How To Get To Portland from Missoula in Four Minutes

By Kerry McMannis, 12-03-06

Most Missoula residents have done it at least once. Many do it multiple times a year. The eight- to 12-hour drive to Portland is a common ritual for our land-locked little community. So, with the holiday season unarguably upon us we thought we would put together a little guide of facts and suggestions for the familiar route.

First of all, when traveling in winter be sure to check the road reports before you leave:
Click each state for links to road reports: Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon.

Once you get on I-90 West the only thing you come across more often than the Clark Fork River (our final count was 10 crossings) is signs for Lincoln’s 10,000 Silver Dollar Bar. I must admit despite their vigorous advertising campaign and my frequent trips down the corridor, it was for the purposes of this article that I first ventured through the swinging doors. Their web site claims to have “something for everyone at reasonable prices.” In spite of my skepticism I found a lovely Asian motif wine bottle caddy to take home with me.

Whether you get an early start or take your time, Spokane has a good place to stop for a quick tasty organic meal. Less than five minutes off exit 280B is Huckleberry’s Natural Market, which boasts a fantastic deli, open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Even the most seasoned veterans of the trek can get thrown by the arterial maze otherwise known as Tri Cities. Here’s the rundown:
1. When you get to Pasco, take the I-182 W ramp to Richland/Pendleton
2. Take the US-395 S exit 12A to Kennewick/Pendleton
3. Take the US-395 S exit to Kennewick/Pendleton (yes, another one)
4. Bear right at US-395
5. Take the I-82 E ramp to Pendleton Umatilla
That should get you there. Between the two of us, my partner and I have made the trip over two dozen times and we still get disoriented. In the last leg of step four there’s a Fred Myer on the right hand side of the road. They have a natural foods section, so it’s a convenient place to stop for healthy snacks.

From here it’s only three hours to Portland. If you're coming through early enough there are some great places along the Columbia Gorge to stop. Full Sail Brewery is right off the freeway in Hood River. Their tasting room is open noon to nine everyday. There are also great wineries along the Gorge a nice one that is close to the road is Cathedral Ridge Winery, open for tasting 11-5 everyday. Multnomah Falls is touristy but lovely nonetheless. If you really want to get away from the crowds, Horsetail Falls is a good alternate stop.

Click here or on the photo below to see our little travel video.



We want to hear from you! Post your road worn tips and stories of your MSO to PDX expeditions. [End of article]