San Fransisco > Sierra Cascades > Portland > Astoria

[Bigonabianchi]

I have to be in Astoria Oregon on May 29 to pick up the trans am. I'm considering maybe flyong out earlier. If I fly into San Fransisco and ride east to pick up the Sierra cascades route then via Portland to to Astoria will the passes be open during that time generally? If a pass is closed officially (snow) does that mean it's likely unpassable on a road bike still, or is that just for cars really? Closed means the snow hasn't been cleared from the road surface right? Or is it 'illegal' to ride a closed pass? I'd have a bivvy bag (no tent) and read in the National parks like Yosemite camping sites still charge same rates as an RV ?! ...so stealth camping in a bivvy bag would be my preference, however just how 'strict' are the rangers etc in the four wheeled tourist dominated areas? I'd stay on the route and move on each night riding about 12 hours a day. I'd allow a month maybe less, sound about right? 

[jamawani]

Oh my.
Highway department workers and national park service rangers have tough jobs.

[dkoloko]

Closed may mean the snow depth is taller than you.

[John Nettles]

And you will get a ticket if they catch you stealth camping.  I got one for $75 back in 1987 so I would hate to know what it costs now.  Just stick to the Pacific Coast and then most of your problems are solved.

[Bigonabianchi]

Thank you   Most helpful.

I know they may sound like dumb questions to some, however that's why I'm asking them now before I pick my route/time  

[dkoloko]

We are all dumb in some things at some time.

[jamawani]

The problem with riding north along the Pacific coast is headwinds.
If the weather is pleasant, the winds come from the northwest.
If the weather is nasty, you will have a tailwind.
Neither option is appealing.

The Sierras and Cascades still have snow with few facilities open.

Which leaves the valleys.
April/May is the nicest time to ride the Sacramento Valley and the Willamette Valley.
("Willamette" is not French, it is Chinookan - rhymes with "gawd dammit".)

There are excellent, quiet back roads in both valleys and parks with hiker/biker campsites.
Tricky getting over the Siskiyou Mountains on the Calif/Oregon border - but doable without I-5.
Swing west of Portland thru Forest Grove and then rail trails/ back roads to Astoria.