Routes through Oregon and Washington ?

A

amishman

Member
In planning our trip to Puyallup this summer and trying to decide which road would be most scenic and Model A friendly, I'd like suggestions on which route to take. We're leaving from Michigan, going through Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho to see family and friends along the way. But leaving the Boise area, would you Ford Barnners in these locals, recommend taking ( 20 West to Bend, North up 97 and follow 14 down the north side of the Columbia River to Vancouver, North up 5, East on 12 to Morton, up 7 to Puyallup ) OR ( take 26 Northwest to 395 North to Pendleton, Cross the Columbia River at Umatilla, west to 221 North, following 22 to Yakima, 12 West to Morton, North up 7 to Puyallup.) Having never been in these areas, I'd would appreciate all Concerns and thoughts on these routes, Thanks in Advance
 
Both routes are scenic. I would say a toss up.
When you go through Elbe (first town north of Morton) during mid day, the steam tourist train will be running. (Mt Rainier Scenic RR)
A worth while diversion.
If you ride the train, you will go through my back yard.
 
You can do the trip from Boise to Puyallup almost entirely without going on a freeway. It's about 600 miles, but very scenic. When I'm refreshed tomorrow I'll describe the route for you.
 
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Going down the Columbia River on its north side in Washington State on Highway 14 in a Model A might not be the best road to take. Yes it is a very senic drive BUT if I remember correctly if you had a problem and had to pull over you will play hell in trying to find a spot.

If you were to stay south of the river on the Oregon side you will be on the freeway. However you can get onto the old road parreling the freeway and have a great drive to Portland. One of the tourist stops would be Multnohma Falls.

Good luck and drive safe!

Pluck
 
I have to disagree with my friend Pluck. The Oregon side is all freeway (I-84) until 20 miles west of Cascade locks. It is heavy truck traffic and a hair-raising drive in a Model A (voice of experience). You can exit onto the the old highway at that 20-mile spot, and it is much nicer from there to the Interstate Bridge. But that's where you meet I-5. You can get off I-5 fairly quickly once you cross the Columbia, but it takes some careful planning to get to Puyallup from Vancouver on surface streets. Hwy 14 is much more Model A friendly. I have driven it many times and there is adequate room to pull over, but from Umatilla west to about Bingen there is a paucity of gas stations. Still some truck traffic, but not near like I-84.
 
If you belong to AAA they can do a trip tick for you; just let them know you have an antique car and want to stay of the freeways. I have done this with several longer trips and it has worked out well:)
 
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Amishman— I will send you a PM with a route I think will be very enjoyable for you. The description is too long to put here.

I can't attach the maps to either a PM or a Ford Barn email. Send me a PM with your email address and I'll send you maps.
 
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I would take Highway 14, have gone that way many times and there are plenty of places to pull over.

While you are traveling, stop at the Stonehedge and Crow Butte Park to take a breather and stretch your legs.
 
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