New York to Seattle

Hello. I am moving from New York to Seattle and I am torn between a couple of things and want to know if someone could help. These are my dilemmas:
1) Because of timing I could either leave Oct. 14 or Nov. 1. Will there be a big difference in weather?
2) I want to take the scenic route but I am unsure of weather conditions in the fall. I would really like to go straight across Montana.
3) I know nothing is for certain but it is relatively safe going off the main roads since I will have a packed car?
4) What sites should I stop and check out along the way?

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

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1) Because of timing I could either leave Oct. 14 or Nov. 1. Will there be a big difference in weather?

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There may or may not be a difference in weather. I've encountered snow on this route at both times, and I've NOT encountered snow on this route at both times. It's a crap shoot. I'd go with the October date -- the earlier the better. But this is no guarantee.

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2) I want to take the scenic route but I am unsure of weather conditions in the fall. I would really like to go straight across Montana.

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I'd go for it. You've got even odds, my opinion, of having good weather.

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3) I know nothing is for certain but it is relatively safe going off the main roads since I will have a packed car?

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What do you mean, "off the main roads?" Interstates? Major two-lane highways? That time of year, I'd stick pretty close to the paved main and secondary roads no matter what I was driving. What can I say, I'm "timid." Kind of.

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4) What sites should I stop and check out along the way?

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The Badlands, the Black Hills, Wounded Knee, Mt Rushmore, Devil's Tower, the Little Bighorn Battlefield, Pompey's Pillar -- and Yellowstone/Grand Teton is not too far off your route either. At Cody, eat at the Irma Hotel (Buffalo Bill's (place), and if you stay at Jackson, I recommend the Golden Eagle Inn. At Pompey's Pillar, the short road back to the parking lot will be closed for winter. But it's only about a half mile and worth the walk, my opinion -- a magical place on the banks of the Yellowstone River -- there will be honking of geese and you can see where Captain Clark inscribed his name on the Rock! Pretty priceless. Park right at the closed/locked gate by the highway.

I agree too with the october date. Especially in the passes of Washington, Montana, and Idaho, snow occationaly falls on the higher passes mid to late October (sometimes earlier if they get a good cold snap with moisture), but is almost expected around November.

Just remember, October through April (I'm pretty sure on the beginning month), it is a REQUIREMENT to carry chains over ALL Washington State mountain passes, and snow tires are heavily suggested during this time of year (I think 4 wheel drive vehicles are exempt from chains, but I wouldn't be sure).

You can check with the Washington State Department of Transportation WSDOT at www.wsdot.wa.gov. It's not fun flagging down a WASP (Washington State Patrol) officer because your car is stuck in a early winter snowbank on Snoqualmie Pass.

Through the Fall and Winter months in the Northwest and through the northern tier great plain states, I would very much so suggest tucking a Winter Survival Kit into your car's cab. Blankets, food items (even candy), and Water will all be essential, even if you are just stuck at a truckstop.

Another suggestion would be to get and take with you some sort of CB Radio (Palm CB/Mini Mobile, Mobile, or Perminant Mounted) with a WX All Hazards Radio function. I think they should be required for all motorists. WX Weather/All Hazards radio tunes to National Weather Service broadcasts and can get you the latest information on weather, and Washington State Law requires that they run a Mountain Pass Conditions report every cycle or two, so you will always have the latest Pass Conditions.

Have a good trip!

From a former Washington State resident,
Brad M.

Thanks Bob and Brad! I will plan on leaving the end of September and make a 5 day trip out of it. I am really excited!!

Thanks again,
Marie

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4) What sites should I stop and check out along the way?

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It's possible that everyone already knows this -- but it was new to me. Yesterday when I renewed my Golden Eagle Pass (entrance to the NPS park system) they give me an "owner's manual" that lists & maps all of the national parks, national historic sites, national preserves, national seashore, etc. It really is a bargain!

Mark