The BIG ROAD TRIP
JULY 2024:
From Seattle to Southern CAlifornia. Some driving highlights from a 3000 mile + Roundtrip
Map the routes
I’ve mapped out all the routes with my set of various mapping tools; I’m confident I’ve chosen a set of roads to spice up the drive. The plan for Day 1 (Thursday, July 11): start with a stop in Portland to have a bite with friends, and then the “true” drive starts. Five alternate routes before ending up in Medford for the night *. Then up early the next day, for 3 alternate routes in California to finish in Chico. Monday I hit the road and drive down to SoCal with a few stops along the way. My return trip only has one byway adventure: Head into Sacramento from Antioch and work my way up on some smaller roads. Then finally, head back up to Seattle just sticking to the interstate.
*That was the plan anyway.
PACK THE GEAR
July 11 - Early
The gear is gathered, staged, packed, and placed. I have some small additional tasks this morning, but other than a few last minute things I’m out the door.
Camera gear to record the drive: gopros, mounts, batteries, drone, phone, old digital camera, and the instax.
Snacks and dranks: (regular) gummies, peanut m&ms, freeze dried fruits, jerky, fruit, yogurt, water, kevita.
Clothes: shorts, shirts, shoes, and other vital accessories.
I’ve looked at my list and checked it twice. I’m ready to Launch!
Short but Curvy
Hillsboro Highways
Episode 6 - Thursday Morning , July 11
I'm starting my long drive down to Southern California with my first target road of the trip: SW Hillsboro Hwy which turns into NE Hillsboro Hwy. Both are just west of Beaverton Oregon. That was a great a little road, well maintained, with excellent curves, and some nice elevation changes here and there; and all inside a gorgeous tunnel of trees and dappled light. Following the target road, my drive continues on a series of mostly straight two-lane roads through the hills and flatlands until I reach Salem and fuel up. Then I drive south on I-5 for about 80 miles plus for my next target road: Shoestring Rd.
Central Oregon Touge
The curvy goodness of Shoestring & london Hill rds
Episode 7
I'm going through Cottage Grove Oregon, which is about 134 miles south of Portland to reach target road 2: Shoestring Road (and London Hill Road). This was a lucky discovery, and turned out to be an excellent choice. All the things you want in a backroad: good pavement, curves, straights, no traffic, few driveways, no LEO, and minimal gravel. Get out there and give it a run!
“Touge, or Tōge, means “Pass” in Japanese, with these mountain roads being created with various S bends so the mountainous terrain could be conquered in Japan.”
Satisfying curves
Elk head Rd
Episode 8
Right after completing Shoestring Rd and London Hill Rd, I sync up my routing software and continue south on Elkhead Rd. I “accidentally,” noticed it when I was mapping out Shoestring. Not as twisty, but still an excellent alternative to the interstate.
The drive line bordered by yellow on the map is the primary target of section, and the Blue bordered part is the remainder of the Elk Head Rd before turning off.
CLIMB TO THE BORDER
Old Siskiyou HWY, revisited & completed
Episode 9
It's Friday, July 12th and I'm starting out early in Medford. No warning lights on the dash, so I'm off to revisit and complete Old Siskiyou Highway/Old Highway 99. I’m routing through Ashland this time. First I’m getting my cameras set up, and then away I go! This is such a rewarding road! Plenty of curves and speedy straights here and there. If you’re heading south from Oregon to California, take a break from I-5 and give this a drive! See you out there!
Super fun: I forgot the "k" in like on the graphic at about the 15:05 mark. Dangit!
“The important thing is to keep trying
”
A HOT DRIVE
Deep in the Anderson Hinterlands
Episode 10
I'm just south of Redding in Anderson CA, and I'm heading deep into the hinterlands before reconnecting with I-5 just north of Red Bluff. It's DAMN HOT! The target roads are solid choices for taking a little side drive off the beaten path.
Pleasantish
Relatively Pleasants Valley Road
Episode 11
It’s about a week later from Episode 10: I'm heading to the Bay Area from Chico, and I mapped out a little side-road shortcut from I-5 to I-80 through Wine Country lite on Pleasants Valley Rd. Map and Street view didn't give me the full picture. It's a nice path, but too many driveways and its relatively busy nature make it a cruising road, not a driver's road. If you're looking for a scenic pleasant short cut, it's a solid choice.