Driving advice

My family and I are driving up to Newport from Santa Rosa this upcoming Saturday, Dec.23. This past summer we drove up all along 101, however, this time, we were thinking of heading over to Grant%26#39;s Pass Hwy.199), up I-5 and then over Hwy.20. Could some one advise me if this route is quicker, slower, or about the same? Hwy.199 is a straight flat road or slow and twisty turning? Thanks!

Driving advice

Hwy 199 is a bit curvy, but very scenic. Not sure how it is this time of year to travel on, so I defer to the locals in that area. We have only driven it in the spring and summer. Check the forecast before you go as well, and of course keep some provisions with you.

Driving advice

Don%26#39;t think i would do that. It is close to 100 miles further. 199 is slow going along Smith River and well into Oregon, plus you do go over a summit near state line. Elev close to 2500%26#39;. Though a lot lower than Siskiyou Pass on I-5 still could be problem.

I would stick to the coastal route, if you want to avoid all possibilities of snow. Even if you do go Hwy 199, there are still a few 2000ft passes on I-5 between Grants Pass and junction of Hwy 20/I-5.

Agree that Hwy199 would not be fun if snowing or bad rain, if you haven%26#39;t been on it before. Like Phril said, very twisty for most of the way-by the time you spend ~2hrs getting to I-5, you could be 2hrs up the coast and then spend 1hr coming back to the coast on Hwy 20.

If you were going farther up North, it might be worth it. But I dont think to Newport.

Thanks everybody! Looks like we will stick to the coastal route....Merry Christmas!

Also, if you are thinking of going back home on I-5, bring chains and a waterproof tarp to put them on. You will likely need them for getting over the Siskiyous and some other tricky spots. And, absolutely drive the higher elevations during daylight hours. Have a fantastic trip.

Everything Phirl said is right on - to add to that, it can also get icy in the wintertime, as it snakes along the banks of the river. In the whole Medford / Grants Pass area, freezing fog is a daily ritual throughout the winter.

I%26#39;d definitely stick to 101, as in the wintertime the Siskiyous are a bear.

Give the other ways a try next spring and summer to give yourself a change of scenery, even though they will be longer for you.

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My son just drove through the Siskyous this morning, also the Mt. Shasta area, he did not need to use his chains tho it was snowing lightly. We always carry them in the winter, he has a 2007 Honda Element and said it maneuvered well in this area. :)

I agree about the chains..Storms come in fast and the weather changes daily..you have to be prepared .. taking advice from the locals, is a good idea, they drive here all the time..

My dad just drove down I-5 to CA on Tuesday and said the road was clear. Even though he has an all-wheel drive SUV, he keeps chains with him as over the years he has needed them on that stretch. When he went down after Thanksgiving, chains were required down there for a few miles.

We are headed to the mountains this weekend, and I got our chains out today to make sure everything was in good order.

Les Schwab is a fantastic place to get them, like someone already mentioned.

I almost always agree with Mtngrl%26#39;s advice, but I think she%26#39;s steered you wrong this time. If you need to buy tire chains, go to GI Joe%26#39;s or Napa Auto Parts. ;-)

I%26#39;m surprised to read you carry tire chains during the winter, syrahgirl. Does it snow much in the Fresno area?

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