Hi All,

I am thinking of driving my 911 from DFW to Seattle and am in need of some driving tips on getting there. My vehicle is currently at the dealership getting the annual maintenance and tires replaced in order to make sure I'm prepared. Has anyone driven this route and if so, do you have any suggestions on what I should be prepared for? If you have any additional tips for someone who hasn't driven farther than 400 miles, I would be very grateful.

I did want to mention that I have been looking at temperatures for next week and they are looking decent on the west coast. Lately it has been around 25-35 degrees here in Dallas and my car has felt great driving on this cold pavement.

Thanks in advance, everyone! Glad to be apart of such an awesome community of enthusiasts.

My Vehicle: 2006 Porsche 911 C2
Mileage: 33K
Date to travel: Friday, Dec 6. 2013



Route Option 1:
Mileage: 2106
DFW to Albuquerque to Salt Lake City to Seattle
Link to Map.




Route Option 2:
Mileage: 2484
DFW to Albuquerque to Sacramento to Seattle

 

I'd drive option #1 because of less traffic and more rural road possibilities not to mention the vistas. The coastal route is very tempting but the traffic would make me nuts.

Sounds great when do we leave?

 

Yeah, option 1 is preferred due to less miles but I'm not sure what to expect once I get into the elevated areas in Utah and beyond.

I leave next Friday morning, Dec 6th.

 

Take route 1 definitely....much better scenery and wide open throttle opportunuities as well.....going route 2 will bore you death straight up I-5....not to mention Calif Hwy patrols everywhere

 

Your car has automated methods to sense elevation changes and alter the engine performance. No worries old boy, go for it.

 

Option #1 can be a nice drive and also has a better chance of snow if that is a problem for you. You will be crossing some mountain ranges with two that would be of concern. Southeast of salt lake city in the area of Price, UT, through to I15 by Provo UT. The other is the crossing of the cascades east of Seattle. Both are difficult if snow is sticking. Optin #2, I5 is a nice drive from Redding Ca, to Seattle. Only real chance of snow is around Mount Shasta. The rest of that route might not be to cool.

Enjoy the road trip, it's all about the freedom to go where you want and the adventure to get there.

 

agree sir!

Thats good to know! Thanks bud.

Yeah, I was kinda worried about the range east of Seattle which is why option 2 (although not as exciting) might be the best option this time of year. At this point all I can do is monitor the weather until I depart next week.

Appreciate the input.

 

Elevation in Alburquerque is a mile or more. Texas panhandle gets it's share of snow. Would suggest you prepare for it regardless of your route.

 

+1 on option 1. The scenery should be amazing.

 

Only tip is buy a spare tire and jack! No matter what route you take I see miles of smiles. Enjoy!

 

I drove part of Route #1 about 2 years ago from SLC to Seattle. It's a cool route with lots of changes in elevations. I did the whole trip in about 9 hours and it was an Audi S4, so snow was not a problem. Like others have pointed out, it's tricky to pass the Cascade during this time of the year. They might require you to have chains on before they'll let you through the WSP check point. Sometimes when the snow really hits, they might even shut down the pass completely.

Don't forget that it's full service in gas stations in Oregon.

 

Yep, yep. Not worried about the Texas pan (or at least not next week). Its in the mountains of WA that gets me concerned. Thanks for the input

Everyone else has mentioned the same thing as well. Unfortunately, option 2 might be the better option this time of year.

I can definitely see how that would add peace of mind. Thanks

Yeah, I was told about the chains by one of my co-workers and heard about it being possibly closed which has me thinking more and more about the 2nd option. Plus I have a few friends/family I can visit on the West coast.

Thanks K-E-V!

 

The one problem with route #2 is going up the 5. It is filled will trucks, and your paint and windshield will take a beating from road debris. Also as mentioned, it is a nightmare with the speed traps.

 

Yeah, that's not really ideal but my car is clear bra-ed and the windshield is insured. Appreciate the headsup.

 

Option 1 for sure and absolutely stunning, and as another posted take a spare and a jack. Option 2 can be tricky and bad weather can happen on the grapevine as well, not to mention California traffic is the pits and ruin that part of the trip.