Road Tripping from Battle Ground, Washington to Virginia City, Nevada: Which Route Should You Take?

If you're thinking about embarking on a road trip from Battle Ground, Washington to Virginia City, Nevada, you might be wondering what the quickest, most efficient way to get there is. The answer, of course, depends on what kind of road trip you're looking for.

Taking the Fastest Route

If you're in a hurry and want to get to Virginia City as quickly as possible, the route that takes you down I-5 and then over to I-80 East is your best bet. This route covers a total distance of about 986 miles, and it will take approximately 16 hours and 30 minutes to complete if you're driving straight through.

Of course, traffic conditions can make a big difference in how long this trip takes. When you're driving through urban areas like Portland, Sacramento, and Reno, you're likely to encounter heavy traffic at peak times of day. According to Google Maps, driving this route during normal traffic conditions takes about 16 hours and 30 minutes. But if you hit rush hour delays or congestion, it could take much longer.

Taking the Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry and you want to enjoy the sights and scenery along the way, you might consider taking the longer, more scenic route through Oregon and Nevada. This route takes you through places like Bend, Burns, Lakeview, and Winnemucca, and it covers a distance of about 1,235 miles.

Driving this route will take you roughly 21 hours if you're driving straight through. However, if you are stopping to sightsee along the way or taking a more leisurely pace, it could easily take you several days to complete.

The In-Between Route

Another option is to take a route that splits the difference between the fastest and most scenic routes. One common option is to take I-84 East out of Portland, which eventually merges with I-80 in Utah. This route covers a distance of about 1,030 miles and should take about 17 hours and 30 minutes to complete under average traffic conditions.

Whether you're in a hurry or have plenty of time for leisurely stops, there's a route that's perfect for your upcoming road trip from Battle Ground to Virginia City. So pack up your car, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to hit the open road!