Portland to San Francisco for the holidays

[LYC9705]

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?

[Midwest Michael]

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.