Guest Author - Denise Hoffman

Driving visitors on the west coast are likely to meet up with the Interstate 5 (I-5) freeway at some point in their stay. This transportation hub, just shy of 1400 miles, runs through the entire states of California, Oregon and Washington. If you begin in Southern California, the I-5 starts at the San Ysidro border crossing (Tijuana, Mexico). Then it runs north into British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada). The scenery ranges drastically throughout its length from desert to ocean, and mountains.

California
The Interstate 5, also known as the Golden State Freeway, is fairly flat and straight as it runs through most of the major cities in California including San Diego, and Los Angeles. Traveling through the length of the state, you encounter two mountain passes, one known as “the Grapevine,” north of LA, that climbs over 4000 feet through the Tejon Pass, and then gradually descends into California’s central valley. The second is at Mount Shasta, at the northern end of the state, before entering Oregon. In the winter, snow conditions require snow tires and chains, or during storms, travel may be shut down completely.

Oregon

To enter Oregon from California on the I-5, you cannot avoid the Siskiyou Summit which drops into the town of Ashland. The terrain through Oregon is vastly different than California, with multiple moutain passes causing serious snow and ice conditions. When entering Eugene, the fertile farm lands of the Willamette Valley surround you through Corvallis, Salem, and into the largest city in the state, Portland. The Interstate bridge connects Portland with Vancouver, Washington as it travels above the Columbia River. Local families still remember the five cent toll required to use the bridge.

Washington
Multiple lanes travel from Vancouver, Washington, to the shipping and industrial areas of Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle in the Puget Sound region. Although mountain passes are not encountered in Washington, construction is often a traveling headache as the state works to meet the increased traffic congestion.

The I-5 corridor is a key route when planning a trip out west. Take your time and enjoy all the scenery has to offer. To make your travel easier, research weather and road conditions ahead of time, avoid the workday commuting hours, and give yourself lots of time at border crossings.