Easiest Route from Oak Harbor, WA to Glacier NP

JOC1212 · 09-12-2011, 05:00 PM

Can anyone tell us the least nerve wracking (easiest) route from Oak Harbor (Whidbey Island) to Glacier National Park? We are a 2000 40' Country Coach pulling a 4 door Wrangler.

We are leaving Oak Harbor on Friday the 16th of Sept. and looking for the least stressful route we can find...Mapquest and Google maps have conflicting information.

Any help would be greatfully appreciated

Jim, Kris and Miss Amy Ann

bigskymt · 09-12-2011, 06:06 PM

We have always used US 2 from Kalispell to Spokane. Sorry, can't help west of Spokane. Google 'US Highway 2' for better info. We have a 39' DP towing a 20' boat, 20' trailer or toad...never any problems.
You will be restricted to Apgar at Lake McDonald cause of your length but may be able to squeeze into St. Mary's on the east side.
A beautiful time of year with possible overnight frost and/or snow on Logan Pass.

Mr_D · 09-12-2011, 06:42 PM

I-5 south to 90 then east. We have a 41' Dutch Star towing a Honda Odyssey and have been over 101 to Sequim many times (my daughter lives there). I suppose if you didn't want to go 101 then I'd go down 104, then across to 3 and on to I-5 to 90.

On second thought I'd just go south on 101 to I-5 and then up to 90 and across.

Sounds like you might need to consider a smaller rig if 101 is nerve wracking for you.

JOC1212 · 09-15-2011, 04:04 PM

I don't need to go on 101 since Whidbey Island is on the East side of the sound and I'm just 18 miles from I-5 via Hwy 20. Size of coach is just fine, since we are both still working (I'm a firefighter) We just wanted a nice easy trip with out a lot of ups and downs if such a path exists...anyway thanks for your kind and generous advise.

Francesca · 09-15-2011, 04:25 PM

Hi, Neighbor!

I live just across the water from you, in Hadlock, Jefferson County!
Can't help you beyond the borders of Our Beloved State, but I've done all the east-west routes in Washington, towing a trailer with my '97 Kia Sportage.
One spring I was the very first vehicle through when the gates opened for Chinook Pass!
That's just by way of saying that there's no pass in Washington that you can't comfortably do, if I can!
For easiest, though, I-5 to I-90 is certainly your best bet. The grade up to the (relatively low) summit is fairly gradual, and where it's a bit steep three lanes each direction are provided.
Once you're over the summit, it's pretty much a straight-and- level shot to Spokane, where you might take Highway 20 to Glacier as advised by a previous poster.
This is also the fastest route, which may be a consideration if you have work-related time constraints.
There are more scenic routes, but for ease and efficiency you're probably wise to stick with this one.

Have fun!

Francesca

JOC1212 · 09-15-2011, 05:53 PM

thanks very much for your kind and timely input....

MaverickBBD · 09-19-2011, 12:31 PM

I would go to Everett and take a left and not stop until I get to GNP. I like Hwy 2. It is slower and NOT an interstate but a good route and good road. Otherwise go to Bellevue and take a left and stop in Missoula, MT. Jim & Marys' is a nice park and you have to take a left there, i.e. Wa 20, I-5, I-405, I-90, US 93.