Driving from Chicago to Seattle

RiskManager · Jun 28, 2015

I would go the I-94 and I-90 route. If you do it in the winter, especially when you get on I-90 towards Seattle, be sure to pack chains and know how to put them on, and pack food, blankets and possibly extra gas. Along some stretches, there can be a few hundred miles between services. It is very likely that you will see snow and wind at that time of year in the upper Midwest and then from the Dakotas westward. On the plus side, once you get to Seattle itself, we rarely see snow here.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 28, 2015

I did the opposite drive (Seattle to Indianapolis) with my daughter a couple years ago in late December. It's 100% interstate. You do NOT need chains- there are no steep areas you would really need them for in my opinion. And we took the I-80 route through Wyoming. gorgeous scenery.

I would take blankets and food as any prudent cross-country traveler would. And plan on there being 50+ miles between exits (in other words, if you CAN stop for gas, stop for gas!) You'll be fine.

NedRN · Jun 28, 2015

I was stuck in Laramie for two days in April, waiting for I-80 to open during a blizzard with around 80 vehicle crashes.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 28, 2015

I did the opposite drive (Seattle to Indianapolis) with my daughter a couple years ago in late December. It's 100% interstate. You do NOT need chains- there are no steep areas you would really need them for in my opinion. And we took the I-80 route through Wyoming. gorgeous scenery.
I would take blankets and food as any prudent cross-country traveler would. And plan on there being 50+ miles between exits (in other words, if you CAN stop for gas, stop for gas!) You'll be fine.

You were fortunate not to need chains for Snoqualamie Pass. (I-90) There are times when the pass is closed to all except those with chains or other traction devices. When I moved from Seattle to the east coast (in December), we got through without any problems but heard on the radio that the pass had closed a few hours later.

When driving in winter, chains are always a good idea. If you have them in your car, you won't need them. Snow drifts in North and South Dakota, and sometimes the roads close -- even the Interstate. Have warm blankets, food and water in your car just in case. Keep and eye on the weather forecast and if bad weather is predicted, you may choose to pick out a motel and get off the road early.

I envy you, moving to Seattle. I'd love to go back there!

RiskManager · Jun 28, 2015

I have also had to chain up on I-90 in Idaho in the winter.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 28, 2015

Which is why I took I-80. Much, much better terrain.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2015

I am jealous. I would love to make a drive like that. I have driven from KC to Seattle 8 times and it never gets old.

For any kind of long trip, make sure your car is in good condition. Fluids such as windshield wiper fluid and radiator fluid need to have proper levels of antifreeze. Travel in the upper Midwest can be hit or miss with regard to winter storms. Blowing snow is a real hazard and can close down an Interstate for hours to days depending on conditions. Local motels fill up fast, so stop early in the day. Nobody drives on ice very well. Slow down and make very gentle maneuvers like you have a cup of hot coffee in your lap. Leave plenty of room between you and the guy ahead of you.

A winter car emergency kit should include warm clothes, coat, thick socks, boots, hat and gloves. Snack food/energy bars, 2 liter bottle of water, reflective triangle, bright colored hanker chief, flashlight, cell phone charger. If you're handy, booster cables, tire chains, shovel and tow strap. Give the big trucks extra space and don't pull out in front of them. NEVER pass a snow plow on the right.

Under good conditions, averaging 500 miles per day, it's about a four day trip.

If you're not in too big a rush, the rest stops can be very informative. You can learn a little about the settling of the West while you're stretching your legs. Some even offer free hot coffee and cookies for a "donation".

Did I say I was jealous? BTW how much does it cost to ship a car?

lindarn · Jun 29, 2015

Make sure that you have a reliable cell phone charger. Satellite Radio might also be helpful. All season tires would also be helpful.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN (ret)

Somewhere in the PACNW

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2015

I can't say for sure about the midwest/Northwest but we in the Northeast get our fair share of snow and we plow the roads, they're drivable. Highways are usually in better condition than back roads.

verene, MSN · Jun 29, 2015

You do NOT need chains- there are no steep areas you would really need them for in my opinion.

You ended up lucky if you didn't need them in December. I've traveled the I-90 corridor between Idaho and Seattle more times than I really care to think on. In winter Snoqualmi Pass frequently becomes chains only, and can even shut down for days at a time when snow and/or avalanche danger gets too bad.

Even the flat areas along I-90 can get very heavy snow. I once couldn't get out of Spokane because everything was shut down due to five feet of snow in less than 48 hours. It doesn't happen often but it is good to be prepared just in case.

To OP - Several others have already given you good advice on route and supplies. I'd also suggest leaving an extra day or few in your travel plans for the trip. If the roads are good, you can take time to enjoy the drive along the way. If the roads are bad you may have to severely limit how far you can travel or even stop and stay overnight somewhere.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 2, 2015

Again- we took I-80. Much better terrain.