sure the wife's gag is tight so I could concentrate on the road!!!

That said, the road is in great shape, well maintained, and can be done by just aboot anyone or any veh combo if you desire. Unless I have to go that way, I'll look for another way to my destination!! Just know that (for the driver) it is a DRIVE not SIGHTSEE road!

[paulj]

Is the problem that you couldn't make those turns in a big RV, or just that you'd be too tired by the time you got to the river? Or maybe just that you'd be straddling the line too often on the turns?

[ORbiker]

It a great road on a motorcycle or sports car, but there is not a very good chance I will take the 42' fifth wheel here.

Here is a few pics.


It is beautiful, with massive views.

[jamesu]

WA-129/OR-3 is steep and with many hairpin curves well before and after crossing the state line. I would never tow it. Extremely scenic though. An awesome day trip.

[Chiefelectusn]

Thank you! You have confirmed what was my concerns.
We will get to Wallowa via a different route.

[pfidahospud]

I have taken our small trailer via that route. Fields Spring State Park at the top of the Rattlesnake Grade just on the WA side is a nice stop or layover. The Rattlesnake Grade bear the state line is scenic and historical, but its steepness and sharp curves are true to the name. Here is a blog (not mine) that describes the route well:
http://destinations-northwest.blogspot.com/2012/04/rattlesnake-grade-road-to-remember.html?m=1

[donn0128]

Drove it years ago in a small truck. Not a road I would suggest if your in a hurry. Youtube has several clips from a motorcycles prospective you might want to watch before deciding.