Clarkston WA to Joseph OR

[Msbehavin]

I will be travelling from Clarkston to Joseph. Looking for current/updated info on the most direct (challenging?) route from Clarkston to Joseph. Is it recommended to route back through Walla Walla instead of that drive? Also looking for Hells Canyon tour operator recommendations. Thanks in advance!

[Tuquala]

WA129 down to OR3 is a bit of a challenge, but definitely doable with your combo. Uphill from Clarkston to the Rattlesnake (aptly named) Grade, then down with switch-backs. Pretty good grade, 6-9% stated. At bottom, crosses the Grande Ronde River, and then twists and turns up again into Oregon. Here is a Google map of the main grade:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...7.2224129&z=12

I wouldn't take it with our 34ft long trailer, too many tight turns, and the wife would divorce me, she's a very nervous co-pilot. I think it would be ok with your stuff, just use common sense and go at a comfortable speed both up and down, esp down!!

It's very scenic, and once a few miles into OR, almost a straight shot to Joseph. Lots of photos and videos online, check YouTube for some. Motorcyclist love it!!! At this time there are no problems or warnings on Oregon Trip Check. See you this next week!!

[Tuquala]

As to your other questions, going through WaWa, WA, would be ok, and you could go over Tollgate hill and down to Elgin. Don't know if you ever have gone that way, but it's good 2 lane with a few twists and turns on the west side of Tollgate, milder on the east direction.

I will ask my son and daughter-in-law aboot the tour companies for Hell's Canyon. They have done the run twice, one short one and one long one down to the dam. Will post in a day or so.

[fisher99]

Love the road over Rattlesnake on my motorcycle. Would be doable, but not much fun with my truck and TT. But, going through Walla Walla will double your mileage and your time. Turns a 2 hour drive into a 4 hour drive (when not pulling a TT). If you are adventurous, go ahead with the direct route, but take your time and drive carefully. It's a very scenic drive. But if narrow roads with very tight turns and steep drop offs aren't your thing, then definitely head through Walla Walla. Walla Walla is a nice place to stop for lunch anyway...

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by Msbehavin

I will be travelling from Clarkston to Joseph. Looking for current/updated info on the most direct (challenging?) route from Clarkston to Joseph. Is it recommended to route back through Walla Walla instead of that drive? Also looking for Hells Canyon tour operator recommendations. Thanks in advance!

We did the Rattlesnake grade thingy many years ago pulling a 22 ft Arctic Fox with a older Ram 3/4 ton with an add-on exhaust brake. With your truck/trailer combo, you will be fine doing it The advice from other posters is sound.

Bob

[Msbehavin]

Thanks for the info. I know my way around Walla Walla and have been over the Tollgate road many times. I have lived in this area since 1986. I'd rather take a new road instead of coming back thru Walla Walla as long as I can safely make it. That trip is planned for August - Kennewick to Noxon MT, to Clarkston WA, to Joseph OR, then back to Kennewick.

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Will be at the ORV campout on Thursday!

[Bascoe47]

I've been on both. Will be in Walla Walla for two days before heading to the campout. I'll take the Weston- Tollgate road. Would have to over-weight my TT with skivvies to drive Rattlesnake again.