Road Trip: Basin, Wyoming to Brookings, Oregon

Have you been thinking about taking a road trip lately, but struggling to decide where to go? Why not head to the stunning Oregon coast? The drive from Basin, Wyoming to Brookings, Oregon might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable journey. In this blog post, I'll break down the different routes you can take and provide you with estimated driving times based on traffic conditions, so you can plan your adventure with ease.

Fastest and slowest routes

The fastest route from Basin, Wyoming to Brookings, Oregon is via I-80 W and I-84 W, which takes approximately 18 hours and covers a distance of 1,185 miles. This route will take you through scenic mountain passes and high deserts while passing through Idaho and Oregon. However, if you have more time to spare and want to see more of the Pacific Northwest, the slowest but most picturesque route is via US-20 W and US-101 S, which covers a distance of 1,452 miles and takes around 26 hours. This route will take you through Yellowstone National Park, the Columbia River Gorge, and along the stunning Oregon coast.

Driving time based on traffic patterns

It's important to consider traffic patterns when planning your road trip. If you're starting your drive from Basin, Wyoming, I recommend avoiding peak traffic times in Salt Lake City, UT, and Boise, ID, which usually occur during rush hour. To avoid traffic, plan your drive so that you travel through Salt Lake City before 7 am, and through Boise before 4 pm. When taking the faster route mentioned earlier, I recommend traveling through Idaho during off-peak hours to avoid delays caused by construction work.

The driving time for the fastest route is estimated to be around 17 hours and 45 minutes during low traffic times, but can increase to over 21 hours during peak traffic times. Likewise, the slowest but most scenic route can take up to 30 hours during peak traffic times, but can be condensed to 23 hours when the traffic is lighter.

Which route should you take?

Ultimately, which route you should take depends on your preferences. If you want to get to Brookings, Oregon, as quickly as possible, take the fast route through Idaho and Oregon. But if you have the time and desire to take in more stunning scenery and enjoy a more leisurely drive, then take the slow route through Yellowstone and the Oregon Coast.

No matter which route you take, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Prep your car, pack your bags, and hit the road to enjoy the beauty of the American West!