Florence to Astoria

[mattdwyerva]

Planning WB trip that may go thru Eugene OR on the Trans Am.  I see main ACA route to Astoria, but we're contemplating a detour to Florence, and going up the Pacific Coast trail as an alternate route (still going to Astoria).

I see many comments about the wind along the coast, and I see data on that, backing up the stories (https://weatherspark.com/y/420/Average-Weather-in-Cannon-Beach-Oregon-United-States-Year-Round#Figures-WindDirection).

Other than wind, what are the prime considerations on choosing between these 2 routes? 

[John Nettles]

It doesn't sound like much but since you will be on the inland side of the road, you will surprising miss some of the ocean view.  I know it is only 20 extra feet but when you get close to the ocean, you miss the shoreline which helps to make it a nice view.  Not a big deal but, to me, it is noticeable.  Other than that (and the wind!), I say go for it. Tailwinds, John

[John Nelson]

The differences are immaterial. Pick whichever route you want.

[mattdwyerva]

I'll play it by ear somewhat, but it's traffic similar?  I guess I can check street view a bit for sense of the road conditions (width, etc).  Does the interior route get logging traffic or is that more east of Eugene?

[staehpj1]

On at least some of the coast the shoulder is wider for southbound riders.  I don't specificly remember it there, but I suspect it is the case.  I am pretty sure drivers are more inclined to be looking for riders going south since they are in the large majority.  Also some drivers may be distracted looking at the beach and the southbound riders.  Those factors probably make southbound travel a good bit safer.  How big of a deal it is I can't say.  If I had a good reason to want to ride northbound I probably wouldn't sweat it too much.  If it was a 50/50 choice preference wise I'd definitely go southbound.

[John Nettles]

Check out the 2019 Traffic Count map for Oregon https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Data/Pages/Traffic-Counting.aspx (see Traffic Flow Maps for a map).  You can compare the 2020 but that might have been skewed a bit due to Oregon shutting down for covid.  Of course, this is the average so some days might be significantly higher, i.e. holiday weekends, etc.

Tailwinds, John

[mattdwyerva]

Great traffic link thanks

[John Nelson]

Does the interior route get logging traffic?

Yes, the interior route gets a lot of logging traffic, but I found it very interesting and learned a lot about all phases of the logging business.