Anyone drive the Oregon coast during Feb?

[privatepang]

Another curiousity thread. I'm heading to Portland for the weekend with the Mrs and just wondering if anyone has done the Oregon coast drive during the February months.

I checked the weather and theres no snow scheduled so hopeing taking the 911 will be ok. Just not looking forward to border waits...

[TWOZTER]

Private,

Just be careful in regards to the coastal range heading toward the beach from Portland. It can get slick in the higher elevations.

Keep in mind it's pretty chilly, foggy and windy there this time of year, but heading south on 101 is a good drive.

[LakeCleElum]

Yes I have....Snow on the coast is rare anytime of year, but, yes watch the coastal range. Weather can be anything from constant, cold rain to 70 degrees; rare but it happens.......The "10 day forecast" is your friend.

The northern half is congested anytime of year....Just when you think of no tourists midweek in the winter, you get stuck behind logging trucks, delivery trucks, etc......Seems like you hit a town every 10 miles.....The southern half is much more open and less congested....

[privatepang]

Might be a good idea to get my heater fixed before i head off then...or bring a really warm blanket with us

[1971 911T]

i drove 101 in december during the big storm, seattle to SF. it was a pita and not very enjoyable. rain was thick and visibility poor. But slick roads, ice, snow, was not a problem. but driving blind was. it was nicer weather on the way back up. if u get some sun, it's a lovely drive.

[boxster03]

Excellent time of yr to do it in your oil/air cooled car without a/c

[timmy2]

Drive through Portlandia down to Salem and take Hwy 22 to the coast, and then head south on 101. One of the easiest roads through the coastal mountains and takes you south of most of the congestion on 101.

[JT912]

The biggest problem we've had recently have been slides. The rain and crazy weather seems to have taken a break, but be prepared for fog and maybe some debris on the road.

[Jim Horton]

Originally Posted by timmy2

drive through portlandia down to salem and take hwy 22 to the coast, and then head south on 101. One of the easiest roads through the coastal mountains and takes you south of most of the congestion on 101.

+1.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Drive through Portlandia down to Salem and take Hwy 22 to the coast, and then head south on 101. One of the easiest roads through the coastal mountains and takes you south of most of the congestion on 101.

I like Hwy 20 or 34 West from Corvallis. More fun in a good car than 22.

[Jim Horton]

Originally Posted by Arne2

I like Hwy 20 or 34 West from Corvallis. More fun in a good car than 22.

During good weather, agreed. What are they like at this time of year?

[Arne2]

Forecasts for this weekend are pretty nice, so I guess I'll find out first hand. I'm ready for a short day trip. Road reports on tripcheck.com don't show any issues.

[RSBob]

The only place you can get into potential trouble (and I know you didn't mention this as part of your plans) is N. Calif, since there is a pass in a snow zone. The Oregon coast is very nice, but has lots of slow areas and small towns. Be prepared not to make great time. Make sure you pull off at Cannon Beach and check out the great little town and famous Haystack Rock, on the beach. About mid-coast take a quick poke around the costal town of Bandon. Very quaint little community by the water.

[TWOZTER]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Forecasts for this weekend are pretty nice, so I guess I'll find out first hand. I'm ready for a short day trip. Road reports on tripcheck.com don't show any issues.

I'm going out for a drive myself Friday...says 54 and sunny....I'll take it!

[SpyderMike]

Go to TripCheck - Road Cams, Road & Weather Conditions in Oregon - ODOT

Oregon has that great road travel site with links to a bunch of webcams and road info...

Enjoy! I am in southern Oregon (outside Jacksonville) and the weather is great and the roads are clear.

Mike

[Creve]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Drive through Portlandia down to Salem and take Hwy 22 to the coast, and then head south on 101. One of the easiest roads through the coastal mountains and takes you south of most of the congestion on 101.

+1 I drive to the central Oregon coast every two weeks from Portland to Lincoln City area. I take hwy 18/22 from 1-5 at Tigard then through Sherwood and Newberg on hwy 99. This takes you to hwy 18/22 which is the lowest pass over the coast range at 763 feet elevation. If you watch the weather forecast you should be fine most of the time without any snow in the pass. I have seen days in January & February in the 60s with clear sunny skies. The best kept secret is that if you hit the coast on the right day you can hit some beautiful sun between weather fronts that move in every 3-4 days from offshore. Keep an eye on the 10 day forecast! Central Oregon coast & South is much better than North coast where all the folks from Portland go. Have fun!

[Joe Bob]

It's gets cold....wet cold sucks. Was up there 2 years ago w/o a heater....

[Tsunamiboy]

I drive it every day. If your not in a hurry start at Astoria and stay on hwy 101. Watch your speed through the small towns. Great time of year to cruise the coast!

[Dave Colangelo]

I see above you said you need to get your heater fixed. Even if it does not work make sure you valves are adjusted so that you can cut off exterior air. I have an issue with my 78SC where the air valves are not set right so when they should be closed they are not. In the cold this is very miserable especial below freezing. Even with the blower running the cold air still spills in and the car never gets comfortable warm.

Regards
Dave

[oh snap]

I brought my car back from socal this time of year last year. The weather was good luckily. A little damp in some stretches but no rain. I had no heat at the time and it got damn cold. There was always cold air coming from the footwells. I bought thick socks and gloves at an outlet halfway through Oregon but I wish I'd just spent the half hour that it took to figure out and reinstall my blower before I left instead of after I got back.