Chigago -> Portland, OR in February?

[mimsytoad]

Hello! I am seeking some advice. I have done a few cross country trips, but only in the Spring and Summer. I am looking to drive from Chigaco to Portland in about two weeks. Is there a safe way to go across the Rockies?

I will be driving a little Honda Civic Hatchback.

I've seen that most people advise taking I90 because of the lower elevation. I am wondering if it will be very slow going because of the weather. I have about 6 days to make the trip.

Any advice, tips, anything would be helpful! Thanks

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

It is impossible to say what the weather might be when you are traveling, but certainly there is no reason you can't make this drive. Thousands of people do it every day in every kind of vehicle imaginable.

In good weather, you can make this trip in 4 good days on the road. Since you have 6 days, you are in very good shape, and if things get really bad, you can sit and wait for conditions to improve. It would be very unusual for road conditions to be poor for more than a day, as Interstates get top priority for plowing, as these are routes that need to be kept open year round.

[glc]

I would lean toward I-90 because I-80 across Wyoming gets very windy and is prone to black ice and blowing snow. However, I would choose the exact route at the last minute based on current and short-term forecasted conditions. The best way to Portland from I-90 is US-395 from west of Spokane to Kennewick, then I-82 to I-84. I-80 is about 60 miles shorter.