North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
Well we are getting ready for our first cross country expedition.
We are planning to depart on 1 August from Fort Bragg NC. Any suggestions on general route? I am looking for an easy highway drive -- versus the scenic route. Want to get to OR with the family safely. Curt Sent from my iPhone |
My wife and I just drove from Las Vegas to Fort Bragg last week and we used I-40 East to I-20 East and 95 North to Fayetteville. Took us 4.5 days but we drove a Dodge Caravan. Roads were rough going thru several states as we got closer to downtown areas.
Jim & Natalie Las Vegas |
I am no help on your route planning but wish you a safe journey.
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Thanks Jim
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Sorry, I can't help either Curt, I would be asking for the Scenic-Hwys and by ways :) I do everything I can to avoid the Interstates and the truck traffic. I also don't have leave time to contend with....Hope you all have a great trip.
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Really if you're using interstates I-80 is your only direct choice for crossing the Rockies. I don't know about Iowa or Oregon but Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah are good.
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Curt,
We just came back from Yellowstone to Asheville and used I-80 for a good portion of the way. It looks like you might want to look at I-84 from Salt Lake City westward. I suggest buying the Mountain Directory West that shows steep grades in the western states. (mountaindirectory.com) Have a safe trip. Tim,,, |
Retired USAF, from OR seems we were always traveling cross country. Think your bet is through Knooxville, then to St Louis, pick up I 70 to Denver, up to Cheyenne take I 80 to Ogden then I 84 to Boise - then maybe 20 over to Brookings. You will see lots of nice county no way to avoid it. Near 4k miles my guess, I'd plan most of a week but then I'm an old guy and when my wife has to drive it's really slow going.
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just drove I 80 through Iowa and it was very good.:thumb:
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Thanks team.
Will target I80 for the bulk of the westbound portion -- and the maybe something a little more off the main highways for the trip back to NC. Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Curt, I can add, we were on I-80 for a rush trip home from the west coast a couple of years ago. I-80 was in nice shape, just allow for crosswinds that are common in WY and NE. They closed I-80 in WY and we had to hold up for a day because of the crosswinds. They predicted the same winds the next day, so we left at 3AM to get across WY before they started again.
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Thanks Chuck.
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We're going from Lenoir (NC) out there as well. We leave July 7 to Precision and then via Iowa to pick up another couple. From there to SD, WY, ND, Canada (Banff and Jasper), Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Idaho and then the Oregon Coast. From there to Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival and then to Austin for kids. Our route uses I-80 as noted in other posts, but we'll be on a lot of non interstates as well.
PM me if you want more detail, but since we haven't done it before we have no idea what we might run into. |
So what are the safest options to cross over the Rocky Mountains and to arrive in southern Oregon without going too far south or north?
Just I-80? Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Curt
I'm from the Rocky's and I've driven west every way you can think. I70 is doable in your rig but there are some steep gradients west of Denver leading to the Eisenhower tunnel. I80 is not as steep. I guess my decision would be do you want to get there and enjoy the view, or get there faster? I think I70 is more scenic, but I80 faster. Since your destination is Oregon I think I80 is more aligned with your journey. If you have time plan your trip thru Wyoming to hit Tetons NP. It is one of our favorites. After that head towards Coeur d'Alene NP. Your kids will enjoy it and it will be cooler than a further south route. IMHO |
Thanks Dave -- think we will shoot for I80
Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Even though it does take us all the way down to Sacramento CA.
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I-80 if you don't have time, but agree I-70 is far more scenic if you have time.
You said this is your first cross country excursion. I just got back to NC going the I-70 route. Last year I did the I-80 route. If you have time, and have not spent time in Utah, you should consider it. Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, etc, etc... I would even suggest taking I-40 over to AZ, take in the Carlsbad Caverns, Grand Canyon, then head north to Utah. But if you need just a quick trip and deadheading to the destination, I-80 is fine. Just be aware that I-40 is a straight and quick shot from NC to NM, AZ or even CA before heading north as well. |
Thanks Tedgard.
Our westbound leg will be fast. Our eastbound leg will be much more scenic Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Oh heck Curtis, just point your nose West and drive.
