Northern Tier into Portland, OR

[upslim]

I need your help. I am riding the Northern Tier east to west and I need to get to Portland, OR. Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any information on getting there. What ACA maps would I need or do you have to wing it? Thanks

[litespeed]

I've crossed the northern part of the country east to west twice. Different routes. Both times I finished up in Oregon - once near Portland and once in Florence. I don't use ACA routes. The route through MI, WI, MN, SD, northern WY, ID and Oregon was the more interesting. It takes in The Black Hills (Mt. Rushmore) and Yellowstone.
Going south of the Great Lakes and on through Iowa, Nebraska and southern Wyoming isn't nearly as pleasant or interesting. Iowa, with its bad roads (unpaved shoulders) should be avoided.
Brace yourself for fierce headwinds in the Colombia River Valley. It isn't called the windsurfing capital of the country for nothing.
                                   

[upslim]

In crossing the Northern Tier from Michigan to Portland, Oregon time is a factor as we are allowing 30 days. Do you feel this is adequate time and what would be the shortest route?

[litespeed]

30 days from Michigan to Portland OR is certainly doable. I have done similar distances in a month but I am used to 100+ miles a day. I would recommend the ferry from Ludington MI to Manitowoc WI then right across the middle of Wisconsin. You can roughly follow US14 across southern Minnesota, on to Pierre SD, the Black Hills and Yellowstone. You will have the climb (and descent) of your life over the Bighorn Mountains.
Then, after the obligatory stop in Missoula, you can either climb over Lolo Pass (shorter route) or take the easier Hiawatha Trail and tunnel to the north. Then it's US12 to the Colombia River. You can either fight the headwinds down the Gorge or stay on 12 to Portland.
This trip covers a beautiful part of the US. You'll have a fine trip.

This message was edited by litespeed on 2-4-07 @ 6:53 AM

[upslim]

Thanks for your info. I was hoping to come across someone on this forum who has done what we are doing. You are a big help. From time to time I'll be posting as plans continue to develop. Thanks again!!

[BikerLee]

Hi,I cycled along your desired route, but from West to East in 2005.
Link: http://home.comcast.net/~bikerlee/c2c/index.htm
Let me know if you have any questions.
 Regards,
 Lee

[mckas]

If you want to ride the entire Nortern Tier Route, you can ferry hop and bike the islands off of Seattle down to Tacoma, then cut accross on 410, through Mt. Rainier, take the road that goes on the backside of Mt. St. Helens, and work your way into Portland.  my wife and I did this from Vancover island about 8 yrs ago.  It was a very scenic route.

Reguardless of your route, I hope the winds are at your back going accross Montana, and the Dekota's.

[darclabed]

After completing the Northern Tier you can catch the Amtrak in Belingham - you can transport your bike simply by hanging it up on their special bike racks in the luggage car.The train will take you through Seattle and then right into the heart of downtown Portland.