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Hi, I am planning to drive back home (from Portland to the Bay Area) for thanksgiving and Christmas but I am trying to avoid the mountains. I mainly want to avoid having to put on chains. Does anyone have any suggestions on routes outside of highway 5?
Welcome to the RTA Forum!
If you want to avoid the mountains, then your only option is to head to the coast and work your way down US-101. However, also note that such a route also takes almost twice as long as I-5 due much slower speeds.
In good conditions on I-5, Portland to SF is at the very maximum of how far you can safely travel in a single day. If you plan to take US-101, you'll need to plan to take nearly 2 full days.