We've officially/finally given up on NYC and we're heading west for Seattle at the end of October. We've been planning for this move for a few years since we fell in love with the Northwest. Anyways, we'll be driving our truck ('14 Trailhawk Cherokee) across the country and wanted to see if anyone had experience doing it that time of year and if we should have winter weather concerns and alternate routes planned. We'd more than likely take the northern route or some variation of it since it's the most direct.
T.J.
UltimaDork
8/16/15 6:56 a.m.
I drove from CT to the Seattle area in November about 17 years ago. We had to stop by family on WV on the way, so we went a bit south at first and went on I-70/I-80 and then picked up I-90 is South Dakota. I had to chain up to get over the Cascades, but other than that it was no problem weather wise. Wyoming was windy, but I suspect that was normal for there. I did essentially the same route in 1992, but that time was in early May.
NOHOME
UberDork
8/16/15 7:03 a.m.
It will be luck of the draw at that time of year. With today's weather forecasting you should be able to stay informed.
I flew to Portland in February, fired a guy, and drove his truck back to Chicago across Wyoming and Nebraska. It was a bit cold but all clear - you should be okay.
If it's not snowing (too much) yet, stop in Yellowstone. I can't possibly overstate how cool the park is in October when noone is there.
Should be fine east of the Rockies in October, can't speak for out west. I live between 90 in SD and 94 in ND and wouldn't worry about snow until mid November on either route.
If you want to go scenic, enjoy the colors, north on the Taconic Parkway, west on 20.
Edit-This will take you through Yellowstone. If you take 20 to the coast, head north on 101.
The down side is it will be slower than the interstate or toll roads.
Did you know Rt. 20 is the longest road in the US.?
If you take the I-80 / I-90 route weather shouldn't be an issue for most of the drive, although I suppose winter may come early when you get to the Rockies.
