Rafter J to Portland Oregon

We are heading out to Oregon from Michigan at the end of the month with a stop at Rafter J. MS Streets and Trips recommends taking 385 north to 212 to I-90 out of Rafter. I could also hit I-90 sooner at Spearfish. Does anyone know if 212 is a good road? Taking 212 is shorter but I'm not famailar with the type of road conditions we would encounter; such as two lane, long grades, etc.

Thanks

These directions are a little confusing. So are you going to be arriving via I-90 from the east? I am not aware of highway 212 in that area and I visit out there quite often.

We will be leaving Rafter J Bar Ranch campground going west to Oregon. Hwy 212 connects to Hwy 85 at Belle Fourche, SD by way of Hwy 385 from Rafter J.

Hope this helps.

If I'm understanding your route correctly, Hwy 212 from Belle Fourche to Billings, Mt. is just a two-lane, plain-jane road, mostly flat and not much to see but sagebrush. My husband used to travel from Rapid City to Billings via that route many years ago and he doubts the road has changed much since then. How are you enjoying the Rafter J? We drive past there quite often and it looks like a nice place. Enjoy your travels!

Where in Oregon are you heading too ?

We're leaving Rafter J Bar Ranch with the final destination of Dallas, OR(close to Salem) by way of I-90 and I-84 through Portland.

It sounds like Hwy 212 is a good road, I thinks we'll take it to I-90 from Rafter J. That looks like the shortest route with no construction going on.

Thanks

Dallas ?

Seems like an odd destination unless you have family there or are taking the factory tour. Either way, have a great trip !!

I guess I am still confused with the highway 212 in that area, never heard of it unless you are looking at a smaller county road that I am not familiar with. The shortest and easist route to I-90 from rafter J is 385 to highway 16 a few miles east of hill city and then highway 16 into rapid city that will connect with I-90 Most of this route is 2 lanes both directions with relatively easy grades. Make sure you use the truck by-pass when approaching rapid city as to avoid the trip through down town. Distance from hill city is 26 miles if I am not mistaken. Took this stretch 2 weeks ago, and it was easy sailing maintaining 60 mph through most of the grades. Google maps has a good map to look at to confirm this route, use the zoom in and out feature to have a closer look at the roads. Good luck and have a safe journey.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=hill+city+sd&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Hill+City,+SD&gl=us&ei=dLIkTNfMCYXknAfJ2MziBA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCUQ8gEwAA