Astoria through Portland and East on I-84 along the Gorge

We%26#39;ll be heading East out of Astoria through Portland (not a stop on our trip this time) and I was wondering what the best route would be to get us to and through Portland without city hassles if possible. It looks like 30 is the best Rt to Portland but does it hook up with I-84 without much of a problem? Also, anything along 30 from Astoria to Portland to see, scenic wise?

Thanks

Astoria through Portland and East on I-84 along the Gorge

You will have to go through Portland at some point. Hwy, 30 will either take you in to downtown Portland or you could take the St. Johns Bridge and go through to the east side, although you will then deal with street traffic and stop lights.

What day of the week/time of day do you plan to come through Portland? That will make a huge difference on traffic.

Astoria through Portland and East on I-84 along the Gorge

You don%26#39;t need to go into Portland at all to get from Astoria to I-84. Cross the Columbia River at Rainier to Longview WA. At the foot of the bridge, take a right and follow Hwy 432 to I-5 (about 5 mi). It%26#39;s well marked. This route travels thru the industrial district and comes out on I-5 at Exit 36.

Head south on I-5 to Vancouver, take I-205 thru Vancouver, cross the Glen Jackson Bridge near the Portland Airport and watch for the I-84 exit to The Dalles. (maybe exit 22?) It%26#39;s not far from the airport.

I live in Longview and rarely take Hwy 30 to Portland. It%26#39;s a winding 2-lane road with a lot of traffic. I-5 is a 6-lane interstate and traffic generally moves along it very smoothly.

Not anything outstanding, scenic-wise between Astoria and Rainier. A stop at Bradley State Park just west of Westport will give you some great views up and down the river. A more scenic route would be to cross the river at Astoria and take State Route 4 to Longview, however it is slower.

Kitters has best plan, if you are in Astoria.andwant to avoid Portland on way to Gorge. but 26 fastest route to Portland, surely from Seaside but even from Astoria. And at midday not real bad to get through Portland on interstate.

But as one who does not like city traffic, I would do route Kitters suggests.

Kitters has best plan, if you are in Astoria.andwant to avoid Portland on way to Gorge. but 26 fastest route to Portland, surely from Seaside but even from Astoria. And at midday not real bad to get through Portland on interstate.

But as one who does not like city traffic, I would do route Kitters suggests.

Hwy 30 is a pleasant drive, but it%26#39;s a real pain when you get to Portland, since there is no simple connection to I-84. Kitters%26#39; route has the least amount of traffic hassle.

We%26#39;ll be departing Astoria early on Tuesday 28 July with a stopover for the night in Hermiston. We figured that distance would give us some time to see various locations along the Gorge without really pushing it too far on the first day of our homeward bound trip. The route kitters suggested through Rainier looks to be the best choice. I%26#39;ll mark it out so my ';navigator'; can follow it. She get a little confused sometimes if there is too much turning inside a city proper. We%26#39;ve seen a lot of neighborhoods in the past we did not plan to see. Want to try and avoid some of that on this trip. Driving about 6,500 miles will be enough without adding additional times and miles we don%26#39;t need. I%26#39;ll make a note on Bradley SP too.

Thanks all for your continues guidance.

Our family likes to cross the Columbia in Astoria and take State Route 4 to Longview/Kelso, (then you would follow kitters directions to I-84). It%26#39;s a little slower but the drive along the river is so lovely and interesting-much better than 30.

Thanks BGpoints, I%26#39;ll check the map and consider your suggestion. Time might be something I have to consider.

vc