Maine to Oregon, US route-2 or route-20?
I will be departing central Maine (Bangor area) on August 16 with my brother to drive to Portland, OR. We plan to spend about 12 days on the trip, we will be camping every night, and we would prefer to avoid interstates. I've been looking at routes, and I can't decide between taking route 2 or 20. We're interested in seeing the best of the northern US, particularly quirky towns and beautiful scenery. Have any of you done either of these routes? Neither of us can decide which would be better. Also, this will be our first big road trip, so any pointers would be helpful!
I've done parts of Route 2
I can't seem to find Route 20. Do you mean Route 200? Where does Route 20 go through?
Route 2 has some breath-taking scenery. It goes through Glacier. One of the most beautiful places around. Personally, I'd choose Route 2 just for that. It also goes through some of the most beautiful parts of Idaho. In Washington, I'd take a detour off of Route 2 and go see Grand Coulee Dam, then go back to Route 2 for a beautiful drive through the lovely Bavarian village of Leavenworth, then over beautiful Steven's Pass into the Seattle area.
I haven't been much farther east than central Montana so I can't speak to the eastern leg of Route 2. With 12 days, you should have time for lots of exploration. It sounds like a fun trip. That is if it's a one-way trip. If you're doing this roundtrip in 12 days, you won't have time for much exploration at all. It will be an intense drive.
A solution for this trip!
To clarify, it will be a one way trip. I am moving to Portland, OR and my brother will fly back once we get there. I'm interested in seeing parks and beautiful scenery (any natural scenery is beautiful to me, even the plains), as well as lots of kitsh and Americana. The leg through Canada is a plus for us because we're both canadian citizens and haven't been to Ontario since we were little. Do any of you have a sense of which route would be longer driving wise, not just mileage? The remoteness is a slight concern, because my car isn't exactly new, but it will be getting a thorough tune up and probably a cb radio. Also, bonus points for places I can go canoeing. I built my own canoe a few years ago and I'm bringing it with me; I'm looking forward to trying her in new waters.
Oh, also, route 20 starts in Provincetown, MA and ends just past Portland, OR. It drives through Yellowstone.
OK I think I've got it! Instead of choosing, I'll do both, because I like the idea of route 2 in the east and route 20 in the west. I'll take route 2 from Maine to Minnesota, then take the Great River Road down to Iowa, where I'll hop on route 20 for the rest of the way. This way I can see yellowstone, craters of the moon, and do a short detour to the badlands, which are all top priorities for me. I've already been to galcier international park. I think this will be a perfect blend of everything I'm looking for, and it will take me right to Portland. What do yall think of this plan? I've been looking at a lot of route information on www.roadtripusa.com
Maine to Wisconsin -- First Leg of Journey
I've been working out the details of my trip from Maine to Oregon, and now have the first 4 days pretty well fleshed out. I welcome suggestions of other things to do along the way! I plan to spend from about 9am to 7pm travelling, with frequent stops. We want to drive around 300-400 miles per day on this first leg, following the route suggested on www.roadtripusa.com for route 2.
Day 1- Bangor, ME to extreme northwestern VT
Route 2, plan to stop at the Ben and Jerry's factory, Burlington, and probably briefly in the Green and White mountains for some scenic views. Camping in North Hero State Park on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Day 2- Lake Champlain to past Ottowa
Canadian highway 17 from Montreal. Plan to stop at the Canadian museum of civilizations. Camp either in Brimley or Samuel de Champlain Provincial parks, depending of what time we make.
Day 3- Ontario through both sault st maries to the UP Michigan
highway 17 then route 2 or 28. Plan to stop at the Dionne quintuplets museum and science north. Camp either Brimley or Tahquamenon state parks, depending on time/route
Day 4- UP to Wisconsin
route 2 or 28 in MI, then route 2 in WI with route 13 loop detour along the shore. Plan to make scenic stops. Camp in Big Bay state park.
Does this seem do-able? Are there any things I should be sure not to miss? All tips are helpful!
A better route could be had
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiterose1713
We want to drive around 300-400 miles per day on this first leg, following the route suggested on roadtripusafor route 2.
The only criticism I have for any of Jaime's routes is that he hasn't kept the information very current. But if you take everything he reports with a "huge grain of salt" and only use that information as A very sketchy outline, you will have fun. Actually, I kind of like the "Great North Highlights" route that was put together by the folks at "Let's Go" -- my review of the underlying guide book is online here.
Quote:
Day 1- Bangor, ME to extreme northwestern VT
I would fortify myself with one more stop at the Sea Dog Brewing Company for sandwiches.... If you get up to Skowhegan -- go get a photo of the "world's tallest Indian statue" located just behind the Chamber of Commerce building. For your drive over NH -- be sure to factor in SR-12! and if you have time, and are really feeling adventurous you can drive the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the summit. In Vermont, you could go by the world's largest can of maple syrup at the Maple Grove Farms in St. Johnsbury.
Hope this gets you started!
Mark