Best route from Billings to Bellingham

January 21, 2016 6:47 AM

I'm moving from Billings, Montana to Bellingham, Washington in a couple weeks, and I'm looking for the best, least snowiest route there. I have heard all the horror stories of the Snoqualmie Pass. I'm fine with taking an extra day to detour through Oregon or somewhere, but I'm wondering if anyone has made this road trip before at a similar time of the year and has suggestions for me. If it matters, I have a car with fwd. Thanks!
posted by book 'em dano to Travel & Transportation (11 answers total)

With the exception of rare heavy snow days, I-90 is kept well plowed and sanded. It's by far the highest volume vehicle route, and the huge number of large trucks that use it and other traffic help to keep the road clear from snow.
posted by thewalrus at 7:37 AM on January 21, 2016

If you can take that extra day and be willing to wait out a storm with it instead of detouring, you shouldn't have any worries. Just don't drive in bad weather. Period.
posted by maryr at 8:09 AM on January 21, 2016

So you may not have the option of "not driving in bad weather", but I'd say tough it out over I-90 - just come prepared for (lengthy) delay(s). That means: extra food, water, clothing, blankets, and a full tank of gas!! It is closed again for part of today for avalanche control - but this is a regular thing on that pass.
Any detours would take you waaayyy out of the way, and on less-traveled roads. Given our snowpack this year, I think I-90 is truly your best bet.
posted by dbmcd at 8:50 AM on January 21, 2016

I agree with everyone else. I drive Snoqualmie pretty often in the winter and have only been scared twice. If you can come prepared to wait it out, that will be way less trouble than going around. That is a loooong detour. If you're coming from Billings then you already know how to drive in the snow. You should be fine. You know about the WA DOT pass report & camera, right?
posted by HotToddy at 10:22 AM on January 21, 2016

I-84 is often bare pavement through the Columbia Gorge, but east of Pendleton, it can really vary from totally clear to totally awful, depending on when you go. And I have no clue what it's ever like east of Ontario.

I'd suggest coming up with a couple of alternatives, and making the choice depending on what the weather is like at the time. If you can afford it, pick up a set of those tire socks at Les Schwab with the intent to use them only if absolutely necessary, and return them if you don't use them. They're about $100, work as well or better than chains, and are much easier and faster to put on and take off.
posted by stormyteal at 10:27 AM on January 21, 2016

So and I guess as far as suggestions, the thing that tends to happen up there is the slush gets really deep and someone might start fishtailing a little bit or a semi could start to slide if they are too stupid and lazy to chain up, but it all happens in slow motion so if you are also going slowly it should be okay. Just keep your distance. Not trying to scare you, just tell you the worst-case scenario. I still would pick Snoqualmie over going around.
posted by HotToddy at 10:33 AM on January 21, 2016

Billings resident here. (Sorry to lose a Billings Mefite!) I've made that trip slightly later in the year, when Snoqualmie Pass was still pretty snowy. I've also done numerous trips on I-90 to Missoula in the winter.

I agree with the above opinions that I-90 is the way to go. Just keep your eye on the weather and road reports. There are also webcams for most of the route, including the passes, easily found with a search.

I would time the drive through Snoqualmie Pass for mid-day to early afternoon, as long as there is not an active storm at that time. That will give you maximum daylight and potential for the road to be cleared. Just be a careful driver, don't get in a hurry, and you should be fine.

Of course, there's also the possibility that 1-90 will be entirely clear and dry the entire route! I've been surprised at how often I've driven in Montana and surrounding states in the winter with perfectly clear roads. The unpredictable weather in this region can work both ways. Good luck on your move.
posted by The Deej at 12:37 PM on January 21, 2016

Welcome to Bellingham in advance!

I've had good luck on I-84 when Snoqualmie Pass isn't an option. You could divert south using Highway 97 (around Cle Ellum/Yakima) then head west on I-84, then I-5 north when you hit Vancouver, WA.
posted by stennieville at 2:52 PM on January 21, 2016

We do have unusually high amounts of snowfall in the mountains this winter Snoqualamie has been closed for as long as 24 hours and is closed now until later tonight. However, once they clear up the avalanche mess, it is a great pass to travel on. The state DOT keeps it clear and I've been over it multiple times year around. The route through the Columbia Gorge would work as well, but I 90 is faster.
posted by OkTwigs at 6:35 PM on January 21, 2016

Thank you for all your insight! I'll definitely keep an eye on DOT and any weather warnings.
posted by book 'em dano at 2:27 PM on January 23, 2016

For future readers, Snoqualmie Pass was dry and beautiful on Feb. 2. Lookout Pass the day before was much, much worse. Thanks again, folks.
posted by book 'em dano at 2:30 PM on February 4, 2016