The Cost of Traveling Between Ashland, Oregon and Orofino, Idaho

If you're planning a trip between Ashland, Oregon and Orofino, Idaho, one of the first things you'll want to consider is how much it's going to cost you. Gas prices can vary greatly from place to place, and the distance between the two cities is significant. To help you plan your trip, we've put together a guide to the cost of traveling between Ashland and Orofino, including possible routes, distances, and approximate costs.

Route Options

There are a few different route options you can take when traveling from Ashland to Orofino:

Route 1: I-5 to I-84

This route takes you from Ashland to Portland, then east on I-84 to the Idaho border, where you can then take US-95 north to Orofino. This is the most direct route, though it can be a bit mountainous and potentially snowy in the winter.

Distance: Approximately 494 miles

Approximate cost: $70-90 in gas (assuming a car that gets 25 mpg and gas prices of $2.50-3.00 per gallon)

Route 2: Highway 97 to Highway 20

This route takes you north from Ashland on Highway 97 to Bend, then east on Highway 20 to Burns, where you can pick up US-395 north to the border and then take US-95 to Orofino. This route is more scenic but can be a bit longer and potentially slower due to winding mountain roads.

Distance: Approximately 565 miles

Approximate cost: $80-100 in gas (assuming a car that gets 25 mpg and gas prices of $2.50-3.00 per gallon)

Route 3: I-5 to Highway 58 to Highway 97

This route takes you from Ashland to Eugene, then east on Highway 58 to Oakridge and Highway 97 north to Bend. From there, it's the same as Route 2: east on Highway 20 to Burns, then north on US-395 and US-95 to Orofino. This route is a bit longer but can be more scenic and potentially less mountainous.

Distance: Approximately 618 miles

Approximate cost: $90-110 in gas (assuming a car that gets 25 mpg and gas prices of $2.50-3.00 per gallon)

As you can see, there are some differences in distance and cost between these routes. However, none of them are prohibitively expensive or long, and all of them can be completed in a day or two of driving, depending on your schedule and preferences.

Choosing the Best Route

So which route should you choose? Ultimately, the decision will depend on your priorities. If you're looking for the most direct and potentially fastest route, Route 1 is probably your best bet. If you're looking for something a bit more scenic and potentially less mountainous, either Route 2 or Route 3 could be a good choice. It's also worth considering the specific time of year and weather conditions when making your decision, as some routes may be more challenging than others in the winter or during other inclement weather.

In general, we would recommend Route 1 for most travelers, as it's the most straightforward and reliable option. However, if you have some extra time and are interested in taking a more scenic or adventurous route, either Route 2 or Route 3 could be worth exploring.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the cost of traveling between Ashland, Oregon and Orofino, Idaho is manageable and affordable, regardless of which route you choose. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, taking some time to plan your route and budget accordingly can help you make the most of your trip and enjoy all that these beautiful western states have to offer. So pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road - the adventure is waiting!