Which Hwy Pass to take on Thursday

Corkie Monster · 12-17-2005, 07:42 AM

We will be departing Cornelius and heading to SunRiver this Thursday and are trying to figure out what Pass to take. our options are:

Santiam
Hwy. 26

Map quest says to take Santiam Pass, but I have never been over Santiam Pass. I know Hwy. 26 like the back of my hand. A change in scenery would be nice, but not sure if this is a good Idea with winter driving conditions. Does anyone travel Santiam Pass frequently during the winter months? Should I stick to Hwy. 26?

Thanks
CM

Pete · 12-17-2005, 07:46 AM

My choice would be 26, because it has more truck traffic, which should make the road better. I think Blue Box Pass is lower than Santiam Summit, but I could be wrong about that. Either way, plan to chain up ... conditions are setting up that could make the mountains dicey.

Don't forget to check TripCheck before you go!

Right now it's 3� at Santiam and 10� at Blue Box. Pack a safety kit, just in case!

wannacatchem · 12-17-2005, 07:56 AM

Santiam pass is about the same as 26. Usually well maintained, wide lanes and shoulders. A little steeper on the east side, but a shorter run thru the mountains.

If the weather is crappy, I usually go around - thru The Dalles. Never hit any snow, and its only about 40 miles longer. You can make that up by driving 75 on the freeway.

Bucolic buffalo · 12-17-2005, 08:09 AM

Rain, shine, snow or sleet, Santiam Pass. Just take it easy and don't get in a hurry. I drive it all the time and it isn't all that bad. There are patches of packed snow/ice from Marion Forks to the summit but as long as you take it easy you should be ok. By next Thursday things could change but ODOT keeps the road in good shape. Use caution in the passing lanes and watch for ice from Suttle Lake to Sisters. Have a safe trip.

1pump · 12-17-2005, 10:52 AM

I know 'em both well. There's less traffic overall on Santiam, and you'll probably spend less time driving on snow.

Two Fister · 12-17-2005, 11:09 AM

From your neck of the woods it's probably faster to go over Santiam, but I personally hate that pass. It's true that you spend less time in the snow, but that's not the problem. There are very few passing lanes and people get very impatient. They start to pass vehicles in spots where they have no business doing so. Because of the steep terrain with guardrails on one side and a cliff on the other there's no place to bail out. Accidents tend to be head on head with multiple serious injuries/fatalities.

The route that the Life Flight helo takes from the hospital in Bend to Santiam Pass goes right over our house. I can't tell you the number of times it has gone over this winter.

I still drive it when I need to go to the west side of the Metro area, but I drive very cautiously and defensively.

TF

Troutinator · 12-17-2005, 02:40 PM

probably a toss up. I drive them both and prefer Santiam. Listed reasons apply, it's well maintained and shorter.
Bottom line for me is, if it's really dicey I take 84 out the gorge to 97 then south. Seems like a long way around but as long as the gorge isn't iced up, it ends up being faster.

Corkie Monster · 12-17-2005, 07:23 PM

From the looks of the weather forcast, everything may be icy, including the gorge. I hope our trip doesn't get canceled.

Thanks for all your feedback everyone.

CM

Acuta · 12-18-2005, 07:53 PM

As a trucker I'd pick 26 in a heartbeat. Santiam is not as well maintained and almost a thousand feet higher which USUALLY means deeper snow. Also, the grades are steeper (though less of them) and the road has a lot more corners. But, then you're not running 80k of truck and frieght. Just remember, getting going fast is the easy part, stopping is the hard part. Either way you go, take it easy, and you'll be ok. The advice of taking blankets and such is a VERY good one. Never know what will happen. You could get most of the way over and have them close the road for plowing or a wreck.

Please, just be safe.

Eric

Bartman · 12-18-2005, 08:29 PM

Quote:

From your neck of the woods it's probably faster to go over Santiam, but I personally hate that pass. It's true that you spend less time in the snow, but that's not the problem. There are very few passing lanes and people get very impatient. They start to pass vehicles in spots where they have no business doing so. Because of the steep terrain with guardrails on one side and a cliff on the other there's no place to bail out. Accidents tend to be head on head with multiple serious injuries/fatalities.

The route that the Life Flight helo takes from the hospital in Bend to Santiam Pass goes right over our house. I can't tell you the number of times it has gone over this winter.

I still drive it when I need to go to the west side of the Metro area, but I drive very cautiously and defensively.

TF

I've gotta second twofister, grew up in central oregon and I dont like that pass for all the same reasons that twofister mentioned, my folks still live in jefferson county a few miles from lake billy chinook, we just got back from there tonight and there was alot of traffic coming over the mountain but with the many passing lanes(making for a nice wide road to travel) and all the slow moving vehicle turnouts we experienced no trouble, you'll always have the occasional idiot who thinks because he's got a suv he can still go 65 and thats whats nice about 26, more room to get out of his way! on a couple occasions when the mountain was REALLY bad we have also went around through the dalles. have a safe and happy trip. bartman

Corkie Monster · 12-19-2005, 04:26 AM

Thanks everyone. For the driving part, all I'm worried about is the others out there on the road. I lived up on Mt. Hood for years and drove up to Timberline every day for work, and not a single accident. Driving in slick nasty conditions is nothing new to me. I think I will stick to Hwy. 26 since I know it. I will leave exploring Santiam Pass for when we're on our summer drive.

Thanks
CM