Best Driving Route - From AZ to Vancouver

[Drakkon]

In December a friend is planning to move to Vancouver so time for a road trip!

The google maps version starting in AZ shows up through nevada, to idaho, then through oregon and washington. All well and good but this is December, and winter, and it shows a fairly mountainous route - I'm guessing snow would be abundant.

Wondering if I-5 through cali and up the coast might be a better winter driving trip? or are there any other possible routes?

 

[Raincity]

Vancouver WA or BC

 

[Tates]

I-5 through cali

 

[Drakkon]

Vancouver WA or BC

BC - going canadian

 

[KeithP]

Wondering if I-5 through cali and up the coast might be a better winter driving trip? or are there any other possible routes?

As you go north of Redding, CA towards the Oregon border there would definitely be potential for snow through those mountains.

It might be best to plan the I-5 route with detours to the cost to use the 101 if the weather gets bad. Be sure to allow extra time for your trip.

-KeithP

 

[white]

101 up the coast

 

[Farang]

Is the point to do stuff along the way or to get the Vancouver?

I've done the scenic 101 route and it gets old after awhile, if you are more destination-minded.

I-5 is a straight shot but its I-5, don't expect to enjoy yourself along the way. Even with the potential for snow it wouldn't warrant a detour, just check the weather reports and bring chains if necessary. 99% of the route will not have snow.

 

[KeithTalent]

I drove through Nevada (hit Vegas), Utah (stopped in Salt Lake City), Idaho (did not stop), then Oregon (spent a couple of days in Portland), then straight home as I have been to Seattle enumerous times, on my way back from vegas. The higher roads in Oregon are fine int he Winter from what I encountered, but if you're really concerned just find the I-5 and drive it straight up to Van.

Why is he/she moving here? It sucks here, they should just stay in Arizona.

KT

 

[BoomerD]

I-5 is definitely the better route...better roads, fewer mountainous regions impacted by snow, but not as scenic for the most part.

What is the friend going to be driving? If it's just a car/van, it won't really matter too much. Just be prepared for winter driving regardless of the route, but if it's something like a U-haul truck, then definitely take the I-5 route.

 

[Raincity]

93 TO Las Vegas 93 & 95 to Reno 395 to Susanville CA 36 over the Sierra NV mountains to link up with I5 near Redding CA