Community Forums

CamJam1 · 02-10-2021, 12:07 PM

What shape is the pavement in on I-5 over the Siskiyou Summit these days? I know it's a pretty good descent, but a lot shorter to the Oregon coast than taking US97. I don't mind the descent provided the pavement on I-5 isn't a tire buster.

Won't be traveling until late April so not looking for a weather report.

Thanks!!

HighDesert · 02-10-2021, 04:32 PM

Generally, the section up and down Siskiyou summit is pretty decent. In a bad winter year, you may run into some lane closures as they are doing road repair. Best bet is to check ODOT for road conditions,, closures etc prior to departure.

HighDesert · 02-10-2021, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighDesert

Generally, the section up and down Siskiyou summit is pretty decent. In a bad winter year, you may run into some lane closures as they are doing road repair. Best bet is to check ODOT for road conditions,, closures etc prior to departure.

Had a thought after I posted this: have you considered driving north on US 97 to Bend, then taking one of several route east to the coast from there (such as 126 west)? We take this route, or others often, with our MH, towing and no issues. If you are looking at going to Medford, and don't mind freeways, then that would be quicker, depending what part of the coast you are going to. Just a thought.

dons2346 · 02-10-2021, 04:39 PM

No problem but there could be lane closures We drive that stretch on a regular basis,

CamJam1 · 02-10-2021, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighDesert

Had a thought after I posted this: have you considered driving north on US 97 to Bend, then taking one of several route east to the coast from there (such as 126 west)? We take this route, or others often, with our MH, towing and no issues. If you are looking at going to Medford, and don't mind freeways, then that would be quicker, depending what part of the coast you are going to. Just a thought.

After I wrote my original post I took a look at the Mountain Directory and realize now that there are four more passes on I-5 between Grants Pass and Roseburg, so I think we'll leave I-5 and take US97, then cross over to the coast on OR138. We're actually headed to Reedsport. It's a little longer, but we're retired, so why hurry?

ClassAboater · 02-10-2021, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamJam1

After I wrote my original post I took a look at the Mountain Directory and realize now that there are four more passes on I-5 between Grants Pass and Roseburg, so I think we'll leave I-5 and take US97, then cross over to the coast on OR138. We're actually headed to Reedsport. It's a little longer, but we're retired, so why hurry?

The only pass that I think is an issue is at the CA/Or border. The rest are not that large of passes in S. Oregon. I did the trip from S. CA to WA up I-5 last summer and it was an easy drive. Just watch your speed going downhill is all. Road quality was a lot better in OR than I-5 was in the central valley of CA. This trip was in our last Class A with a F-53 chassis (Ford V-10 engine) and it did the drive with no issues at all.

96 Wideglide · 02-10-2021, 06:57 PM

Always been good the last several years I've driven it.

CamJam1 · 02-10-2021, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassAboater

The only pass that I think is an issue is at the CA/Or border. The rest are not that large of passes in S. Oregon. I did the trip from S. CA to WA up I-5 last summer and it was an easy drive. Just watch your speed going downhill is all. Road quality was a lot better in OR than I-5 was in the central valley of CA. This trip was in our last Class A with a F-53 chassis (Ford V-10 engine) and it did the drive with no issues at all.

Thanks for that information.

RRR · 02-12-2021, 12:11 AM

The only "major" pass north of the Siskiyous is Sexton north of Grants Pass. Hard pull for about 5 miles but no steeper than anything else on the way. Downhill after the corners at the top is a nothing burger. The rest are humps.

Name your poison but if your final is Reedsport I would head to the coast on 199 out of Grants Pass. There is about a 10 mile section that is narrow and crooked but totally doable, road isn't the greatest in this stretch, rest is fine.

Nice State Park, Harris Beach, in Brookings and a casino in Smith River. We generally stay there as the wife likes to donate and the food is fine.

Then it is an easy shot on up to Reedsport.