Grants Pass to Reno

[bw2]

We will be traveling in August and are wondering about 89/44 in northern California to Reno. Any information on this route would be appreciated. Road conditions, 2/4 lane, elevations, percent grades etc... OR if there are recommendations for alternative routes. We really do not want to go on I5 down to Sacramento and over to Reno.

[Capt Kidd]

You can take most any route from Grants Pass east to 97, I like 140 out of Medford, then south on 139 to Canby then east to Alturus then south on 395 to Reno.

Most of the trip will be on 2 lane but not a big deal.

[Carl n Susan]

The 89/44 route is a popular route and poses no problems. It is two lanes with wide roadways and no nasty grades (that I recall).

Don's suggested route of 140/139 is also a good ride. It has the advantage of avoiding 115 miles of I-5.

We have driven both routes. We prefer the 140/139 just because we try to avoid interstates (even though we travel I-5 all the time). You mentioned grades so you should be aware that both routes have to cross the Cascade mountain range. I-5 has a 7 mile 6% grade up Mt. Ashland. The route up 140 has a similar grade. Neither are a serious problem, just grab the right gear and grind it out.

[bw2]

Thanks for the help and guidance.