transamerica MT to OR weather conditions

[jane_marie]

I am planning a trip with my hubby for late march this comming year.  What can we expect in regards to weather late march/early april?

[indyfabz]

I assume you mean 2013.

Be prepared for cold, wet, snow and ice in MT, especially when crossing the passes. We did a loop out of Missoula last year that incorporated a couple of days of the TransAm route. Couple of nights it got down to 40. Had we left Missoula a day earlier than we did, we would have gotten soaked by several inches of cold rain that hit Hamilton. That was late June. The week before we arrived, snow flurries were predicted in some of the places we would be. Leading up the trip I followed a few journals. Couple of people got snowed on. One fellow got caught in a bad storm heading west from Ennis, MT and ended up getting a ride.

Can't speak to OR as I have only ridden in the area the Trans Am uses in early September. However, if you look at something like this, you will see it could be pretty cold at night:

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USOR0176

Note that McKenzie Pass west of Sisters will almost certainly not be open when you arrive. It would be a shame to miss it. The landscape at the summit is amazing, and the descent of the west slope is fun if you don't mind switchbacks.

[jamawani]

Indyfabz -

This is a classic example of a post that doesn't deserve a reply - certainly not the kind of thoughtful replies you offer.  First, it's a one-sentence, no-info statement. Second, there is plenty of info out there easily available from weather.com, wunderground, and NOAA.  I doubt that she even Googled "Missoula" - which has a temp chart.

[jane_marie]

What do you mean when stating the area might not be opened?  Is it trespassing to utilize the route off season?

[staehpj1]

Not opened as in 30 foot snow drifts.

Here is a news article from May of last year:
http://www.kval.com/news/local/121466919.html

[jane_marie]

Not opened as in 30 foot snow drifts.

Here is a news article from May of last year:
http://www.kval.com/news/local/121466919.html

I appreciate the clarification. 

@ jamawani.

I do apologize for the question however, I did google low tepetures for cities across the trek.  My main concern was the weather conditions in areas of higher altitudes .  I suppose. I should have specified.

I am quite disappointed to hear that it may be entirely too early to make the trip as we will finally be moving out of our current state and had wanted to mark the ocassion with a beautiful yet challenging tour of the last small section of the journey from our current location to our new home.

[jamawani]

If you provide greater context and info -
Then others can help you more.

Actually, if you are willing to do more of the Lewis & Clark -
(And be flexible with stops)
You could ride from Missoula out to the coast.

The Columbia Basin is drier and warmer in Mar/Apr.
The tricky part is getting over Lolo Pass and down to Orofino -
But if you are starting in Missoula, you can pick the best day.

Once you get to Hood River, you should expect rain and temps in the 50s/60s.
Esp. with headwinds, you will likely be very chilled.
Motels / Couchsurfing might be a good idea -
Also, many parks/campgrounds will likely still be closed.

By staying on the Columbia River, you will have little chance of snow.
The L&C routes you on US 30 - I prefer Oregon Hwy 202
Or north of the river on Wash Hwy 4. (very scenic)

[staehpj1]

I appreciate the clarification. 

Just to be clear.  That refers only to McKenzie Pass.   Lower elevations may be fine and Santiam Pass is an alternate to McKenzie.  I am not saying the rest of the route can or can not be done then (I honestly do not know what the conditions typically are at that time).  I would trust Jamawani's judgement though, he has a lot of experience with that area as well as with most of the country.

[jane_marie]

Actually, if you are willing to do more of the Lewis & Clark -
(And be flexible with stops)
You could ride from Missoula out to the coast.....

I appreciate the help.  Is there anywhere that I could find a modified version of the L&C route that might be suitable for our consideration?  If not I am sure the information you provided will be enough to get me started.