how late to start the Sierra Cascades route?

[mtnbiktn]

I am on the Northern Tier now, and thought about doing the SC route after that, but I am not familiar with the weather for that section in the fall. What would usually be the latest to attempt that route? I have not bought the maps yet, but would there be phone numbers on them to call about the passes being closed?

[cgarch]

Well, there's a world of speculation. It will depend when the first storms hit. Without speaking for Washington, you could make it over the Oregon passes possibly as late as mid-Ocotober - maybe. The last several years it seems storms were late in getting to the Mt. Bachelor area but then once winter set in they've been hammered. You could easily get through several of the CA passes as late as November and possibly into December as you head south. The prior years would have been a cinch, this year it seemed like after January is when the storms and the snow rolled in. I suspect sooner is better and this is a fine time of the year to be in those mountains. But you never know - hope you're prepared for the best of both experiences.

Craig

[CMajernik]

You can go to this website and see the pass closure dates from the past few years. The route uses Monitor Pass, Lassen Loop and Tioga Pass in California.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/clsdlst.htm

[mtnbiktn]

Thanks a bunch for these replys. Very helpfull.