I-90 From Ohio to Portland, OR

[mysweater]

Hello everyone! I'm moving to Portland, OR in a few months from Columbus, OH and am trying to figure out the best way to get there. I've read a few posts about travelling to Portland from the Midwest and it seems like I-90 is the more scenic route and goes through fewer cities, so it has less traffic. Whether or not that's true, I'd also prefer to take I-90 because I've never been through those states and would like to see them along the way. I won't have any real ability to stop at attractions, though, since I'll have cats with me. If I do end up taking I-90 (not sure yet whether I'm going to drive up to Cleveland where my parents live and take 90 from there or go a combination of interstates from Columbus), how do you recommend getting from I-90 to I-84 and Portland? Google Maps says the fastest way is on Oregon state route 395 but it looks kind of empty over there. Since I'm going to be with cats and my belongings, I'd rather not stray too far from interstates and gas stations/roadside assistance. Is 395 a busy enough route with gas stations along the way? Or is there a better way to get from 90 to Portland? I'd like to add as little time as possible because of the cats. If all else fails, I can take I-80 to I-84 but I'd really like to do 90 if I can! Thanks for your help!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

The route to get south from I-90 to I-84 is actually US Highway 395 (not a state route, and certainly not an Oregon highway since the entire time you're on it you'll be in Washington State!).

More importantly, it is a heavily traveled 4 lane highway that will be just as easy to drive as an Interstate and will not be a problem for you at all.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

[Lifemagician]

Is 395 a busy enough route with gas stations along the way?

It is hard to drive 100 miles almost anywhere in the US, without coming across a fuel outlet.

Lifey

[mysweater]

Oops, I overlooked the US highway logo! Thanks for your help.

[mysweater]

It is hard to drive 100 miles almost anywhere in the US, without coming across a fuel outlet.

Lifey

This much I know, having travelled that 110-or-whatever mile distance of I-70 in Utah, I guess I meant if there were lots of services and gas stations...but now I see that there are. Thanks for your help!

[glc]

It's only about 75 miles from Ritzville to Pasco, and with basic planning you won't have to stop anywhere in between. Most of 395 between these 2 points is 70 mph freeway through some fairly desolate landscape with very limited services. If you fill your tank in Coeur D'Alene or Spokane, you should have no problem making it to Pasco/Kennewick. As I remember, 395 has continuous cellular coverage, I have AT&T.

The biggest selection of convenient services are in Kennewick after you cross the bridge on 395. You have about a 4 mile stretch of busy city street with every gas station and restaurant known to man.