I-5 Northern California

[dwinslow]

Planning a trip towards the end of February down I-5 from Seattle to Southern California, wondering what the mountain passes are like in Northern California?
How is the weather this time of year? Any insights would be appreciated, thanks

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by dwinslow

Planning a trip towards the end of February down I-5 from Seattle to Southern California, wondering what the mountain passes are like in Northern California?
How is the weather this time of year? Any insights would be appreciated, thanks

We have do it dozens of times. We lived in Everett and daughter in Santa Clarita. We usually have no issues. However always be prepared to hunker down for a day or two. We had I-5 closed south of Medford a few years ago. So southern Oregon to Redding can have issues.
You will be required to carry chains or tire socks. Since I-5 is the only freeway the road crews do a great job. Have fun.

[dwinslow]

Thanks for the info, will be are first time going when the weather can effect our travel, will plan accordingly.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by dwinslow

Thanks for the info, will be are first time going when the weather can effect our travel, will plan accordingly.

Travel with 75% or so in your fresh tank, and have the propane topped off.. Just in case You have to do the pucker brush squat [hunker down] alongside the road/truckstop/rest area etc..for a few days..
Better to just wait the weather out than trying to be the bullet proof hero.

[dwinslow]

Originally Posted by saddlesore

Travel with 75% or so in your fresh tank, and have the propane topped off.. Just in case You have to do the pucker brush squat [hunker down] alongside the road/truckstop/rest area etc..for a few days..
Better to just wait the weather out than trying to be the bullet proof hero.

Thanks, that is great advice.

[GTM41261]

Weather that time of the year can be hit and miss. from the Siskiyou summit South of Ashland to Redding CA. can get some pretty good storms or it maybe clear and sunny. There are carry chains requirements, but your best bet is to find a campground and wait until they lift the restrictions if it is snowing or packed ice. I have driven that stretch more times that I can remember mainly with four wheel drive and there were times I just turned around and went back to Medford. I sure don't miss the snow

[dwinslow]

Originally Posted by GTM41261

Weather that time of the year can be hit and miss. from the Siskiyou summit South of Ashland to Redding CA. can get some pretty good storms or it maybe clear and sunny. There are carry chains requirements, but your best bet is to find a campground and wait until they lift the restrictions if it is snowing or packed ice. I have driven that stretch more times that I can remember mainly with four wheel drive and there were times I just turned around and went back to Medford. I sure don't miss the snow

Thanks, we will be watching the weather and plan accordingly.
Will have chains or socks with the intent of not using them.
No desire to drive the motorhome in snow or ice.

[halfprice]

I5 over Tejon pass, the Grape Vine in So Cal can also be bad and/or closed from snow. But in So Cal winter only lasts a day or two.

Jerry

[swhiteho]

Download to your phone if you have not already these apps:

Oregon Road Report

QuickMap for California

They will give you the up to the minute road conditions and have access to the camera network.

[SuperSweet]

Originally Posted by dwinslow

Planning a trip towards the end of February down I-5 from Seattle to Southern California, wondering what the mountain passes are like in Northern California?
How is the weather this time of year? Any insights would be appreciated, thanks

I traveled them on Dec 31. No problem. Will be going back Jan 31 and don’t expect problem.

Last year was different story.

[HillisT]

Hi
I5 weather in February could be touch and go.
You should bring a set of chains in case you have to chain up.

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by HillisT

Hi
I5 weather in February could be touch and go.
You should bring a set of chains in case you have to chain up.

It is the law for the RV to have chains out here in the mountain states. In the winter until - March or April.