First Midweek Drive of 2025

Join us for a low-altitude mid-winter drive. The drive depends on weather conditions. The drive only happens if temps are above 35 degrees on all parts of the route. WE have Route A to Astoria and alternatively Route B to Kalama. The Route A follows the Columbia River, the average altitude is 100 feet, there are 4 spots that reach 300 feet and spot that reaches 660 feet. In case this part of the route is the only one that is below 35, there is a Route B for a shorter route that avoids this spot.

Both Routes start at a Starbucks in NW Portland at US-30 W, in easy reach of I 405. From there the route follows US-30 W, to a first rest stop at a park in Scappoose. Then we continue onto US-30 W until we cross the Columbia on the Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview. Weather permitting, we continue onto the Washington side along the Columbia towards Cathlamet, where we cross over to the Puget Island and then take the Cathlamet Westport Ferry to Westport. From there we follow again US 30 W until we reach Astoria where we end the drive at the Bridgewater Bistro. This stretch of the route to Astoria has a max altitude of 660 feet, and if weather conditions are not favorable, we will, after crossing the Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview follow Route B along the Cowlitz River to Castle Rock, then take I-5 to Kalama and have lunch at the McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. I-5 is a few hundred feet away for the drive home.

All participants will get an email two days before the drive with the route details and driving directions.

Weather: If there is any chance for icy or snowy conditions along the route, the drive will be cancelled or postponed. Thank you for your understanding. Safety is the upmost priority.

Tires: expect temperatures below 45 degrees and rain. Make sure your car is all season or winter tires in good condition.

Event Organizer: Heinz Holzapfel

Event Stats:
Meet-Up time: 10:00 AM
Safety Meeting: 10:15 AM
Group 1 wheels rolling: 10:30 AM
Group 2 wheels rolling: 10:40 AM
Rest Stops: 1
Number of Groups: 2
Total Miles:
• Fair weather Route: 106 Miles, all paved roads, 3 hours
• Alternative Route: 83 Miles, all paved roads, 2 hours

Digital Navigation Support:

RidewithGPS / Scenic / Google Maps: Instructions will be provided to attendees with Driving Directions. Driving Directions will be sent to all attendees two days before the drive.

Registration Information:

Registration is open, closes January 20 at 5:00 PM. Volunteers are needed for Leads and Sweeps. Please volunteer when you register if you are able and willing to accept the responsibilities.

General Information about this Event:

Registration is by car. Each driver must complete the data collection in the registration form. If you have a navigator, please register that person at the same time. If you don’t have a navigator, just mark the navigator question as N/A.

The start location, time, description of Digital Navigation Support as well a printable PDF file of Driving Directions will be provided two days before the event to all registrants. Please check your Spam folder if you do not see an email with the directions within 24 hours of the event.

Each Participant (Driver and Navigator) is required to sign the “Release and Waiver of Liability” at the start of the drive.

We encourage all participants to take pictures and share the pictures either on our social media sites or upload them to our photo repository using the link provided with the driving directions.

Event Policies Regarding Privacy, Photography and Recordings: Click Here

Questions:  Please contact Drive Team