Des Moines Iowa to Portland Oregon - Montana Owners Club

FlashG · 12-12-2008, 03:55 PM

I will be traveling from Des Moines to Portland in the next two weeks.

The shortest route according to MapQuest is interstate 80/84.

All comments and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks ! !

**Rondo** · 12-12-2008, 05:09 PM

Are you towing heading West? I-80 and 84 both could be very dangerous with the Monte behind especially if you get any snow or ice on the way! I'd almost head South and then up the California coast but that would be me, others may have different ideas!

HamRad · 12-12-2008, 08:50 PM

The route is a fine route but as noted above it can be dangerous. Snow and ice can make it very interesting. There is the possibility that the road could be closed for a storm. But they do work to keep these routes open. Just watch the weather and pick your times. Often you can make your way across the country in between storms.

Travel safely.

HamRad

**Rondo** · 12-13-2008, 02:51 AM

As Dennis stated, the route can be a little tricky in the winter months! Here in Nebraska and Wyoming they close the interstate to travel if there is snow, blowing snow, ice, high winds or combination of them all. I've seen many an 18 wheeler sitting in the ditch or median because of black ice and snow on the roads. Got held up in eastern Iowa for two days two years ago because of snowing,blowing and drifting snow. Luckily didn't have Tana behind me! They were even stopping the 18 wheelers from traveling on I-80 then! As Dennis said be careful and try to plan your trip between storms if possible. Keep us informed on your trip and how it goes!

capn chris · 12-13-2008, 04:23 AM

Keep your Trailer Life or Woodall's Directory handy. Believe me, it helps a lot when the weather deteriorates to have contingency plans for pulling off the highway. Happened to us in KS in April. Saw smashed rigs the next day of folks that "pushed on." Watch the weather, be flexible, and be smart, Good luck and as others have said, keep your eye on the forecast!

MAMalody · 12-13-2008, 05:37 PM

My son-in-law is heading this way for Nashville to Pasco, WA the 29th of Dec. He is taking 40 to CA then heading north. I think that is the way to go.

capn chris · 12-23-2008, 07:17 AM

I sure hope FlashG made it OK? Reports from Portland lately are that they are having a heck of a time w/multiple storms, I-84 closed, and NG called out to help folks in unplowed areas!!! Yikes. Maybe he holed up somewhere, hopefully?!

FlashG · 12-23-2008, 07:36 AM

I'm alive and well.

Still at home in Oregon. This is most snow I have seen in Oregon!

Will fly to Des Moines next week or later.

Will be picking up new motorhome and driving back to Oregon.

Maybe I should take I-80 straight thru to California and then north on I-5.

Any better suggestions???

Thanks!

49merc · 12-23-2008, 11:40 AM

Yes. Just keep heading south to Arizona and wait till spring!LOL. As you probably know we are getting hammered here in the Portland metro area. And it's not over yet. They are forcasting more snow before it warms up a little.
Bob

deadeye · 12-24-2008, 04:42 AM

Just thought I would give you the actual weather info from Iowa. We are getting our share of snow and wind here in N.E. Iowa. Probably 12 to 14 inches on the ground and it is snowing now. 10:30 A.M. Christmas Eve Day. Hit hard. I have traveled I-80 in the winter to California, pulling a 5er and I would recomend going South on I-35 from Des Moines until you can hook up with I-40 going West. You may have a detour in Kansas City as the gontlet downtown is being worked on. I usually turn off at Exit 16 I think it is (Liberty Hwy 152) and head West which is a 4 lane 65 mph road. You will cross over I-435 and then keep going till you come to the 2nd I-435. Probably about 12 miles or so. Then head South on I-435 by the Kansas Speedway on down and hit I-35 South across Kansas. Take I-35 on down to I-40. Hope this helps. If you traveled I-80 West, you would have trouble finding a campground or parking places with electric hookup in the winter in case you need to hole up till roads open...Good Luck...JB

FlashG · 01-15-2009, 08:09 AM

Update Folks,
Made it back to Oregon yesterday.
I left Des Moines last Sat around noon after my PDI.
Weather was scary!
Some snow in Des Moines - not too bad.
Second nite in Kearney Nebraska. All Ok
Third nite in Laramie Wyoming. Pass between Cheyenne and Laramie was nightmare!
The other passes in Wyoming not good either.
Fourth nite in Ogden. Ogden was unseasonably warm.
Fog north of Ogden.
Idaho was also windy! Boise foggy.
Oregon was very foggy in places with some freezing fog - but the roads were good and mainly dry.

So Happy to be HOME!

capn chris · 01-15-2009, 10:13 AM

Very happy for you! Thanks for the update, and glad you and Monty are safe.

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