Planning Your Road Trip: The Cost of Driving from Dickinson, North Dakota to Troutdale, Oregon
Embarking on a road trip from Dickinson, North Dakota to Troutdale, Oregon offers travelers a myriad of landscapes, attractions, and experiences. However, with fluctuating gas prices, it's essential to understand how your route will impact the overall cost of the trip. This article will explore several routes, their distances, estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices, and provide a recommendation for the best route to take.
Understanding the Basics: Distance and Fuel Economy
Before diving into different routes, it’s crucial to assess some baseline assumptions. The distance between Dickinson, ND, and Troutdale, OR, is roughly 1,200 miles, depending on your chosen route.
Assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) for standard vehicles, we will use this figure to calculate fuel cost. As of October 2023, the average gas price in the U.S. hovers around $3.50 per gallon. Therefore:
- Total distance of the trip: 1,200 miles
- Fuel needed: 1,200 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 48 gallons
- Total fuel cost: 48 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $168
With this baseline in mind, let’s consider three potential routes between Dickinson and Troutdale.
Route Options
Route 1: The Northern Route
Distance: 1,300 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 20 hours
Starting at Dickinson, take I-94 West through Montana, eventually merging into I-90. Travel through cities like Billings and Missoula while enjoying the captivating scenery of the Rocky Mountains. This scenic route offers stunning vistas but adds extra miles and hours to your trip.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- Total distance: 1,300 miles
- Fuel needed: 1,300 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 52 gallons
- Total fuel cost: 52 gallons × $3.50 = $182
Route 2: The Southern Route
Distance: 1,100 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 18 hours
This route takes you south on I-94 before transitioning to I-25 and briefly connecting with I-80 West. You’ll travel through Cheyenne and Salt Lake City, allowing for a variety of attractions and eateries along the way. This option yields fewer miles compared to the Northern Route and a more direct path along the Rockies.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- Total distance: 1,100 miles
- Fuel needed: 1,100 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 44 gallons
- Total fuel cost: 44 gallons × $3.50 = $154
Route 3: The Direct West Route
Distance: 1,200 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 19 hours
This route takes you west on I-94, transitioning to I-5 via I-84 at The Dalles, OR. This route keeps you mainly on interstates, offering speed and convenience while also providing beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- Total distance: 1,200 miles
- Fuel needed: 1,200 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 48 gallons
- Total fuel cost: 48 gallons × $3.50 = $168
Cost Comparison of Routes
| Route Description | Distance (miles) | Fuel Needed (gallons) | Total Fuel Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Route | 1,300 | 52 | 182 |
| Southern Route | 1,100 | 44 | 154 |
| Direct West Route | 1,200 | 48 | 168 |
Recommendation: The Southern Route
After considering the three routes, the Southern Route emerges as the most economical option. With a lower distance and associated fuel cost, this path offers savings without sacrificing too much travel time. It brings travelers through notable landmarks and attractions and has ideal amenities along the interstate highways.
While the Direct West Route is a valid alternative, its slight increase in cost does not offer significant enhancements in terms of the scenery or driving ease compared to the Southern Route.
Additional Factors to Consider
Tolls and Fees
When planning your trip, consider potential tolls. While most routes between Dickinson and Troutdale predominantly use free interstates, some states might have toll roads. Account for any additional costs you might encounter, particularly if you choose to take scenic byways.
Food and Accommodation
In addition to fuel costs, consider other expenses like food, accommodation, and entertainment. Depending on your travel style, meals can cost between $10 to $20 per person for budget dining. If you plan to stay overnight, budgeting $75 to $150 per night for a hotel would be prudent.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal changes might influence fuel prices, as well as road conditions. If you're traveling in winter, adverse weather could affect travel speed and time, possibly leading to higher fuel consumption.
Conclusion
Driving from Dickinson, North Dakota, to Troutdale, Oregon, yields a wealth of experiences and an exhilarating journey. By taking the Southern Route, you minimize fuel costs while enjoying significant landmarks along the way. Expect to spend about 18 hours at the wheel, making this trip not just manageable, but also a worthwhile adventure filled with natural beauty and unique destinations. Prepare well, and road trip safely!