Seattle to the playa--the different routes

z276 · Post by **z276** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:39 am

Anyone have any feedback on routes you've taken from Seattle to the burn? Any good stories, bad stories, recommended routes, etc...

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:54 pm

I've done the trip 7 times. The best way kinda' depends on how heavy you're gonna be. If you're really loaded, I find the easiest climbs and generally best route to be I-5 south to Eugene, OR, then HWY 58 southeast from Eugene to HWY 97. South on 97 to Klamath Falls, then HWY 39 (which becomes HWY 139 when you cross into California) to HWY 299 to Alturas, CA. At the main intersection in Alturas there is a Chevron; get gas there and meet lots of burners, and get supplies across the street at the burner-friendly general store. They always have a water hose in back for you to fill up your water jugs with, free.
The Chevron has an RV waste water dump for your trip back.
Then continue east on 299, over 6300-foot Cedar Pass. Don't hold your foot on the floor up the pass, shift way down and walk your rig up and you should be fine.
At the bottom of the pass you'll come to Cedarville, CA. They've gotten burner-friendly in recent years (they figured out they make money!) and the gas station on the main corner is open late and often even has a barbeque going. There's a great restaurant a few blocks down, on the main drag.
Turn right when you get to Cedarville; that'll be HWY 447. Follow that all the way to Gerlach. If it's dark, go slow! Unlit cows like to stand in the road because the pavement stays a bit warmer. You'll turn left at Gerlach and head to the Playa!

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:27 am

Yep what he said, i've gone that route 16 times myself.

Hold on a second, I already posted all of this on Tribe.

z276 · Post by **z276** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:05 am

Thank you very much. That is quite detailed and I appreciate the feedback.
I'll check on Tribe, I know there's a lot of info out there on this. It's probably as well written about as "how much water should I bring" and "should I buy a cheap tent".
Still good to ask though.

Orchid · Post by **Orchid** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:35 am

Depending on your weight concerns, you can also stop and get water at the first Chevron on your right when you get to Klamath Falls. They're very friendly, and it's not crowded at all.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:00 pm

If you're pushing thru in a one day shot, the Eugene/Klamath Fall route is good.

Last three years we've been making a two day trip out of it, leaving Saturday morning with an overnight stop at Summer Lake Hot Springs (Paisley, OR). It is a wonderful place to take a mid-trip break...soak in the hot springs, sleep late Sunday morning. The owner is SUPER Burner friendly...putting out some live music this year, cold beer, eats, morning coffee...reservations not required.

From there we head to Cedarville for a 3-4 hour break, dinner before making the final 2 hours to BRC. We line up with everyone else at the Gate and start the party! (It actually started when we left Seattle).

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 4:49 pm

Captain Goddamit's directions are the best for fuel economy from what I hear from a trucker friend. I have traveled that route 10 times and I love it. Granted I start in Aurora Oregon. If you get blasted by the Midges North of K-Falls stop and get a fill up in K- Falls. They have special stuff that takes all the gooey bug guts off of of your windshield.

Yah I am really slow on the passes in my NPR pulling a car trailer. To all those in rental trucks... Those trucks by in large are not designed to pull a pass and will over heat easily. Don't be afraid to shift down to keep the RPM's up and the engine cooling its self better. If you see the temperature gauge creeping up pull over and let the engine cool while running. My 2c.

Have a fantastic drive. The burn starts when you close the door to your house and hit the road.

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:55 pm

Lots of info on routes here

http://gwally.com/directions/cat_routes.php

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 11:12 am

Yes, watch for overheating, that's what will get you, especially if you have an automatic transmission. Those are cooled through the radiator, and excessive heat will kill them.
Two strategic things you can do: Turn on your heater while climbing the passes, and time the hardest climbs to happen early or late, when the outside temp is cooler.
And again, don't floor it all the way up a mountain pass!

z276 · Post by **z276** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:14 pm

We are going to be in a 64 Corvair van that is air-cooled. The load will be full but we won't be excessive I don't believe. The BF has pretty much rebuilt the entirety of the engine and parts so he'll have spare this and that as much as he can. I'm slightly nervous traveling out in an old antique van but excited all the same.

Post by **mdmf007** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 12:16 am

Route with the least amount of hills -

I-5 south to 205

205 to 84 in Oregon. This follows the columbia for 200 miles and has little grade change

cross into Idaho and turn right on hwy 95 south just past Ontario (3 miles into Idaho)

Take 95 to Winnemucca, and then West on Jungo Road - Your in Gerlach.

The only pass is Dead Mans Pass, and it is large - but that is the only pass. There are 3 lanes, and water if you need it. No matter what route you take you have to cross a range somewhere.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 12:31 am

Out of curiosity....What is the driving time for that route mdmf007?

That pass is a huge climb. I just did it 2 weeks ago on my way to Idaho. It was a nice drive.