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Pat,
Just jumping in the coach and heading west without some decent planning might be an option for some. If it was only me any the wife -- minimal planning might be ok. With a family of 6 I take my responsibility for safety seriously. Thanks to all for the responses and the heads up on I80 over the mountains. Curt Sent from my iPhone |
And I5 from Sacremento North to Oregon is very scenic. Some pretty good climbs will require some gearing down. I dropped to 44 on the tranny to avoid lugging and maintaining speed at 35 mph or higher. You can take 101 North, but be aware that there is some twist turning and narrow two lane in several places. Roads across from I5 to the coast seem to be few and far between. Crater Lake Natl Park and Redwoods Natl Park are beautiful in Or and CA. Have a great rip.
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Yep, using I-80 to cross the continental divide is your best bet. Melvo's route is pretty good, however I would get up to I-80 from I-70 on I-29 from Kansas City to Omaha.
I-80 can be windy anytime of the year, especially with a storm front going through. August is usually quiet, so you shouldn't have much trouble. Avoid I-70 through Colorado unless you want to test out your ability with grades and high altitude. Two passes, Eisenhower Tunnel at 11,100', and Vail Pass at 10,600' are not really that hard, but takes a lot of time. However the scenery through Colorado is 2nd to none. |
North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
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Just got home a few days ago after doing this route. Oh what fun! Loved the scenery! Even enjoyed the challenge of the grades. My RV did not enjoy the altitude, it was really struggling for oxygen even more than me.... It chugged until I came down below 5K feet, then ran like always. If you get a chance, stay at the KOA in Central City, CO. You will go on ~12 degree down grades and then take a hire pin turn to go right back up an ~12 degree grade up to the top of the mountain to get to the park, at an altitude of just under 10K feet. But parking in their upper "pull-in" sites, it is a fantastic view out the front window; Attachment 67332 |
Great option for an overnight in CO
Thanks Curt Sent from my iPhone |
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We depart on our cross country adventure tomorrow morning at 0400 headed West on I-40...hope to see some of you out there.
Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Have a GREAT trip Curt and travel problem free.
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Yikes, 0400. Must be an Army thing:)
I can't detect a pulse in my group at 0400. |
North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
I wish you the best in your travels. Enjoy!
If you have a smart phone, the Allstays app is a good one for planning each leg of the trip. You can see the RV parks along your rout, check out the reviews, call the park with a click to check on availability or make reservations, find the next Flying J (or other stations), locate Wal-Marts, Costco, Sams, etc. that makes it easy to make plans on the road as your trip needs a quick change to the itinerary. Again, have a great trip and don't over do the drive time. Be safe! |
Safe travels, Curt.. We will be in Oregon mid Aug., then onto Glacier.. Looking forward to the cooler weather, been 102-3 in central Ca.. Enjoy the trip...:)
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0400 AM???:eek:
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Noel, we are looking forward to Oregon and of course Glacier. A few years back we attempted the Glacier trip but held up in Missoula due to fires in Glacier. Which RV park are you staying in?? Hopefully, the temp will drop by the time we arrive..:)
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Safe travels. We are heading back to Oregon in mid August, too. So looking forward to getting out of this Arizona heat. Hope to see some of the members on the road...watch for the :wavey:
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Great....can't wait to visit the area...tell Lois, Cindi said hi:):)
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Don&Dale... That Arizona heat is brutal.. Safe travels to you as well..:)
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North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
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Curt, When you get a chance, let us know how things are progressing. I hope you have other drivers that may share the load. As I don't, I limit each leg to ~300 to 400 miles per day. That allows me time for a stop about half way, and still get to the next location in time to set up and have dinner, then get a good rest before the next leg Thanks, Ted |
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We did almost 700 miles today. We should be in Salina KS tomorrow night. I am the only driver -- going to sleep now 0330 wake up call 0400 departure Curt Sent from my iPhone |
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Remind me to never ever travel with you!!!:nonono: |
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Understand. Sleep tight! Be safe, especially with all your passengers. |
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North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
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When deadheading clear across the states, with a family of 6, traveling ~700 miles per day with a start time of 0400, I don't think that there is too many happy hours.... Lol At least the house amenities are available, versus the constant potty breaks for the little ones.... |
An early takeoff for us is anytime before 10:00!
Setup by 5:00 is also a goal! |
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I always try to be on the road by the crack of 9:D
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The early departures allow for some quality time at the next campground.
