Bellevue to Salem...but no/little I-5...?

RC65 · 06-20-2012, 02:18 PM

Is there a relatively simple route from Bellevue to Salem, OR that doesn't involve I-5 (or little of it, anyhow) that wouldn't involve significant extra miles? Planning a trip down soon, but I'd prefer to avoid a lot of slab driving and, as well, would like to make it more pleasant/scenic...on the other hand, though, I don't want to turn a four-hour trip into a six- to eight-hour trip. I've checked Google maps and don't see an obvious one...

RedKat600 · 06-20-2012, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by RC65

Is there a relatively simple route from Bellevue to Salem, OR that doesn't involve I-5 (or little of it, anyhow) that wouldn't involve significant extra miles? Planning a trip down soon, but I'd prefer to avoid a lot of slab driving and, as well, would like to make it more pleasant/scenic...on the other hand, though, I don't want to turn a four-hour trip into a six- to eight-hour trip. I've checked Google maps and don't see an obvious one...

Given these parameters, the answer is no.

RC65 · 06-20-2012, 02:33 PM

How about just a large segment of the trip then...? Again, though, without otherwise doubling the I-5 portion I'm avoiding (e.g., heading over the coast or something).

RedKat600 · 06-20-2012, 02:42 PM

Two options: Little over 6 hours but hella pretty with lots of good scenery:

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=b...1,2,3&t=m&z=10

Next option, just a small shortcut through some nice back country then slabbing down to Salem. 5 hours....

http://goo.gl/maps/vQJ0

RC65 · 06-20-2012, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by RedKat600

Two options: Little over 6 hours but hella pretty with lots of good scenery:

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=b...1,2,3&t=m&z=10

Next option, just a small shortcut through some nice back country then slabbing down to Salem. 5 hours....

http://goo.gl/maps/vQJ0

Thanks -- that first one looks interesting. I'd probably skip the second leg around St. Helens and just go around Portland via 205 (kind of like that second option, making it a 5-hour trip total), but I like the look of that first leg.

RedKat600 · 06-20-2012, 03:08 PM

Done that one myself. Rather nice scenery, especially around the lake. Definitely recommend 205 on a weekday during rush hour if you are headed south.

The second leg doesn't get close to St Helens FYI....just some nice scenery around a couple local lakes is all.

davidk · 06-20-2012, 03:10 PM

In Oregon - BEFORE I5 existed there was (and still are) 99W and 99E which run parallel to I5.
They would slower (lots-o-towns) but running the valley in Summer is plenty fun...
If you figure this one out please post up - I would love to see your route as I still have Family in Salem (my original HOME town!! )

Good luck

Chrishil54 · 06-20-2012, 03:26 PM

This is a bit longer but avoids most of I-5

RedKat600 · 06-20-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Chrishil54

This is a bit longer but avoids most of I-5

No worky....wrong link. Click the chain icon in the upper left corner of the map and choose Short Link. Copy pasta here.

RC65 · 06-20-2012, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by RedKat600

No worky....wrong link. Click the chain icon in the upper left corner of the map and choose Short Link. Copy pasta here.

Yes, please do -- would love to see the route.

Flyboymedic · 06-20-2012, 09:49 PM

See if this works. This is what I'd do: http://goo.gl/maps/03VU

goslow · 06-20-2012, 10:06 PM

How about at Longview cutting over the river to Rainier, OR (Hwy 30).....going down Apiary Rd-Vernonia-Timber-Forest Grove-McMinville-Salem.

You would avoid alot of I-5 and most importantly the Portland area traffic.

RC65 · 06-21-2012, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by Flyboymedic

See if this works. This is what I'd do: http://goo.gl/maps/03VU

Adding the 99E down in Oregon is a good idea -- thanks.

RC65 · 06-21-2012, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by goslow

How about at Longview cutting over the river to Rainier, OR (Hwy 30).....going down Apiary Rd-Vernonia-Timber-Forest Grove-McMinville-Salem.

You would avoid alot of I-5 and most importantly the Portland area traffic.

Yeah, I thought Hwy. 30, but the time/benefit ratio seemed tough to justify. I'll take another look at it, though...thanks.


06-20-2012, 02:18 PM	#1
RC65 Training Wheels Joined: May 2012 From: Redmond, WA I Ride: 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600	Bellevue to Salem...but no/little I-5...? Is there a relatively simple route from Bellevue to Salem, OR that doesn't involve I-5 (or little of it, anyhow) that wouldn't involve significant extra miles? Planning a trip down soon, but I'd prefer to avoid a lot of slab driving and, as well, would like to make it more pleasant/scenic...on the other hand, though, I don't want to turn a four-hour trip into a six- to eight-hour trip. I've checked Google maps and don't see an obvious one... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 02:33 PM	#3
RC65 Training Wheels Joined: May 2012 From: Redmond, WA I Ride: 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600	How about just a large segment of the trip then...? Again, though, without otherwise doubling the I-5 portion I'm avoiding (e.g., heading over the coast or something). __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 02:42 PM	#4
RedKat600 Joined: May 2011 From: LaCenter, WA I Ride: 2003 Copper SV1K	Two options: Little over 6 hours but hella pretty with lots of good scenery: https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=b...1,2,3&t=m&z=10 Next option, just a small shortcut through some nice back country then slabbing down to Salem. 5 hours.... http://goo.gl/maps/vQJ0 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 03:08 PM	#6
RedKat600 Joined: May 2011 From: LaCenter, WA I Ride: 2003 Copper SV1K	Done that one myself. Rather nice scenery, especially around the lake. Definitely recommend 205 on a weekday during rush hour if you are headed south. The second leg doesn't get close to St Helens FYI....just some nice scenery around a couple local lakes is all. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 03:10 PM	#7
davidk Railer Joined: Mar 2010 From: Bainbridge Island, WA I Ride: 2001 BLUE Ducati ST4	In Oregon - BEFORE I5 existed there was (and still are) 99W and 99E which run parallel to I5. They would slower (lots-o-towns) but running the valley in Summer is plenty fun... If you figure this one out please post up - I would love to see your route as I still have Family in Salem (my original HOME town!! ) Good luck __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 03:26 PM	#8
Chrishil54 Chicken Strips Joined: Jul 2009 From: Kirkland, Washington Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom	This is a bit longer but avoids most of I-5 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 09:49 PM	#11
Flyboymedic Chicken Strips Joined: Jun 2010 From: Vancouver, Wa I Ride: 2000 Honda VFR800, 2008 Husqvarna TE-610, 2004 Ninjette	See if this works. This is what I'd do: http://goo.gl/maps/03VU __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-20-2012, 10:06 PM	#12
goslow Shredder Joined: Apr 2006 From: Auburn & Longview I Ride: '12 Aprilia Tuono & '06 DRZ SM	How about at Longview cutting over the river to Rainier, OR (Hwy 30).....going down Apiary Rd-Vernonia-Timber-Forest Grove-McMinville-Salem. You would avoid alot of I-5 and most importantly the Portland area traffic. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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