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Tofino, BC to Baja, Mexico in January? Tofino, BC to Baja, Mexico in January?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 7 Dec 2010
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Tofino, BC to Baja, Mexico in January?
Hi,

Does anyone have any experience traveling the coast from BC down in the winter? I was thinking of taking the Ferry from Victoria to Seattle and making my way south from there. Are any of the roads impassible via Motorbike at this time of year? I'm not to concerned about rain and cold weather, more just road conditions (ice and snow) at this time of year.

Thank you!!

Kiel
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  #2  
Old 8 Dec 2010
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It's been a long time, but as I recall, once past Grants Pass, Oregon, you're probably fine. The pass is at some altitude and is only occasionally snowy but it's cold in the winter, so ice can be a problem.

To get there from Victoria, it's just watch for a good weather window and go for it!
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  #3  
Old 8 Dec 2010
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Ice and snow is always a possibility that time of year until into the Sacramento Valley lowlands in California. Keep an eye on the Weather Channel every night and learn to ask at gas stops along the way. The coastal route (US 101) is far less icy than the Interstate 5, but both are susceptible, so be prepared to wait it out if the weather gets stormy.

Two days riding in good weather, pushing steadily, will take you through the icy sections, longer on the coastal highways.

Hope that helps.

Mark
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  #4  
Old 8 Dec 2010
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Awesome! Thanks for responding guys. I'll definitely be checking the weather channel lots these next couple weeks!
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Old 8 Dec 2010
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You're welcome. For clarity, two days hard riding on I-5 will have you in the warmer Sacramento drainage; probably twice as long if following the coast (which is, however, far prettier).

enjoy,

Mark
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  #6  
Old 9 Dec 2010
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I rode down in early March and had to head towards the coast just south of Eugene since Siskyu Pass was well below the freezing level. When I passed the last "escape route" near Eureka there were all kinds of flashing signs warning of snow and winter conditions on that particular route from the I-5. So snow and ice are a definite possibility as others have suggested. I would personally stick to the coast or pick a good weather window to do it. The first highway leading to the coast, after Eugene, is apparently the one with the least elevation and the one I used myself when the weather turned bad.

You'll have to also worry about Highway 4 from Tofino, as you probably already know, as well as areas such as the Malahat. But that's usually gone within a day or so if it does snow.

Also, there is no ferry to Seattle from Victoria, aside from the foot passenger only Victoria Clipper. The Coho (Blackball) goes from basically downtown Victoria to Port Angeles. From there you can follow Highway 101 to Olympia (It was perilously close to experiencing snow and ice when I went) or immediately head to the coast via Long Beach, Astoria OR, etc.

Have fun!!


...Michelle
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  #7  
Old 9 Dec 2010
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Thank You!

This really helps a lot! Thanks for informing me about the ferry Scrabblebiker! I think I'm planning on driving most of the trip along the coast and staying off the I5 anyways just because It's a nicer trip. So looks like I'll be heading straight there on the 101 from Port Angeles or maybe hit Eugene first. Thanks for all the input everyone!

Kiel
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  #8  
Old 29 Dec 2010
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We will be leaving the Olympia Wash. area on January 11th.
Riding the coastal highway down to San Diago.
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