Made it to Salina KS KOA on I70 west Sent from my iPhone |
Glad to hear it!
Enjoy the evening. |
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That is a good reason to consider a Flying J or Wal-Mart as a quick stop... Cheep (free), neighbors expect the noise at all hours. |
Enjoy the ride! Lots of wind turbines in that area. We were just there about a month ago.
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Made it to Rock Springs WY KOA just off I-80.
Will sleep near Reno tomorrow. Curt Sent from my iPhone |
You are booking it!
Great progress. |
Curt, if you are staying in the Reno area try the Sparks Marina & RV Park.
Peter Collins |
Thanks Peter reservations made.
Ouch -- $91 for the night. Maybe they have something special. Should be fun Curt Sent from my iPhone |
How is your coach running?
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He is driving.... Maybe you should check back later in the evening... Lol It looks like he has a new rig, I would bet it is purring along just fine. |
$91 OUCH!!!!! Kathy and I were there in March, $39 + taxes.
Peter Collins |
If not mistaken, I believe "Hot August Nights" have been ongoing in the Reno area. A VERY large gathering of custom cars. An annual event, causing unusually high motel/RV rates.....Safe travels, Curt.. :)
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Just like Txbart, 10 am start hope to be having dinner by 6:)
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Coach is running great Curt Sent from my iPhone |
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Yep -- we just pulled in an hour ago custom cars and trucks everywhere -- they said the park would be full tonight. Sent from my iPhone |
Enjoy your stay Curt.
Peter Collins |
What is your sext destination? Tomorrow?
Peter Collins |
I need to find somewhere to go tomorrow.
Need to be in Canyonville OR Tuesday afternoon to link up with family. I have a free fun day tomorrow... Any suggestions? Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Seven Feathers is a great resort in Canyonville. If you enjoy shooting there is a gun range on the west side of the report.
Peter Collins |
Parents have a 40 acre ranch near Canyonville -- that's our destination
Need a fun stop in Northern CA or Souther OR near I-5... Curt Sent from my iPhone |
Durango RV Resort, Red Bluff CA. They even have a dog wash if needed.
Peter Collins |
North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
Glad to hear from the weary wanderer. Also glad that you and the family finally have some time to rest and have fun.
If you have a toad, you may want to drive over to Lake Tahoe, very beautiful country. Ted |
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For fishing - Morrison's Lodge near Grant's Pass. We'll be there next month. Love the place and the people. |
We just made the trip from Oregon to Il and back. I always take I90 to I29 and then I80. I like this route even though it is 200 miles longer. I think there is to much Semi traffic on I80 and I do not like the winds in WY. Roads were mostly good some construction in MT but not to bad.
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Stop in Grants Pass (Valley of the Rogue) and take the Jet Boat ride, it is a thrill a minute.
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department: Valley of the Rogue State Park Welcome to Hellgate Jetboat Excusions |
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Spent all day with the children swimming and picking blackberries.
Somehow all the blackberries we picked did not make it back to the house. Tomorrow salmon fishing on the Rogue River -- will post photos with evidence of the bounty. Curt Attachment 70467 Attachment 70468 Sent from my iPhone |
Waiting to see monster fish!!!
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You are doing what I am suppose to be doing right now. How I envy you. Have a great time for me...next summer I'll be there.
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North Carolina to Brookings Oregon
Curt,
This is what it is all about. Enjoy! Also, it makes it nice to live vicariously through you, when I am stuck flat on my back due to a herniated disk, waiting for my neurologist to get me into the meat grinder line up... Ted |
Great little RV park in O'Brien that gives an easy car ride to the Redwoods...Lone Mountain RV Park. Just watch out for the water spigot on your tail swing as you leave (oops).
Pat Wmpbauer |
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Well -- here are the fish. 85lbs of King Salmon all caught be the children this morning.
Amazing time. Mission accomplished! Attachment 70540Attachment 70541Attachment 70542Attachment 70543 Sent from my iPhone |
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She won (it don't matter what the fish weighed).... Wonderful memories! Ted |
Great photos and wonderful family memories!!! As the the tv commerical states, "PRICELESS"....:) we are leaving for Oregon on the 19th, then onto Glacier.. Can't wait!! Be safe, Curt..:)
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X2!
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AWESOME!!! Glad you got the freezer :)
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